The average American feels at least 10 years older than they really are and everyone blames it on the same everyday hassle

How old do you feel? A new study finds that Americans over 45 feel 12 years older than their actual age, on average.

The survey of 2,000 Americans ages 28 and older, split evenly by generation, found that 55% of people who feel older than their actual age blame joint pain, and 45% have delayed their daily lives because of it.

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The majority of Americans, 85%, experience some type of joint pain, half of them don’t realize that there is a direct correlation between increased muscle strength and reduced joint pain, when in fact there is.

Less than half, 47%, feel optimistic about finding lasting relief.

Commissioned by Motivo Saúde, Inc. and conducted by Talker Research, the study found that people who feel older than their actual age said this manifests as body aches, 55%, tired easily, 48%, and generally feeling less active, 31%. .

Forty-seven percent reported that they did not feel their age – and 50% of Gen Xers and above felt particularly out of touch with their actual age.

Half of Baby Boomers, 54% of the Silent Generation, and 45% of Gen Xers said they all felt different from their actual age.

Baby Boomers felt an average of 14 years older, while Silent Generation respondents reported feeling 12 years older than their actual age and Gen X respondents reported feeling 10 years older on average.

Missing out on daily life can be a challenge for those who feel joint pain is aging them – 71% will ignore joint pain so they can carry on with their usual activities.

“Until they experience it, many people don’t realize the full impact that joint pain can have on their lives,” commented Rob Morocco, president and CEO of Motive Health, Inc.

“Losing mobility and independence due to joint pain can be frustrating and undoubtedly makes many people feel older than they really are.

“The good news is that there is technology that can reduce pain now and prevent it in the future, helping many people feel and live their best again.”

The study also found that nearly half, 47%, of Americans don’t tell others when they are in pain, fearing they will think they are too old or frail, 19%, are making it all about themselves, 18%, or that they are exaggerating. , 18%.

Forty-five percent have had to stop doing the things they love because of joint pain and 23% felt they let others down by missing personal or professional commitments due to joint pain.

Knee pain specifically affects about 40% of Americans, many of whom have had to reconsider substantial lifestyle changes to accommodate their lack of mobility, including where they live, 25%, where they work, 22%, and how they travel. 17%.

Losing mobility and independence due to joint pain can be frustrating and undoubtedly makes many people feel older than they are.

Rob MoroccoPresident and CEO of Motive Health, Inc.

Across all demographics, almost everyone, 98%, said they would feel more positive about their future if they didn’t have knee pain.

More than half, 54%, would be willing to change their diet and exercise to do so, while 52% reported a willingness to try physical therapy and exercise at home.

Sixty percent reported being likely to incorporate new technologies into their at-home wellness routine to treat joint pain.

“Although joint pain can make people feel like their life is on pause, the good news is that there are ways to get back on track,” Morocco added.

“For example, research has found that developing muscle strength is key to resolving joint pain.

“With this knowledge in hand, there are now solutions for people with joint pain that will help rebuild muscle strength and get them back to a full, active life.”

Research methodology:

This randomized, double-opt-in survey of 2,000 American millennials and older was commissioned by Motive between May 14-21, 2024.

It was conducted by the market research company Speaker searchwhose team members are members of the Market Research Society (MRS) and the European Society for Opinion Research and Marketing (ESOMAR).