These are the top benefits of aging: poll

Humans have been chasing the fountain of youth for centuries, but a new study says eight in 10 Americans feel our society places too much value on stopping Father Time’s march, a sentiment that has only been exacerbated by social media.

Conducted by OnePoll on behalf of Great Lakes Wellness, the survey asked 2,000 adults above the age of 25 about their perspectives on aging. Most agreed that there is a negative bias around the aging process or even the mere perception of getting up there in decades.

The pervasive unfavorable attitudes meant that 61% of respondents avoid sharing their true age for fear of being judged for the year on their birth certificate.

Why has our obsession seemed to grow?

Social media filters that erase fine lines and wrinkles and smooth imperfections send the wrong message about the aging process and create unrealistic expectations, said 77% of those polled.

The study said words are also to blame. Instead of the term “anti-aging,” which is splashed across a whole category of beauty products and media coverage, 54% preferred the phrase “healthy aging” while 47% liked “aging well.”

“Our mission is to help lead a new, positive conversation around aging and free consumers from the idea that they need to fight the process,” said Jim Burkett, president of Great Lakes Wellness. “While ‘anti-aging’ has become the norm for quite some time, we’re starting to see a shift among Americans who realize aging is living.”

Many were concerned about time’s toll, with 39% fearing a lack of energy and 38% a change in their looks. These worries have led them to devote time and resources to fighting the aesthetic marks of making more trips around the sun.

Ultimately, 75% said age is not something to fear, and they wished there was less emphasis on remaining forever young. They preferred to spend less hours fighting the natural process and more of their lives enjoying activities that they truly love.

Eighty percent of people polled said the secret to better living is having a more positive outlook overall.

And society’s obsession with reversing the aging process might not reflect how individuals feel.

Most who have already passed their 20s said they are more fulfilled (69%) and satisfied (71%) with their lives.

And two-thirds of those polled said they feel younger than their actual age.

Seven in 10 said they are taking strides to live healthier with 43% eating well, 42% adopting a positive outlook and 36% using vitamins to keep their bodies operating on all cylinders.

“Building health habits whether you’re in your 30s or 80s is critical to aging gracefully and feeling your best in each decade,” said Burkett.