Saturday, March 08, 2025

What are the first signs of old age?

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 a new study.

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.

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 you’re over the hill include preferring a night in with a board game, knowing your alcohol limit and struggling with technology.

The study, commissioned by Future You to highlight the benefits of Turmeric+ tablets, also found feeling stiff and talking about your joints a lot featured in the top fifty.

A spokesman said: “It’s fascinating to see nearly half the nation considers joint pain and stiffness a sign of growing age.

From forgetfulness to joint pain.. the top 50 signs you’re getting old

  1. Forgetting people's names
  2. Losing hair
  3. Feeling stiff
  4. Talking a lot about your joints/ailments
  5. Groaning when you bend down
  6. Not knowing any songs in the top ten
  7. Misplacing your glasses/ bag/ car keys etc
  8. Getting more hairy - ears, eyebrows, nose, face etc.
  9. Avoid lifting heavy things due to back concerns
  10. Saying 'in my day'
  11. Finding it tricky to sit cross-legged on the floor
  12. Hating noisy pubs
  13. Choosing clothes and shoes for comfort rather than style
  14. Falling asleep in front of the TV every night
  15. Thinking policemen/teachers/doctors look really young
  16. Falling ill more often
  17. Saying "it wasn't like that when I was young"
  18. Complaining about more things
  19. Needing an afternoon nap
  20. Feeling tired the moment you wake up
  21. Struggling to use technology
  22. Finding you have no idea what 'young people' are talking about
  23. Having colleagues who are so young they don't know what a cassette tape is
  24. Losing touch with everyday technology such as tablets and TVs
  25. Complaining about the rubbish on television these days
  26. Spending time comparing illnesses and injuries with friends
  27. Your friends are all ill more often
  28. Not knowing or remembering the name of any modern bands
  29. You consider going on a 'no children' cruise for a holiday
  30. You know your alcohol limit
  31. Struggling to think of anything worse than going to a music festival
  32. Never going out without your coat
  33. Putting everyday items in the wrong place
  34. You move from Radio1 to Radio2
  35. You start driving very slowly
  36. You struggle to lose weight easily
  37. Buying a smart phone but having no idea how to do anything other than make phone calls on it
  38. You say ‘I’m gasping for a cup of tea’
  39. Spending more money on face creams / anti-aging products
  40. Falling asleep after one glass of wine
  41. Feeling you have the right to tell people exactly what you are thinking, even if it isn't polite
  42. You like getting asked for ID
  43. Paying by cash or cheque rather than using your card
  44. Preferring a night in with a board game than a night on the town
  45. Being told off for politically incorrect opinions
  46. Joining the National Trust
  47. Your ears are getting bigger
  48. Preferring a Sunday walk to a lie in
  49. You think, 'maybe I'll drive instead of drink'
  50. Drinking sherry

“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 Brits consider themselves to be “officially old”.

While waving goodbye to their youth, 47 per cent said losing their memory is their biggest worry about getting old, with 29 per cent concerned about the impact ageing will have on their fitness.

More than one third are fretting about becoming lonely as they get older and one in five are agonising over whether they will retain their looks with age.

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Joint pain made the list of 50 signs you're getting old. Credit: Getty - Contributor

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 drinking and smoking or even giving them up altogether. 

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