The poll involved 2000 people, of which 4 in 10 would not go back to their 20s, rather they believed that the perfect age to remain at would be 36 years old. Aging is an inevitable part of life, at least it is at this point in time, but many health-conscious Americans are exploring anti-aging solutions to defy their chronological age.
The quest to remain youthful is nothing new with 59% of the respondents reporting that they used to be obsessed with fighting the aging process, and another 56% said that fighting mother nature can be exhausting. 41% of the respondents actively embrace the aging process, and over half of the respondents believe that they look and feel younger than their chronological age by about 6 years.
Science suggests that eating right, regular exercise, and drinking adequate amounts of water to stay hydrated can help one to age more gracefully, however, scientists are still working on finding ways to increase the gap between chronological and biological age. As it turns out people may be starting to listen as respondents in this survey selected these as the top three science-backed ways to tackle the aging process. 71% of the respondents think that it is becoming more common for Americans to accept and embrace their 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.”
As people age, they may become more open to trying out different anti-aging approaches, among the respondents the top options they have become more open to trying include vitamin and supplements being reported by 42% and 35% reported exercising.
This survey asked the respondents to reflect on the impact the previous year had on them, 53% feel like being quarantined during most of 2020 has aged them, but they didn’t necessarily think that it’s a bad thing. 57% of the respondents said that it was more like a wake-up call for them to realize that aging can be a good thing and to embrace their journey. Moving forward 63% plan to shift their focus from wanting to look 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.”