Turns out your 50s are the best bit and small green nuts are the perfect midlife fuel.
Here’s the thing nobody really tells you about ageing: just because you don’t feel young anymore, it doesn’t mean you’re old. Sure, you catch yourself suddenly making some kind of weird groaning sound when you bend down. And the 20-something who just walked past is wearing a replica Oasis tour tee you treasured when you were younger.
While these are in fact signs you’re likely getting older (our research with thousands of Brits over 40 confirms it), here’s the part that tends to get buried under bad press: middle age comes with some pretty decent upsides.
No longer young doesn’t mean old
More than a quarter of over-50s say they’re happier than they were in their 30s. Nearly half of over-60s don’t feel old at all. Meaning maybe the best really is yet to come? And we’ve got it on good authority that the saying “you’re only as old as you feel” isn’t complete nonsense after all. While 50 is when many people stop feeling young, it’s not when they feel old. Most say that doesn’t kick in until around 80. Which, if you’re hovering near 50, means you’ve got a solid three decades left to make questionable playlists and surprisingly good decisions.
Why midlife = the good life
And it gets better. Twenty-seven per cent of over-40s say they’re more comfortable in their own skin now than when they were younger. Close to a fifth feel more satisfied with life than they did in their 30s. Why? Greater freedom. More financial stability. Pride in their children. Sounds good to us.
Your health is your wealth and you know it
Dig a little deeper, and there’s one big thing sitting at the heart of how young or old you feel: your health. With 60% of men and 61% of women over 40 saying they’re more health-conscious these days, many of us are taking vitamins or supplements, choosing healthier snacks and eating more protein. And it’s all to avoid illness, stay active and remain independent (while tackling the garden and that DIY pizza oven you’ve been meaning to do for how long?).
While this is all fantastic news, our research shows women are making more positive food and nutrition choices as they age compared to men overall. Men, think of this as a friendly nudge, rather than a telling off.
Take John’s word for it
When it comes to living well for longer, our ambassador John Thomson (yes, that John from The Fast Show and Men Behaving Badly) sums it up nicely: “Getting older is inevitable, but you can still live life to the full. It’s about embracing experience, having a laugh about the realities of ageing and making small changes that have an impact. You don’t need to overhaul your life. Just make some healthy tweaks to your daily routine.”
Repeat after me: nourish, move, sleep
“It’s about making smarter choices,” adds Thomson. “Simple habits like eating nutrient-rich snacks, staying active and prioritising sleep can help you feel youthful for longer. Age is just a number — but how you fuel your body makes all the difference.”
And let’s face it: ageing well doesn’t come from quick fixes. It’s about making small, everyday choices that quietly do you some favours. It helps if you enjoy them too.
A small but mighty snack
Take American Pistachios (uh oh, here comes the plug). Naturally nutrient-dense, they’re one of the few plant-based snacks that delivers complete protein. They’re also high in fibre, which is a key part of a balanced diet, and vitamin B6, which helps reduce tiredness and fatigue.
Unshelled or shelled. Your health will thank you.
So next time you’re on the hunt for a snack, enjoy the satisfying feeling of unshelling some American Pistachios. Some people say doing so can feel oddly therapeutic, like a moment of pause all to yourself. We can’t promise they’ll make you look good in your vintage band t-shirt but they’re delicious and fit into a balanced diet. Here’s a handy tip: you’ll find them still in their shells in your supermarket snack aisle. Want them de-shelled and ready to cook or bake with? Head to the baking aisle. However you enjoy them, your body will thank you for it.