Sitting down to put your socks on, groaning when you bend down and preferring a quiet pub to a loud bar are among the clearest signs you might be getting older, according to new research.
A survey of 5,000 adults over 40 found that 39 per cent now favour a quiet drink over a big night out, while 35 per cent say they no longer care about keeping up with the latest fashion trends. One in three respondents admitted they first felt their youth slipping away when they noticed themselves groaning while bending down.
The study also revealed that 50 is the age when many begin to feel they are no longer young, although 38 per cent believe being “old” doesn’t truly begin until your 80s.
Other tell-tale indicators include talking about aches and pains with friends (30 per cent), opting for quieter venues (27 per cent) and naturally waking at 6am (12 per cent). Reading menus at arm’s length, using phrases like “back in my day,” checking the weather forecast hourly and getting excited about new home appliances also featured prominently.
Saying “Who?” while watching the Brit Awards and feeling baffled by artificial intelligence were also named among the modern markers of ageing.
Despite this, the findings suggest midlife brings growing confidence. Just 36 per cent of those surveyed said they feel old, while 27 per cent feel more comfortable in their own skin than when they were younger. Meanwhile, 18 per cent of over-thirties said they are more satisfied with life now than they were in that decade.
The research, commissioned by American Pistachio Growers, found many adults are adopting healthier habits in a bid to stay youthful. More than a third (36 per cent) have embraced positive lifestyle changes, including taking vitamins, choosing healthier snacks (19 per cent) and increasing protein intake (17 per cent). Six in 10 men and 61 per cent of women said they are now more health-conscious than before.
Actor and comedian John Thomson, who has partnered with the organisation, said: “Getting older is inevitable, but you can still live life to the full.” He added: “It’s about embracing experience, having a laugh about the realities of ageing and making small changes that actually make a difference.”
Nutritionist Rob Hobson said: “Getting older isn’t about slowing down, it’s about making smarter choices. Age is just a number, but how you fuel your body makes all the difference.”
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 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”
Sitting down to put socks on
Caring less about how you look
Taking shoes off as soon as you get inside — slippers are a necessity
Noticing something you wore in your youth is 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 and self-assured
Waking up naturally at 6am
Saying “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
