NEW YORK — If you could be one age for the rest of your life – what would you choose? Would you stay a child forever? What about those college years? A new survey finds most Americans believe the “sweet spot” in life is right in the mid-30s.
A poll of 2,000 people finds four in 10 would not go back to their 20s. Instead, the perfect age to be frozen in time at is 36 years-old. Although aging is inevitable, health-conscious Americans are exploring solutions to defy their chronological age.
The majority of those surveyed (59%) said they used to be obsessed with fighting the aging process. Another 56 percent add that fighting Mother Nature is exhausting.
Is aging actually a good thing?
Conducted by OnePoll on behalf of Tru Niagen, the poll reveals 41 percent of respondents actively embrace the aging process. Over half the poll also said they believe they not only look younger than their true age (by an average of five years), but they also feel younger by about six years.
It turns out that it really is as simple as eating right, exercising, and drinking water to feel your best. Respondents selected these as the top three ways to age gracefully. It’s no wonder then that 71 percent shared that it’s become more common for Americans to accept and embrace their age. However, scientists are still finding ways to increase the gap between our chronological age and our biological age.
“We can’t turn back our biological clocks, and while there are some aspects of aging outside of our control, there are ways to improve one’s healthspan, or the years one is in good health,” says Andrew Shao, Ph.D. in a statement. “The symptoms we associate with aging, like wrinkles, loose skin, and stiff joints, are all just outward signs of what is happening inside our bodies at a microscopic level. Our cells are, in fact, failing. By reducing stressors on our cells, like sun-exposure and excess alcohol consumption, and adding supplementation that can support our health at the cellular level, then we have a fighting chance at aging healthier.”
Age is all about how we feel
The top things respondents are open to trying as they get older include vitamins and supplements (42%) and exercising (35%). The survey also asked respondents to reflect on the impact of the last year and discovered 53 percent feel like quarantine has aged them, but they don’t think it’s a bad thing.
In fact, 57 percent of respondents said it has been a wake-up call for them to realize that aging is a good thing and to embrace the journey. As Americans plan ahead, 63 percent intend to shift their focus from looking younger to feeling younger.
“Based on my experience as a gynecologist, one of the most effective ways to age gracefully begins with attitude,” says Dr. Alyssa Dweck, MS, MD, FACOG and medical advisor to ChromaDex. “A positive attitude and proactive approach leads to purposeful health and lifestyle choices for optimal aging.”
It’s relative. I’m 36-years-old and this is the worst time of my life.