Age Perspectives: Who’s Really Feeling ‘Old’?

In a recent study by Wellsoon at Practice Plus Group, researchers looked into the age-old question of what truly constitutes “old age,” and the results might surprise you—especially if you’re under 27 and already eyeing that retirement armchair!

The study, spanning 2,000 adults and focusing on the generational gap between Gen-Z (born 1997-2012) and Baby Boomers (born 1946-1964), uncovered some entertaining insights. It turns out, those youthful Gen-Zers think old age hits around the late 50s. To them, retirement seems like a dreamy picture of lounging in an armchair or puttering around—although the term “puttering” does sound amusingly retro.

Now, onto the Boomers. Two-thirds of them are convinced that age is just a number, boldly claiming that 60 is the new 40. They credit their perpetual youthfulness to an active lifestyle, spending an impressive four extra hours outdoors compared to their younger counterparts. No wonder they’re out there hiking, swimming, and generally proving that age is indeed a state of mind!

And let’s not forget the travel bug—Boomers are more likely to jet off to exotic destinations, probably enjoying the perks of retirement or career stability. It’s like they’ve unlocked the ultimate cheat code to life after 60!

Despite their vigor, some Boomers admitted that pesky health issues hold them back from full-blown superhero mode. Chronic joint pains and the occasional creaky knee remind them to take it easy, but they’ve learned to appreciate their bodies more with age. Plus, they’re not booking hip replacements to become professional armchair sitters; they want to hit the dance floor, scale mountains, and chase after grandkids in the park.

Boomers are living their best lives, setting an example for younger generations about the importance of work-life balance—and maybe even encouraging us to embrace that armchair with a little less reservation! So, who’s really feeling “old” these days? It’s all about perspective, but one thing’s for sure: age is just a number, and laughter is timeless.

Author: Ryan Marshall, NPTI-CPT

Ryan Marshall is a graduate of the National Personal Training Institute and has been nationally certified since 2010. His studies included anatomy & physiology, posture/movement analysis, nutrition, program design, strength and conditioning, speed and agility, endurance, corrective exercise technique, etc. Ryan has been very active all his life, participating in trail running, biking, swimming, CrossFit, skiing, hiking, camping, random weekend sports, mud obstacle events, volunteering, and loves to take on new challenges that push his physical and mental boundaries. In 1991, Ryan received a silver medal in a United States National Taekwondo Federation tournament while training in martial arts for 12 years under Grand Master Duk Gun Kwon. His professional training and experience has made him an expert in his field, and he is passionate about sharing his knowledge and love of health and fitness with others, and will no doubt continue to make a positive contribution to the community. Ryan provides a wide variety of personalized services and programs that are tailored to meet the goals of each individual he trains. His passion for helping others reach their health and fitness goals is evident in the care and attention he puts into every aspect of his work. He works with individuals to create personalized plans that are based on their individual needs and goals. He educates his clients on nutrition and exercise, and helps them to set realistic and achievable goals. He is always looking for new challenges and ways to improve his clients’ experience. His knowledge, experience, and passion for health and fitness make him an excellent personal trainer.

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