Irish adults stop feeling young at an age of 42 (in 2018 this was 46 years) and start feeling old at an age of 52 (this was 55 years in 2018)

The Worldwide Independent Network of MR (WIN), the world’s leading independent association in market research and polling, today reveals the Annual WIN World Survey, exploring the views and beliefs of 33,866 people in 39 countries across the globe.

Today WIN releases the latest results on generational differences to track and understand people’s perception of age and youth.

HEADLINES – IRELAND

 Gap exist between people stop feeling young and start feeling old

• Irish adults typically report no longer feeling young around the age of 42 and beginning to feel old around 52.
• Unsurprisingly, the older you get, the later the age that you start to feel old. Those aged 55+ for instance, don’t start to feel old until they reach 64.
• Younger people (under the age of 35) however feel that once you turn 40, you are old!
• Overall, the Irish perception of youth and old age tends to align with global averages.

Ciara Reilly, Group Director in RED C Research, said:

“I am fascinated by this research as it shines a light on how we perceive aging in Irish society today.  While it is great to see that we are in line with global averages, it is worrisome that the age at which we stop feeling young is getting younger rather than older.  This trend underscores the increasing societal pressures and sometimes, unrealistic standards that are placed on individuals to maintain a youthful appearance and lifestyle.  While so much has been done in our society to address these issues, we as a nation need to foster a healthier, more accepting attitude towards aging, celebrating all stages of life.”

HEADLINES WORLD

1. Difference Between Feeling Old and Stop Feeling Young

• Globally, people begin to feel old at 54, but they stop feeling young at 42. This shift indicates we’re feeling our age earlier than in 2018 when people felt old at 55 and stopped feeling young at 44. There’s nearly a decade gap between when people stop feeling young and start feeling old.
• Youth perception varies globally. Europeans feel old later at 59, while those in APAC start at 50. In the Americas, people now feel old at 53, down from 57 in 2018. The MENA region saw a jump from 59 to 52, and Africa from 54 to 51. Overall, except for Europe, the world starts feeling old sooner than before.
• When discussing the age at which people stop feeling young, the Americas show a 6-year decline from 46 in 2018 to 40 now. Conversely, the APAC and MENA regions remain constant at 41, while in Africa, the age has increased from 40 to 43. Despite Europeans feeling old later, they now stop feeling young at 43, down from 46 in 2018. 

2. Countries That Feel Oldest and Youngest

• Finland is the country where people start feeling old the latest, at 72, followed by Spain at 65, and Sweden and Italy at 64. Conversely, people in Laos feel old the earliest at 45, with Greece at 46 and Malaysia at 47.
• Interestingly, Finns stop feeling young at 47, while Swedes stop at 34. South Koreans feel young the longest, until 52, whereas in the Philippines, people stop feeling young the earliest, at 30.

 Richard Colwell, President of WIN International Association, said:

“This is an extremely fascinating subject which zooms in on a topic not often discussed. Age is a perception shaped by culture, geography, and time. The findings from the WIN World Survey remind us that while the years may pass uniformly, our feelings about youth and age are as diverse as the continents we inhabit.”

-ENDS-

 Media enquiries:

IRELAND DATA
Ciara Reilly, Director, RED C Research
Derek Bell, Associate Director, RED C Research
+35318186316

[email protected]

WORLDWIDE DATA
Elena Crosilla, WIN Coordinator
+39 335.62.07.347
E-mail: [email protected]

NOTES FOR EDITORS

Methodology:
The survey was conducted in 39 countries using CAWI / CATI / F2F/ TAPI /online survey methods.

Sample Size and Mode of Field Work:
A total of 33,866 people were interviewed. See below for sample details. The fieldwork was conducted in December 2023 and January 2024. The margin of error for the survey is between 4.4 and 2.5 at 95% confidence level.    The global average has been computed according to the covered adult population of the surveyed countries.

About WIN:
The Worldwide Independent Network of Market Research (WIN) is a global network conducting market research and opinion polls in every continent.
Our assets

• Thought leadership: access to a group of the most prominent experts and business entrepreneurs in Market Research, Polling and Consultancy
• Flexibility: tailor-made global and local solutions to meet clients’ needs
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• Local experts: access to a network of experts that truly understand the local culture, market and business needs.
• Trust: highest quality of talented members in all countries covered

 In the years, WIN has demonstrated wide competences and ability to conduct multi-country surveys following the highest standards requested by the market. The accumulated expertise of the Association is formidable: among others, researched themes are gender equality and young people, communication and media research, and brand studies.

About RED C:
RED C Research is a premier provider of research-based consultancy services, with offices in Dublin and London. Founded in Dublin in 2003, we have been providing high quality research and polling-based consultancy services to business, communities and government both nationally and internationally for many years.  We are part of the Business Post group house of brands, delivering insight through data, journalism, analysis and storytelling.  We help brands grow by clearly understanding human needs and behaviour.

Download the Report Here