Older, worn-out and stuck behind the geraniums? Not according to themselves

• Dutch people feel younger than they are.
• Especially mentally, people perceive themselves as younger.
• Big difference in vitality between income groups.

Haarlem, August x, 2025 – Most Dutch people feel much younger than they actually are. Especially older people hardly see themselves as old and worn out: the average person over 75 feels only 64 years old. This emerges from new research by Purovitalis, specialist in longevity and healthy aging. The study also shows that healthy aging is achievable for many Dutch people, but that a health gap is growing between income groups.

Dutch people want to age vitally

The representative study, conducted among more than 1,000 Dutch citizens, shows that people of all ages strive for a long, healthy life. Remarkably, people estimate themselves younger not only physically, but especially mentally.
“That sense of vitality is no coincidence,” says Koen Ridder, former top athlete and founder of Purovitalis. “We live in a time when more and more people actively work on their health. Through nutrition, exercise, rest, and supplements. That is reflected in these numbers.”

As young as you feel

Physical “felt age” is reasonably equal to actual age up to about 35 years. After that, the differences gradually increase, reaching over 14 years difference among those aged 75+.

Mental “felt age” is even further removed from actual age. Thirty-somethings already feel about four years younger on average. By early forties, this difference rises to 7 years, and people in their fifties feel on average 10 years younger mentally. Among people aged 75+, mental age doesn’t rise above 53.

According to Ridder, longevity is no longer a hype, but a life vision. “Dutch people don’t just want to grow old, they mainly want to grow old in good health. With the right support, we can exert a lot of influence on that ourselves.”

Especially lower incomes less fit

People with a low income generally feel significantly older than those with middle and high incomes. In the latter two groups, people feel 5 to 7 years younger across the board, while people with a low income feel as old as they really are.
Ridder: “Growing income inequality affects not only wallets but also health. Healthy food, sports, and access to tools that support vitality are still too often a luxury. Longevity should not be a privilege but a basic right. With targeted prevention, accessible supplements, and a lifestyle tailored to someone’s situation, we can reduce that gap.”

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