This is when Gen Z thinks ‘old age’ starts – as midlife looks ‘very different’ today

With people healthier and more active for longer, ‘old’ doesn’t mean what it used to – so what do Gen Z and millennials think counts as old now?

Gen Z believe old age begins at 53 years old – the same age as Eminem, Cameron Diaz and Liam Gallagher. A survey of 2,000 Brits exposed how each generation views ageing, with young adults holding vastly different expectations of growing old compared to their parents’ and grandparents’ generations.

Millennials (those aged 30-45) believe old age begins at 63, while this climbs to 70 for Gen X aged 46-61. However, Boomers, who are currently between the ages 61 to 79, say old age begins at the 75 – more than 20 years later than Gen Z.

Despite their different perceptions, 57% of all adults surveyed believe people now feel younger than previous generations did at the same age. The majority attribute it to rising life expectancy, but 52% consider it’s because people are generally healthier now.

Others believe old age is also being postponed by enhanced medical care, an increased emphasis on health and wellbeing and a longer working life.

Although 40% believe the onset of old age is also being postponed by retirement now being a time for adventure and reinvention rather than slowing down.

Anthropologist, Dr Anna Machin, who is working with vitamin and supplement firm Healthspan, which commissioned the research as part of its ‘We Got You’ campaign, said: “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.”

Dr Hilary Jones added: “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.”

The study, conducted via OnePoll, discovered 79% of adults are now doing something to try and delay the signs of getting older, with maintaining a healthy diet and the right nutrition at the top of the list (44%).

Exercising more (43%), being curious and learning more new things (38%) and taking vitamins and supplements (35%) are also popular. Meanwhile 18% swear buying clothes can make them feel youthful and 15% rely on socialising with people younger than them.

It also found 38% focus more on staying healthy rather than simply staying young.

Dr Hilary Jones added: “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.

“Every choice you make – from what you eat, to how you move, what time you go to bed, even habits like taking magnesium and turmeric can help support your healthspan – whatever your age.

“Supporting these areas is key to helping people stay well and continue doing the things they enjoy.”