Research of 5,000 over 40s revealed wanting a quiet drink over a night out (39 per cent), caring less about the latest fashion trends (35 per cent) and a recurring ache that doesn’t disappear (34 per cent), are also among the indicators you are creeping into the ‘old’ category.
A third (33 per cent) said they realised they were no longer young when they started to notice a groan when bending down.
Other signs to feature in the list included talking about your aches and pains with friends (30 per cent), opting for a quiet pub over a loud bar (27 per cent) and naturally waking up at 6am (12 per cent).
It also emerged 50 was found to be the age when they started to feel they were no longer young, with 38 per cent saying being old these days is when you reach your 80s rather than your 50s or 60s.
But 36 per cent have adopted habits as they’ve got older in a bid to stay young, including taking vitamins or supplements, choosing healthier snacks (19 per cent) and eating more protein (17 per cent).
The research was commissioned by American Pistachio Growers, which has partnered with British actor and comedian, John Thomson, to encourage mid-life adults to embrace ageing positively and make simple lifestyle choices that support long-term health, vitality and longevity.
John 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.
“You don’t need to overhaul your life – just make some healthy tweaks to your daily routine.”
The study also found just 36 per cent of those polled feel old, with 27 per cent feeling more comfortable in their skin now than they did when they were younger.
And 18 per cent of over-thirties feel more satisfied with their life now than when they were in that decade.
Of those who took part in the study, via OnePoll.com, 39 per cent prioritise comfort over fashion, 34 per cent love going for walks and 19 per cent enjoy gardening or DIY projects.
Healthy eating also becomes a priority, with 60 per cent of men claiming they are now more health conscious as well as 61 per cent of women.
With wanting to avoid illness (59 per cent), stay active (58 per cent) and maintaining their independence as they age (47 per cent) the top priorities.
TV nutritionist Rob Hobson, who has also teamed with American Pistachio Growers to highlight the nut as a simple, everyday food that can support healthy ageing, said: “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.
“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
