While scientists are working hard to reverse the ravages of aging, the field is still young and full of unknowns. For example: If we can reset our biological clocks, to what age should we set them? A new poll of 2,000 Americans offers some insight, as participants collectively estimated the happiest age in life is 36. Or, apparently, right around the time many people come to grips with their own mortality.
Digg reported on the poll, which Tru Niagen conducted earlier this year. Tru Niagen, a dietary supplement company, sought answers to multiple aging-related questions, including ones like “Would you go back to your 20s if you could?” (Four out of ten said they wouldn’t.)
As for the question, “If you could be one age for the rest of your life, what would you choose?” 36 was the most popular answer. In the video below, OnePoll, the organization that performed the poll on behalf of Tru Niagen, even says Americans would choose to be this age “forever” if they could.
Associate Professor of Psychology at Emmanuel College in Boston, Clare Mehta, commented on the poll in a recent blog post. Mehta, who wasn’t involved with the poll, said that the results actually make a lot of sense. “For the last four years, I’ve been studying people’s experiences of their 30s and early 40s, and my research has led me to believe that this stage of life—while full of challenges—is much more rewarding than most might think.” Mehta also said that people usually begin to grapple with death and the finiteness of their lives in their 30s.
As for other fun statistical factoids, 71% of respondents said it’s “common” to accept and embrace one’s age. Americans also apparently feel, on average, six years younger than they actually are. As for us here at Nerdist? That number may be closer to 16 years considering our love of LEGO, video games, and ridiculous cartoons.