Life insurance experts have found that almost half of people aged 40-plus in Northern Ireland and the wider UK feel younger than their real age, though a large proportion of 20 and 30-somethings admit to feeling older than their years.
The study by PruHealth's life insurance specialists revealed the average person aged 40 or over feels 11.5 years younger than their actual age, while the average 20-something in Northern Ireland feels three years older than the age on their birth certificate.
More people in their 20s and 30s were found to experience a dip in energy levels throughout the course of the average day, a phenomenon the insurer puts down to their unhealthier lifestyles.
"This age group need to get more exercise and more sleep, eat healthily and follow more active lifestyles to help boost their energy levels," said Shaun Matisonn, PruHealth's chief executive.
"Finding time in your 30s to exercise and eat healthily can be especially difficult while you're juggling a career and looking after a young family," he acknowledged, advising people in the age group to incorporate "small steps" in their daily routine, such as getting off buses a stop early and snacking on fruit rather than junk food.
Northern Ireland life insurance shoppers who take out a policy with Principle First can avail of £35 cashback with cashNI.
