Science Says the Average Person Feels Seven Years Younger Than They Really Are

Kelly Vaughan
·2 min read
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If you feel younger than you actually are, you're not alone. According to a recent study, 77 percent of Americans over 40 feel younger than their age. On average, participants said they felt approximately seven years younger than they actually are. However, feeling younger is not just based on endurance, vibrancy, or a zest for life. Of those surveyed, 55 percent of respondents said that when they look in the mirror, they still visualize their younger self. The study, commissioned by Foster Grant and conducted by OnePoll, also highlighted the things that make people worried about aging, such as suddenly needing to wear glasses.

woman riding skateboard on sidewalk
woman riding skateboard on sidewalk

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Researchers found more than one-third of older Americans hesitate to admit that they're getting older because they don't want others to perceive them as looking old and don't want to admit that they are no longer able to do things that they once did regularly. What's more, 39 percent of older adults who participated in the study said that they're hesitant to wear glasses after worrying that it may make them look older. However, experts say it's imperative to listen to a doctors' medical advice to keep yourself safe, even if that means wearing glasses, for example; 38 percent of those surveyed said that they catch themselves squinting at small print in order to understand what it says, and 26 percent experience difficulties seeing clearly in a dimly light room or restaurant.

Related: We Asked a Dermatologist to Weigh in on Four Common Anti-Aging Beauty Myths

"Taking care of your eyes is a smart choice, no matter your age," said Denna Singleton, Global Senior VP, Marketing & Portfolio Transformation at FGX International. "Many choose to wear glasses at an earlier age for things like blocking blue light and protecting eyes from UVA/UVB damage. When it comes to needing reading glasses for naturally aging eyes, people should know that reading glasses are still a youthful, stylish, and practical choice."

Adults also feel like they're getting older when they see a celebrity that they've never heard of, hear a song they know well on the "oldies" radio station, or do not actively use TikTok and other social media apps.