Why 69 is the age you’re officially deemed ‘old’, according to science

When do you become old? A new study has revealed the exact age. 

According to a survey of more than 2,000 Brits, you’re seen as old from the age of 69.

The results will come as bad news to 69–year–old celebrities including Tom Hanks, Kim Catrall and Steve Harvey. 

For the survey, Seven Seas quizzed thousands of British adults about when they think ageing really starts.

Previous studies have suggested that old age begins as early as 62.

However, the new findings indicate that Brits’ attitudes to age are shifting. 

‘While we may be pushing the idea of “old” further into the future, the data suggests many of us are still putting off the habits that help us age well,’ explained Donna Bartoli, Wellness Expert & Health Coach.

‘And if 69 really is the new “old”, then the time to look after our future health isn’t later, it’s now.’

Previous research has identified a clear divide between how different generations perceive ageing. 

A recent poll of 4,000 people found that while Boomers (born between 1946 and 1964) think old age begins at 67, their children and grandchildren believe it to be much younger.

According to Gen Z, the likes of Michelle Obama, Brad Pitt and Lisa Kudrow – who are all 62 – have officially fallen into the ‘over the hill’ category.

The polling also revealed Gen Z think people start experiencing cognitive decline at 62, while the struggle to adapt to technology begins three years earlier at 59.

Meanwhile, they believe someone no longer looks good wearing the latest fashions at 56.

Katherine Crawshaw, co–head of the Age Without Limits campaign, said: ‘What we often see with beliefs around age and ageing is real concern at becoming older, of reaching a certain age, from quite early on in our adult lives.

‘And then as we reach those milestones, for many the fears and worries about reaching that age dissipate somewhat with the reality. Being subjected to a barrage of ageist messaging throughout our lives, with children as young as ten wanting to buy anti–ageing make–up for example, gives people an unduly pessimistic view of what getting older will be like.’

Analysis of the data also revealed that a fifth of Gen Z–ers, who are aged 18–29, don’t think they’ll look good when they’re ‘old’.

Meanwhile, a quarter don’t expect to still have plenty of family or friends around them in their later years.

Some 27 per cent don’t think they will be in good health when they are ‘old’ and are likely to believe people have less fun as they age.

Across all people polled, the most common phrase used in reference to an older person was ‘stuck in your ways’, followed by ‘mutton dressed as lamb’.

Other popular phrases included ‘you’re too old for that’, ‘dinosaur’ and ‘over the hill’.

The data revealed that a significant proportion of Gen Z were likely to think people over the age of 50 will struggle to keep up with technology.

However, they appeared to have a more sympathetic view on the value of older workers compared to Boomers and were more likely to think that, overall, people at this age would still be a desirable hire for employees.

The Age Without Limits campaign, run by the Centre for Ageing Better, aims to highlight the harmful nature of ageism across all aspects of society.

Harriet Bailiss, co–head of the campaign, said: ‘Taking a simplistic view of ageism, one might assume that younger generations are likely to hold more dismissive opinions of older age.

‘The reality is much more complex than that, as our latest polling shows.

‘While the figures might indicate a potential frustration with older people’s use of technology from younger generations, it also seems to indicate that Gen Z have a more hopeful view around older workers and employment than the Babyboomers themselves who are trying to navigate an ageist labour market.’

She added: ‘What we know is that ageism can impact people at all ages and many Gen Z–ers will have experienced being judged on their capability based purely on their age.

‘This is why we need everyone, no matter their age, to be able to notice ageism and to challenge it when they do witness it.’