A poll of 1,000 children aged seven to 16 found the exact age you’re considered ‘old’ – and the signs you’re getting on in your years, according to the youngsters
This hilarious footage shows a group of children trying to guess adults’ ages based on their hobbies with very entertaining results. The youngsters, some as young as seven, were given clues about what the grown-ups enjoyed in their spare time, including powerlifting, karate and rock climbing.
Many of the children were left in disbelief when they discovered people in their 40s, 50s and even 70s were still hitting the gym and scaling cliffs. It comes as a poll of 1,000 children aged seven to 16 revealed the top signs you’re getting on – including listening to the radio, watching daytime TV and moaning about aches and pains.
Complaining about the weather and doing crosswords also made the list of tell-tale signs. But the most brutal verdict? According to the kids, you officially become ‘old’ at just 49.
Dr Pallavi Bradshaw, medical director at AXA Health Insurance, which commissioned the research as part of its Future You campaign, said: “Children can have forthright views about ageing and wellbeing. But it is surprising that children consider you ‘old’ at 50 and even at age 30.”
Even those in their 30s aren’t safe as 15 per cent of children polled said over-30s were ‘old’, and 18 per cent branded them ‘boring’. Complaining more, suffering from knee or back pain and getting wrinkles were all seen as signs you’re entering your third decade.
It wasn’t any better for mums and dads as half of the children said they thought their parents were old too. “We know that these stereotypes are outdated and that people are increasingly looking to maintain their health and wellbeing as they age so they can enjoy a healthier future,” Dr Pallavi added.
“Exercising, eating right and be active – in whatever activity you like – can all play a role in making sure you live a healthy and happy life. Just because you’re getting older doesn’t mean you have to slow down.”
The research found kids think the worst parts about getting old are aches and pains, wrinkles and grey hair, as well as forgetting things and needing glasses. But it’s not all doom and gloom, when asked what they wanted most when they’re older, children said being happy (29 per cent), fun (27 per cent) and healthy (21 per cent) topped their wish list.
According to the children, there are perks to getting older, including having more money (52 per cent), more life experience (47 per cent) and understanding more about life in general (45 per cent). Dr Bradshaw added: “Looking after your health is important at every age – your actions now will benefit your future self. No matter if you are 30, 50 or 70 – it’s never too early or too late to make changes and prioritise your health.”
TOP 10 ACTIVITIES ‘OLD PEOPLE’ LOVE, ACCORDING TO KIDS
- Talking about “the good old days”
- Gardening
- Drinking tea
- Listening to the radio
- Watching daytime TV
- Talking about aches and pains
- Sleeping
- Knitting
- Complaining about the weather
- Doing crosswords