Why 50 is the age Brits feel in control of life, revealed

READ MORE: Study reveals how 10-year-olds see getting OLDSee more Daily Mail on Google - save us as a Preferred Source Published: 11:02 EDT, 1 September 2026 | Updated: 11:05 EDT, 1 September 2026 Do you feel in control of your life? If so, you're probably at least 50 years old. A new survey has revealed that 50 is the age when most Brits think they have their life sorted out. The results will come as good news to 50–year–old celebrities including Reese Witherspoon, Cillian Murphy, and Benedict Cumberbatch. The poll, commissioned by British Gas, asked 2,000 Brits how they feel about their lives. The results revealed that there are certain definitive signs to having your life in check – something that usually happens at the age of 50.The signs include not having empty food wrappers lying around in the foot well of your car (21 per cent), knowing when bin day is (35 per cent) and booking the dentist before anything hurts (22 per cent).Despite this, almost a third (30 per cent) of us feel nowhere near having things sorted, while more than half (56 per cent) believe no one really ever has their life fully in control.Joe McHugh, Electrician at British Gas, said: 'People are rethinking what it means to have their life together, and increasingly it comes down to control – control over your home, your bills and your future.' Do you feel in control of your life? If so, you're probably at least 50 years oldThe poll found that other markers of having your life in check include recycling everything (30 per cent), putting clothes away rather than throwing them on a chair (30 per cent), having your kitchen cupboards in order (28 per cent), drinking two litres of water a day (28 per cent) and knowing how much energy your home uses each month (27 per cent).Always having spare batteries to hand (25 per cent), unpacking immediately after a trip (23 per cent) and preferring reading to doom scrolling (19 per cent) also made the list. When 'old age' starts, according to different generations Gen Z (18–29): At 62.3 years oldMillennials (30–45): At 62.9 years oldGen X (46–61): At 64.4 years oldBoomers (62–80): At 67.3 years oldSilent Generation (81+): At 71.8 years old 'Investing in technologies like solar panels has become one of the clearest signs of that, because it turns your home from something that costs you money every month into something that's actively working for you,' Mr McHugh added.The news comes shortly after a study revealed the exact age you're seen as old.According to a survey of more than 2,000 Brits, you're seen as old from the age of 69.The results will come as bad news to 69–year–old celebrities including Tom Hanks, Kim Cattrall and Steve Harvey. For the survey, Seven Seas quizzed thousands of British adults about when they think ageing really starts.Previous studies have suggested that old age begins as early as 62. The poll, commissioned by British Gas, asked 2,000 Brits how they feel about their lives. The results revealed that there are certain definitive signs to having your life in check – something that usually happens at the age of 50. Pictured: Cillian Murphy, who turned 50 in MayHowever, the new findings indicate that Brits' attitudes to age are shifting. 'While we may be pushing the idea of "old" further into the future, the data suggests many of us are still putting off the habits that help us age well,' explained Donna Bartoli, Wellness Expert & Health Coach.'And if 69 really is the new "old", then the time to look after our future health isn't later, it's now.'The top 20 signs you're in control of your life You make regular savings – 52%You enjoy your own company – 43%You admit when you're wrong – 42%You say no to things you don't want to do – 37%You're not paying for subscriptions you don't use – 36%You know exactly when bin day is – 35%You make your bed every day – 34%You have a strong and healthy friendship group – 33%You have eco features (solar panels or a smart meter) – 32%You work the hours you choose – 30%You recycle everything – 30%You put clothes away, rather than throw them on a chair – 30%Your kitchen cupboards are in order – 28%You drink two litres of water a day – 28%You know how much energy your home uses each month – 27%You have spare batteries and know where they are – 25%You unpack immediately after a trip – 23%You book the dentist before anything hurts – 22%You always wash up after a dinner party – 21%Your car doesn't have empty wrappers on the floor – 21%