20 clear signs that you’re over the hill

IF you fall asleep watching the TV, hate noisy pubs or choose clothes ‘for comfort’, face it; you’re getting old. Struggling with technology, and forgetting people’s names are just some of the signs of getting old.

The top three signs of ageing highlighted by the poll were falling asleep in front of the television, feeling stiff, and groaning when you bend down.

The findings emerged in a study of 2,000 people across adult age groups in Great Britain, which looked at perceptions of age and things to look out for if you think you’re getting on a bit. Six out of 10 people believe the already exhibit many of the characteristics which appear on the list.

Failing to recognise any of the songs in the top 10;  moving from Radio One to Radio Two; and complaining about what is on television were all highlighted as key ageing indicators.

Other signs included losing hair, and taking a keen interest in the garden. Attitudes towards alcohol also change as we get older.

Drinking sherry and enjoying being asked for ID when buying alcohol are early indicators of the aging process, alongside falling asleep after one glass of wine, knowing your alcohol limit, and choosing to drive rather than drink on a night out.

Some of the physical signs of ageing include changes in appearance – such as ears, nose and eyebrows becoming more hairy.

People also feel old if they forget people’s names, misplace objects such as glasses or the car keys, and generally start complaining more.

And a third reckon they felt the signs of ageing between the ages of 21 and 29, and 64 per cent of respondents said they are worried about getting old.

Eighty one per cent of respondents worry about their own elderly relatives, but most admit they find it hard to make time to look after them.

1.       Falling asleep in front of the TV

2.       Feeling stiff

3.       Groaning when you bend down

4.       Losing your hair

5.       Hating noisy pubs

6.       Thinking teachers, policemen and doctors look really young

7.       Getting more hairy – ears, face, eyebrows, nose etc.

8.       Struggling with technology

9.       Forgetting people’s names

10.     Not knowing any songs in the top 10

11.     Choosing clothes and shoes for comfort rather than style

12.     Start driving very slowly

13.     Start drinking sherry

14.     You complain more

15.     Joining the Women’s Institute

16.     Misplacing glasses, bag or car keys

17.     Your colleagues are so young they don’t know what an opal fruit is

18.     Listening to the Archers

19.     Moving from Radio One to Radio Two

20.     Allowing yourself a mid afternoon nap (when not in Spain)