Gen Z Labels 62 as the Start of 'Old Age' in UK Generational Study
A comprehensive poll of 4,000 individuals across the United Kingdom has uncovered stark generational differences in perceptions of ageing. According to the findings, Generation Z—those aged 18 to 29—believes that old age officially begins at 62. This contrasts sharply with Baby Boomers, born between 1946 and 1964, who place the threshold at 67.
Celebrities and Cognitive Decline: Gen Z's Ageing Benchmarks
Under this definition, high-profile figures like Michelle Obama, Brad Pitt, and Lisa Kudrow, all aged 62, are now considered 'over the hill' by Gen Z respondents. The polling further indicates that this generation associates cognitive decline with starting at age 62, while struggles with adapting to technology are perceived to begin even earlier, at 59.
Additionally, Gen Z believes that individuals no longer look good wearing the latest fashions by age 56. Katherine Crawshaw, co-head of the Age Without Limits campaign, commented on these findings, stating, 'What we often see with beliefs around age and ageing is real concern at becoming older, of reaching a certain age, from quite early on in our adult lives.'
Pessimistic Views and Ageist Messaging
Crawshaw added, 'Being subjected to a barrage of ageist messaging throughout our lives, with children as young as 10 wanting to buy anti-ageing make-up for example, gives people an unduly pessimistic view of what getting older will be like.' The data analysis revealed that a fifth of Gen Z-ers do not expect to look good when they are 'old', while a quarter anticipate having fewer family or friends in their later years.
Moreover, 27 percent of Gen Z respondents doubt they will be in good health when older and tend to believe that people have less fun as they age. Across all participants, common phrases used to describe older individuals included 'stuck in your ways', 'mutton dressed as lamb', 'you're too old for that', 'dinosaur', and 'over the hill'.
Technology and Employment: Complex Generational Perspectives
The survey highlighted that a significant proportion of Gen Z thinks people over 50 will struggle to keep up with technology. However, they also displayed a more sympathetic view toward older workers compared to Boomers, being more likely to consider individuals in this age group as desirable hires.
Harriet Bailiss, co-head of the Age Without Limits campaign, noted, 'Taking a simplistic view of ageism, one might assume that younger generations are likely to hold more dismissive opinions of older age. The reality is much more complex than that, as our latest polling shows.'
Generational Breakdown of 'Old Age' Onset
- Gen Z (18-29): At 62.3 years old
- Millennials (30-45): At 62.9 years old
- Gen X (46-61): At 64.4 years old
- Boomers (62-80): At 67.3 years old
- Silent Generation (81+): At 71.8 years old
Bailiss elaborated, 'While the figures might indicate a potential frustration with older peoples' use of technology from younger generations, it also seems to indicate that Gen Z have a more hopeful view around older workers and employment than the Babyboomers themselves who are trying to navigate an ageist labour market.'
Ageism Across All Ages and Scientific Insights
She emphasized, 'What we know is that ageism can impact people at all ages and many Gen Z-ers will have experienced being judged on their capability based purely on their age. This is why we need everyone, no matter their age, to be able to notice ageism and to challenge it when they do witness it.'
In related scientific research, a study from last year identified four pivotal turning points in the human lifespan across five stages: childhood, adolescence, adulthood, early ageing, and late ageing. Analysis of brain scans from 3,802 individuals aged 0 to 90 revealed that brains take nearly three decades to rewire into adult forms.
Once people reach their mid-30s, intelligence and personality stabilize into a 'plateau'. However, from age 66 onwards, brain efficiency declines, and structural segregation increases as regions become more compartmentalized. Researchers note this corresponds with a plateau in cognitive functions, though the exact reasons remain unclear.
