A new study has revealed the top signs that you’re getting old – but actor and comedian John Thomson shares ‘you can still live life to the full’.
From needing to sit down to put your socks on to watching your old clothes return to fashion—and asking ‘who?’ when watching the BRIT Awards, new research has identified the top signs that you are edging into the ‘old’ category. A third of participants (33%) also recognised they were ‘no longer young’ when they began to groan whilst bending down.
Commissioned by American Pistachio Growers, the survey of 5,000 over-40s discovered that preferring a quiet drink over a night out (39%), caring less about the latest fashion trends (35%), and a persistent ache that won’t go away (34%) were also high on the list.
Interestingly, 50 was the age when people began to feel they were ‘no longer young’, but 38% said being old nowadays is actually when you reach your 80s rather than your 50s or 60s.
John Thomson, who partnered with American Pistachio Growers to encourage mid-life adults to embrace ageing positively, said: “Getting older is inevitable, but you can still live life to the full. It’s about embracing experience, having a laugh about the realities of ageing and making small changes that actually make a difference.”, reports the Daily Star.
“You don’t need to overhaul your life – just make some healthy tweaks to your daily routine.”
In fact, 36% of those surveyed have adopted healthy habits in a bid to stay young, including taking vitamins or supplements, choosing healthier snacks (19%), and eating more protein (17%). Healthy eating is a clear priority, with 60% of men and 61% of women professing to be more health conscious.
The top priorities for those ageing included wanting to avoid illness (59%), stay active (58%), and maintaining their independence (47%).
TV nutritionist Rob Hobson, who has also partnered with American Pistachio Growers to promote the nut as a simple, everyday food that can support healthy ageing, said: “Getting older isn’t about slowing down, it’s about making smarter choices.”
“Simple habits like eating nutrient-rich snacks, staying active and prioritising sleep can help you feel youthful for longer,” Rob adds.
“Age is just a number, but how you fuel your body makes all the difference.”
Suzanne Devereaux–McKinstrie, spokesperson for the non-profit organisation, added: “Getting older isn’t just about limitations, it’s about opportunities.
“It’s the perfect time to explore new hobbies, prioritise wellbeing and celebrate the confidence that comes with experience.
“A big part of that is focusing on diet. Unshelling a classic snack such as an American pistachio can help you stay strong and vibrant so you can say yes to life’s opportunities.”
THE TOP 25 SIGNS YOU’RE GETTING OLDER:
- Talking about aches and pains with friends
- Groaning when bending down
- Preferring quiet venues to noisy ones
- Preferring a quiet drink over a night out
- Enjoying an early night
- Not caring about the latest fashion trends
- Thinking that new music isn’t as good as it used to be
- A recurring ache that doesn’t disappear
- Using phrases like ‘back in my day’ or ‘remember when….?’
- Sitting down to put socks on
- Caring less about how you look
- Taking shoes off as soon as you get inside – slippers have become a necessity!
- Noticing something you wore in your youth is now back in fashion
- Starting conversations with ‘Do you remember when…?’
- Reading menus at arm’s length
- Talking to yourself
- Moaning about politics
- Feeling more confident/self-assured
- Getting up at 6am naturally
- First “Who?” when watching the Brit Awards
- Looking forward to gardening
- Feeling confounded by AI
- Listening to the radio or podcasts instead of club music
- Getting excited about new home appliances
- Checking the weather forecast hourly
