A recent study discovered 50 is the age when people ‘no longer feel young’ – but John Thomson says simple healthy tweaks can help you embrace ageing positively
The top 25 telltale signs you’re getting older include sitting down to pull your socks on, noticing your vintage wardrobe making a comeback – and muttering ‘who?’ when watching the BRIT Awards. Other key indicators according to research include preferring a quiet pint over a raucous night out, becoming indifferent to the latest fashion trends, and suffering from a persistent ache.
Commissioned by American Pistachio Growers, the study of 5,000 people aged over 40 revealed 50 was the age when people began to feel they were ‘no longer young’, but 38% said being old these days is actually when you reach your 80s rather than your 50s or 60s.
John Thomson, who partnered with American Pistachio Growers to inspire middle-aged Britons to view ageing in a positive light, said: “Getting older is inevitable, but you can still live life to the full.
“It’s about embracing experience, having a laugh about the realities of ageing and making small changes that actually make a difference.”, reports the Mirror.
“You don’t need to overhaul your life – just make some healthy tweaks to your daily routine.”
Indeed, 36% of respondents have adopted healthier habits in an attempt to stay youthful, including taking vitamins or supplements, choosing nutritious snacks (19%), and consuming more protein (17%).
Maintaining a nutritious diet has emerged as a clear priority, with 60% of men and 61% of women saying they’ve become more health-conscious. Among the ageing population, the primary concerns were avoiding illness (59%), maintaining physical activity (58%), and preserving their independence (47%).
TV nutritionist Rob Hobson, who has partnered with American Pistachio Growers to promote the nut as a simple, everyday food that can support healthy ageing, stated: “Getting older isn’t about slowing down, it’s about making smarter choices.”
“Simple habits like eating nutrient-rich snacks, staying active and prioritising sleep can help you feel youthful for longer,” Rob added. “Age is just a number, but how you fuel your body makes all the difference.”
Suzanne Devereaux–McKinstrie, spokesperson for the non-profit organisation, added: “Getting older isn’t just about limitations, it’s about opportunities.
“It’s the perfect time to explore new hobbies, prioritise wellbeing and celebrate the confidence that comes with experience.
“A big part of that is focusing on diet. Unshelling a classic snack such as an American pistachio can help you stay strong and vibrant so you can say yes to life’s opportunities.”
THE TOP 25 SIGNS YOU’RE GETTING OLDER:
- 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 that 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’ or ‘remember when….?’
- Sitting down to put socks on
- Caring less about how you look
- Taking shoes off as soon as you get inside – slippers have become a necessity!
- Noticing something you wore in your youth is now 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/self-assured
- Getting up at 6am naturally
- First “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