We hit our health and happiness peak at the age of 45, according to a new study.
Of the 40 to 59-year-old Britons surveyed in the research, 76 per cent said they experienced a boost in midlife when they never felt happier or healthier.
And 45 – the current age of British actors James McAvoy and Sam Riley, and singers Sophie Ellis-Bextor and Corinne Bailey Rae – emerged as the golden number, according to those quizzed.
As many as six in ten (57 per cent) of 40 to 59-year-olds insisted that the notion of midlife as being a negative is outdated.
Those surveyed said signs of a midlife renaissance include joining a gym (24 per cent), learning a language (14 per cent), starting to meditate (13 per cent) and travelling (10 per cent).
Other ways to feel your best at 40-plus include doing yoga (13 per cent), taking up hiking (12 per cent), volunteering for charity (11 per cent) and moving to a foreign country (6 per cent).
Overall, 54 per cent insist that looking after your mind and body is a priority when hitting 40, with a quarter of middle-aged Britons insisting that feeling their best also includes starting the day in a healthy way.
The research also indicates that almost a third (32 per cent) of 40 to 59-year-olds are making a bigger effort to watch what they eat now they’re older, ensuring they were including enough vitamins and nutrients in their diet.
Lorraine Rothwell, head of brand at Weetabix, which commissioned the survey of 2,000 Brits aged 40 to 59, said: ‘Whatever age you feel inspired to have a ‘glow up’ we want to make healthy lifestyle choices more accessible for everyone.’
Ways 40 and 50 something Brits are hitting their peak health and happiness
1. Hitting the gym – 24 per cent
2. Learning a new language – 14 per cent
3. Taking up yoga – 13 per cent
4. Learning to meditate – 13 per cent
5. Taking up cycling – 11 per cent
6. Doing charity work – 11 per cent
7. Spend a few months travelling overseas – 10 per cent
8. Taking up dancing – 6 per cent
9. Moving abroad – 6 per cent
10. Become a vegetarian – 5 per cent
