Really Feeling It

(WSJ illustration)

At what age do people stop feeling young? One survey says it's 43.

The first members of the millennial generation, often classified as those born between about 1980 and 1996, begin to turn 43 this year. It’s the average age when Americans stop feeling young, according to a study by Worldwide Independent Network of Market Research.

The early 40s—specifically 42—is when the average American starts noticing physical signs of aging, including achy joints and gray hair, according to a September poll conducted on behalf of Found, a weight-management company.

"Not feeling young" is not the same as "feeling old." True enough, there is a gap.

While Americans stop feeling young in their early 40s, they start feeling old at 52, on average, according to a survey by the Worldwide Independent Network of Market Research.

I can point to the precise incident that made me realize I was old. I was riding a SF Muni bus when a pregnant woman came on board. I rose to offer her my seat when two teenaged girls leapt up, insisted that I sit down, and gave the lady their seats. At 52, I didn't think of myself as old, but in their eyes I was.

I rarely see these life lessons coming.