Aging is on Americans’ minds. A new Pew Research Center report shows that while many older adults feel they’re aging well, most younger Americans are anxious about the future — especially when it comes to finances, health, and independence.
Are older adults feeling good about aging?
Among Americans 65 and older, 49% say they’re aging “extremely” or “very well.” That number jumps to 61% for those in the upper income tier. Older adults with more resources are also more likely to:
- Rate their mental health highly (73% vs. 45% among lower income)
- Stay socially active and pursue hobbies regularly
- Feel financially confident about their retirement years
By contrast, just 30% of adults under 65 expect to age well.
Why do younger people feel more anxiety around aging?
Most adults under 65 think about aging at least sometimes—but those thoughts tend to come with worry. Among younger Americans who reflect on life in their 70s and beyond:
- 67% feel worried, mostly about health and money
- 51% feel excited, often imagining more time for family and travel
- 45% are not confident they’ll have enough to retire, or believe they won’t be able to retire at all
Top concerns include future Social Security availability and the rising cost of living.
Why is aging more than just physical?
Income deeply shapes how Americans age. Older adults with higher income levels are significantly more likely to report:
- Good physical and mental health
- Low levels of cognitive decline or memory loss
- Confidence in their ability to live independently
- Active participation in hobbies, social groups, or even full-time work
Among those aged 65–69, a quarter remain unsure if they’ll have enough money to retire.
What are people doing to look and feel younger?
Despite the worries, many Americans are taking steps to influence how they age. The most common strategies include:
- 56% take or would consider antiaging supplements like collagen
- 52% color their hair to cover grays
- 23% have had or would consider nonsurgical cosmetic treatments
- 18% have had or would consider plastic surgery
Women, especially those with higher incomes, are far more likely than men to take these steps.
What do older Americans want younger generations to know?
When asked what advice they would offer, older adults pointed to the two pillars of aging well:
- Health first: 49% emphasized exercise, diet, and medical care
- Save early: 37% said financial planning is critical, urging younger people to start saving and investing sooner
A smaller share encouraged younger generations to enjoy life and focus on relationships and purpose.
What are the key data points?
- Americans want to live long lives—most say age 91 is ideal—but financial insecurity and health fears cloud expectations.
- Income remains the biggest dividing line in how well people age, both physically and mentally.
- A growing share of Americans are turning to lifestyle, supplements, and cosmetic procedures in an effort to look younger.
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