Sixty-eight is the average age that Americans think one becomes an old person.The Pew Research Center came to this conclusion after surveying 2,969 adults 18 and older. Not surprisingly, those who were already 65 declared old age as beginning at 74, while people younger than 30 think you are elderly when you turn 60.
The study also asked questions about particular "markers" of old age. For example, two-thirds of Americans think you are old if you have lost your ability to drive a car, but only one-third think no longer being sexually active outs you as an old fogie.
In a related survey, Asylum has found that you are never old if you continue to play video games in your parents' basement. Carry on.
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From the Web ...
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Wednesday 01 July
By Heavytoka
Really? I turn 27 in 8 days and I think I'm getting old lol I know people that freaked out when they turned 30.
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Sunday 05 July
By Liz
Happy birthday. I turn 27 in 8 days myself. I feel old, too.
Thursday 02 July
By Mondo
68 is pretty up there. but your only as young as you feel. and if your 90 and feel 88 then your 88..
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Sunday 05 July
By Kate
In the US we do not value our older generation, which is a shame. I will be an offical senior citizen next year and although my body is wrinkling up like a prune, my mind is still vibrant and I feel just like I did at 30... only wiser. And I do stress the "wiser" portion of my comment. I would not trade places with a 30 year old for all the tea in China. The great part about aging is you are finally confident in who and what you are. You are no longer swayed by the latest "fad" or feel the pressure to be something you're not. Age does have it benefits (along with the obvioius draw backs). Be nice to old people.... that will be you one day.
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Monday 06 July
By smartgal
I agree with you. Sadly we do not value our older generations. I believe you are old when you lose your mind and your dignity and sadly have to be placed in a home and taken care of by strangers who care nothing about you. That is when you are old - it doesn't make you any less human though. My dad is almost 80 and some days I know he could work circles around me. His work ethic is unheard of today. Instead kids demand respect instead of realizing it is earned and those who are older than you have already earned it - before they met them, it's just given. I think society needs to go back to "please, thank you, maam, sir and Mrs. and Mr. It creates a level of respect we have lost. I enjoy those who are older than me, you are right that wisdom you have can teach anyone younger a lot by listening and there is nothing better than stories from times long lost. I miss my grandmother and sadly never had a grandfather but I know this - my kids respect their grandparents and they know when they need some good advice their grandparents are one of the best sources around. They are old and shriveled up - they are people they care about and love and adults that love them unconditionally back - even if they demand respect. :)
Sunday 05 July
By Cal Orey
Age means nothing if you don't have your health. I've seen twenty-something girls who are overweight, smoke, drink, have had kids and look older than women twice their age. I feel it's all about how you take care of yourself.
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Sunday 05 July
By Jane
I just turned 71 and do not consider myself to be old. I am still working full time and enjoy every minute of it. A was at deaths door 24 years ago and have lived every day since. Make every day count and it won't matter what number you reach.
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Sunday 05 July
By Jo
I will be 70 this year. I feel great! I play golf 3 to 4 days a week. Have a great husband and we have a wonderful social life with many 60, 70 and 80 year olds. We take trips every year. I am on the computer every day (I have my own) paying bills, surfing the web, etc. My husband and I laugh at the senior moments we both have and go on with life. Don't be afraid to "mature". Take care of your health and mind and you can have a great life.
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Monday 06 July
By Richard
I am 78. Retired at 62 and began volunteer work at the local Sr. Ctr. The first two years of retirment I played on the softball team; one of those years we won the local Championship. Eight years an escort for a Travel Club. Incuding one and three day trips. President of Friendship Club and numerous other clubs. Recently diagnosed with prostate cancer which required 43 days of daily radiation. Plan to continue an active life without complaint. You are as old as you allow yourself to become.
Sunday 05 July
By Dee
I am 52 and my boyfriend is 67. He takes no medication, not even aspirin. He plays handball 2-3 times a week and runs 1-2 miles 3 times a week. He keeps up with my 13 year old son. Works full time as a lawyer in private practice, maintains friendships, loves to dance, travel and stays up late. He has no difficulty in the intimacy department either. Age is a matter of mind. We have trouble keeping up with him.
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Sunday 05 July
By Jenny
My parents are 72 and 74 and are still as sharp as ever. They eat all things in moderation, exercise everyday, and surround themselves with friends and family often. They read quite a bit and take advantage of all the museums, etc., that they can. I think the key for them has been to stay active and keep your brain working!
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Sunday 05 July
By Judy Aultman
I am 69 years young. Don't feel a day over 40. Age is only a number. You are as young as you dare to feel. With age one becomes less inhibited. I am at a point in my life where I am not trying to impress anyone, but God. I am sem-iretired-yet work full time. Work out 3 to 4 times a week. I am abundantly blessed with good health. I would not go back in time for anything or want to switch places with anyone. I consider myself highly favored and truly blessed.
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Sunday 05 July
By aabmh
You're right, you are only as old as you feel. I'm 65 and my husband will be 67, we both are very active, work full time and take care of a home and garden and we walk 3 miles every day. People are amazed when they find out our ages. So live a good clean life, take care of yourself and enjoy life, live, love and laugh and you will be fine.
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Monday 06 July
By Jerry Cross
I am 69, I am older, not elderly yet. Moderately active with a 'brain fart' now and then. My age is much older than any one I knew when I was in high school but I don't think it's a bad system. Have wonderful adult children, beautiful grandchildren and a wife 4 yrs. younger that is starting to feel the same aches I did 4 yrs. ago and doesn't appreciate that is part of it. I like it, enjoy each day and person I have contact with, especially kids in the grade school near home here. They all know the old guy on the corner would be there if they need me. I feel it but it's not an uncomfortable burden, just love it and let it flow!
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Monday 06 July
By Sookie
I used to think that over forty was old but I am turning 30 in two months and scared to death about it!!! I guess I think that someone is officialy "elderly" after the age of 70.
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Monday 06 July
By jim
Turning 60 in a week and still playing basketball 3 times a week with many a third of my age. If your passionate about something and take care of yourself, age doesn't have to limit you. Oh sure it slows you down a bit, but you get a little smarter in how you handle things. I'll keep on as long as I can.
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Monday 06 July
By pete
Old age begins 20 years from the age I am now.
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Monday 06 July
By Barbara
I will be 68 next month. I love my life as a senior. I am in a wheelchair due to a childhood disease but it does not stop me from doing what I
want to do. I do vollunteer work 40 hours a month plus substitute sunday school teach, visit
shut ins and enjoy my friends. If you think you're old then maybe you are.
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Monday 06 July
By BARBERDICK
63 THIS YEAR my 31 year old wife says i am young but my RA says different sucks getting old, less ahead then behind in life.
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Monday 06 July
By Daniel Lovejoy
Old age begins when you start to need Viagra.
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