Forgetting people’s names and feeling stiff are the top signs of getting old
Forgetting people’s names, groaning when you bend down and falling asleep in front of the TV are among the signs you’re getting old, according to research.
A poll of 2,000 adults also found needing an afternoon nap, finding it tricky to sit cross-legged and choosing comfort over style are indicators you’re getting on a bit, independent.co.uk reported.
Complaining more often, declaring you’re ‘gasping’ for a cup of tea and feeling flattered when you get asked for ID when visiting a bar also made the list.
Other warnings include preferring a night in with a board game and struggling with technology.
The study also found feeling stiff and talking about your joints a lot featured in the top fifty signs you’re growing old.
A spokesman said, “It’s fascinating to see nearly half the nation considers joint pain and stiffness a sign of growing age.
“In fact, knees came out as one of the most common body parts giving Brits physical discomfort so it’s important you take care of yourself regardless of your age.”
Researchers named 41 as the age adults typically start exhibiting these signs, with 57 the point at which people consider themselves to be ‘officially old’.
While waving goodbye to their youth, 47 percent said losing their memory is their biggest worry about getting old, with 29 percent concerned about the impact aging will have on their fitness.
More than one third are fretting about becoming lonely as they get older and one in five are agonizing over whether they will retain their looks with age. And nearly half agreed they feel ‘old before their time’. But the saying you’re only as old as you feel is true for three in four, with more than half of adults feeling younger than their actual age.
Millions also admit to making significant lifestyle changes to try and increase their lifespan, typically pulling their finger out by age 40.
Making changes to their diet is the most popular lifestyle change with others cutting back on bad habits such as smoking or even giving them up all together.
Taking up new sports and opting to cook with healthy spices are also among the ways people try to turn back the clock.
But 28 percent admit getting old isn’t as bad as they thought it would be.
An expert said, “It’s interesting to see a number of Brits are making a conscious effort to reverse the ageing process, by recognizing the benefits of natural ingredients and taking food supplements.”
Top 50 signs you’re old include forgetting people’s names, losing hair, feeling stiff, not knowing any songs in the top ten, getting more hairy, ears, eyebrows, nose and face, choosing clothes and shoes for comfort rather than style and falling ill more often.