The survey, conducted by OnePoll and reported by multiple media outlets, found that Gen Z considers old age to start at 53, whereas baby boomers believe it begins at 75. Dr Anna Machin, an anthropologist, said: "Younger and older generations clearly view old age very differently. Midlife today looks very different to previous generations. People are staying active, taking better care of their health and expecting more from life for longer."
Efforts to delay aging are widespread, with 57% of adults surveyed believing people now feel younger than previous generations did at the same age. Additionally, 79% are doing something to delay signs of aging, including 44% who maintain a healthy diet and nutrition. However, 38% focus more on staying healthy rather than staying young. Dr Hilary Jones noted: "Healthspan is about quality, not just quantity. It's the years you spend active, independent, and feeling well, however old you are. What we're seeing is a generation redefining what ageing actually means."
Younger and older generations clearly view old age very differently. Midlife today looks very different to previous generations. People are staying active, taking better care of their health and expecting more from life for longer.
The desire for longevity is strong, with 84% of the Norwegian population wanting to live long, according to a separate study. The sample size and margin of error for the OnePoll survey have not been disclosed, nor have details on the Norwegian study's methodology.
Healthspan is about quality, not just quantity. It’s the years you spend active, independent, and feeling well, however old you are. What we’re seeing is a generation redefining what ageing actually means, and the “Age Defiers” are leading that shift. They are no longer content to take a step back, instead midlife is a time of rebirth and a renewed passion for life.
Age is always a hot topic – we all want to feel younger than we really are once we get to midlife and beyond. People clearly feel younger and are trying to live more active lives for longer, but that also brings new pressures on the body. We’re seeing more people struggling with sleep, energy and joint health as they try to keep up with the pace of modern midlife.