There ’s hope for all wannabe grey nomads … even those making significant advances in the age department. According to a new British study, middle age doesn’t start until much later than previously thought – at the age of 55. Previous studies have pinpointed the start of middle age as early as 36.
The research suggests that as the population ages, new cut-off points are being drawn. For example, many people now do not see themselves as elderly until they are nudging 70. The survey of 1,000 adults aged 50-plus was carried out on behalf of the Love to Learn online learning website.
The BBC reports that although seven out of 10 early 50-somethings quizzed for the survey defined themselves as middle-aged, the average age at which the period of life was perceived to start was 54 years and 347 days old. However, a sizeable minority, nearly one in five, thought middle age did not begin until after the age of 60.
The research also asked participants at what age they thought middle age ends. The average came in at 69 years and 277 days. Gill Jackson, the director of the Love to Learn website, said over-50s were generally very upbeat about the benefits of their age group.
“More than half said they have more confidence and experience than younger people,” she said. And they are less afraid of making mistakes.”
It seems then that the concept of ageing is changing. While only a generation ago, many people were pretty old at 60, these days most people in their middle and later years are much younger in their attitudes. Keeping physically and mentally active could be the key.
When do you think old age begins? Is it more to do with a state of mind than with reaching a certain age? Does taking to the open road keep you young? Email us here with your thoughts on this story.
