“Old man, me?” How is our perception of old age changing?

We grew up hearing that, according to Einstein, time is relative. Based on this, is there a specific age at which we can call someone old? It seems like a simple question at first glance, but the truth is that the answer is far from exact.

Over the decades, our perception of old age has changed a lot and, what was previously considered the beginning of old age, today may just be the beginning of a new phase of life.

To do this, just imagine that you can, at 45, feel younger than you did when you were 30. Does it seem strange? That’s exactly what’s happening to many people these days.

A study carried out by scientists from Germany, the United States and Luxembourg revealed that our idea of ​​the beginning of old age is being stretched like a rubber band. The longer we live, the later we think old age begins.

Change of perception

The researchers analyzed data from more than 14,000 people over 25 years, born between 1911 and 1974, asking questions over the years such as “at what age would you describe someone as old?” To the researchers’ surprise, the answers changed over time, as if they kept pace with the passing years.

To give you an idea, when the volunteers were 64 years old and were asked when old age arrived, the average response was 74.7 years, that is, almost 75 years. However, when these same people were questioned at age 74, the average response about the beginning of old age was 76.8, practically 77 years. Therefore, it can be seen that people extended their perception of old age as they approached the number.

The study also showed that The notion of old age changes across generations. While those born in 1911 considered old age at 71, those born in 1956 stretched that line to 74.

And here comes a curious detail: women, on average, see old age coming about two and a half years later than men.

Some theories

For these changes in the way we see the beginning of old age, scientists have some interesting theories. The first is about life expectancy, which has increased significantly in recent decades.

In Brazil, for example, there is a bill arguing that anyone aged 65 or over should be considered elderly — currently 60. One of the reasons for this proposed change is that today you can live much longer . In that regard, researchers point out that living longer makes the idea of ​​being old seem more distant.

A second point made is that the improvements in health and well-being help us feel younger for longer.

But, like everything in life, not everything is a bed of roses. Some people, especially those who feel lonely or face health problems, tend to see old age coming sooner.

And this can have an impact not only on our mind, but also on our body. Studies show that The way we perceive aging can affect our physical and mental health.

Therefore, to reach old age and old age itself with quality of life, it is important to take care of your physical and mental health. This will help with the way we see the world and, above all, ourselves.