In many countries, including the Netherlands, we are facing a “double ageing” phenomenon: not only is the share of older people in society growing, but the proportion of the very old within that group is also increasing. Yet despite these demographic changes, what it means to be “old” is becoming increasingly fluid.

Research points out that middle-aged and older adults today generally perceive themselves as younger than comparable age groups did 10–20 years ago. On average, middle-aged individuals consider old age to begin around 74 years, and older adults tend to push this threshold even further. Women, on average, expect old age to begin later than men.

Although we are ageing healthier than previous generations, many still do not look forward to old age. Ipsos’s Attitudes to Ageing report states that only 38% of people worldwide look forward to getting older, whereas 57% do not.

Why is this? If we see in real life that people are ageing better, living longer, and remaining active, why does growing older still carry a negative perception?
Looking at age-based stereotypes, research shows they have become increasingly negative over the past 200 years, fueling what some call a worldwide crisis of ageism. Ageism, which can be as subtle as favoring a younger candidate in hiring or as blatant as overt disrespect, leads to social isolation, poorer health, and even earlier death, according to the World Health Organization.

“More negative age beliefs can lead to worse physical, mental, and cognitive health, whereas positive ones precipitate better health. In addition, the annual cost of ageism in the United States alone totals $63 billion.” – Becca Levy, Professor of Epidemiology and Psychology, Yale University

As an ageing society increasingly becomes the defining topic of our time, embracing a more positive view of ageing could bring significant benefits to people and our economy.