Have you ever been to a school reunion and met up with your former classmates who are the same age as you, give or take a few months? If so, you probably noticed the variety in how those people had aged – how they looked physically, how they dressed, how they moved and how they thought. But the real curiosity lies not in the mirror but within: How old do we really feel?
When I was a child and my grandmother was several years younger than I am now, she definitely considered herself to be ‘an old lady’. So, is ‘old’ really just a number, or is it a mindset? A recent study from Germany unveils a trend where ‘old age’ is being nudged further away by each generation (Wettstein et al., 2024).
It found that those born in 1911, consider 71 to be the starting line for old age whereas the baby boomers of 1956 suggest old age starts at 74. It’s clear that longevity and vitality are reshaping our perspective on ageing, but personal circumstances play a role too. Health, loneliness, and how old we ‘feel’ can prematurely age us.
The old saying, “You’re as old as you feel,” couldn’t be more relevant. This is where role models come into play, particularly those who exude positive ageing – they could very well be the secret to our own fountain of youth.
As we navigate longer, healthier lives, it’s time to question our benchmarks for old age and welcome its fluidity. Why not redefine these extra years as a time to thrive, to be robust, and to relish an active lifestyle? Making an effort to ensure this quality of life is precisely what ‘The All in One Challenge‘ is all about – encouraging you to ‘join others living their lives to the fullest.’
Personally, I like this idea – ‘I’d like to die young as late as possible’.
Oh, and if you are a man and not sure whether you’ve reached the old age stage yet or not, here’s something to consider. Mick Jagger, lead singer of the Rolling Stones, is 81. His eldest child is age 52, his youngest, age 7. He also has five grandchildren and is a great-grandfather of two. Last year he went on tour celebrating 61 years of being a rock icon.
Reference: Wettstein, M., Park, R., Kornadt, A. E., Wurm, S., Ram, N., & Gerstorf, D. (2024). Postponing old age: Evidence for historical change toward a later perceived onset of old age.