A new study of Brits finds people are truly considered old and ‘over the hill’ at the age of 69

Researchers quizzed people to find out the age they considered someone to be ‘old’ and after compiling all the answers, the average age which Brits considered to be ‘old’ was 69

Turning 69 is when you know you are ‘officially’ old.

Researchers quizzed just over 2,200 Brits to find out the age they considered someone to be ‘old’.

After compiling all the answers, from as low as 50 to as high as 80, the average age which Brits considered to be ‘old’ was 69.

The study by Seven Seas, the UK’s No1 Omega-3 brand, also found that 20% of those polled said they didn’t think their habits – whether good or bad – would have any real effect on how long they lived.

Experts, however, say that folk should start ‘good habits’ at any age – not put things off until they are ‘old’.

Craig Middlemass, 67, of Pinner in north West London, said he didn’t feel ‘old’.

He said: “I turned 67 in February and I certainly don’t feel old.

“I golf three times a week, go to the gym, and do pilates – and I eat a very healthy diet of veg and fish, with the odd steak and chips, and I feel great.”

Georgia Williams, 55, of St Albans, however, said she already felt ‘like an old fogey’.

She said: “I looked at myself in a shop window the other day and saw this old fogey dragging along a shopping trolley behind her. “It really hit me – I looked hunched over and tired, and I’m not even 60 yet.”

Hollywood actor Tom Hanks, soap legend Beverley Callard and former footballer Peter Reid are all 69.

A spokesman for Seven Seas said this week: “Our survey of 2,258 adults reveals that the average Brit thinks ageing really begins at the age of 69.

“Although 85% of Brits say that they take an interest in staying healthy as they age, one-in-five believe that what they eat today won’t affect their future health.

Donna Bartoli, wellness expert & health coach, said: “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.

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