A poll of 2,000 adults found 33 per cent of over-50s bristle at the notion they are resistant to change.
While 29 per cent are wound up by people considering them boring or unadventurous, just because they’re in their sixth decade or beyond.
They say these stereotypes still exist because younger people make assumptions without experience (48 per cent).
While 26 per cent put it down to relatively limited interactions between different generations.
The research was commissioned by travel insurance provider Staysure, which had choir ‘Somewhere 2 Sing’ perform their tongue-in-cheek song “Where the Sun Don’t Shine” which they used in their TV advert poking fun at what society pins the over 50’s to be.
And the brand has launched a competition where all UK adult choirs are invited to submit their own rendition of the song to be in with a chance of winning a £20k prize, which closes 12th April 2026.
A spokesperson said: “Once, 40 was the new 30, and then 50 became the new 40 – people are getting ‘old’ much later in life.
“But what does being ‘old’ even mean? It’s not as though your personality completely changes at midnight when you turn 50 or 60.
“It’s about championing different ages, not stereotyping, and we think the song fully represents this.
“We want more people to listen to the lyrics and sing it loud – if any choirs out there can deliver a different or better version in their own style, we’d love them to enter our competition so we can hear it, the more variety the better.
“With travel now more accessible than ever, it’s good to see people of all generations having fun exploring the world and trying new things.”
The study also explored what the average 50-something actually does get up to, and found they spend three hours gaming each week, and tackle two long distance runs.
While more than four in 10 (43 per cent) go on up to four holidays with friends every year.
But 49 per cent of those under 30 believe people in their sixth decade are always talking about things ‘back in their day’.
And 34 per cent of people aged 18-29 associate being 50-plus with moaning about younger people not saving money.
While 59 per cent of adults in their 50s say they lead a much more youthful lifestyle than societal views would have people believe.
Nearly half (49 per cent) of people this age considers themselves quick to keep up to date with new and popular TV shows.
And 72 per cent reckon they’re knowledgeable about world travel, and their understanding of different locations and cultures.
People aged 50 to 59 reckon someone doesn’t become ‘old’ until they’re 68, while adults under 30 reckon this happens at 56 years and 11 months, according to the OnePoll.com data.
It also emerged, of all respondents, 20 per cent rate singing as a great thing to do as you get older, with 83 per cent of those believing it boosts your mood and lowers stress levels.
Other things respondents thought were good to do as you get older included staying physically active, eating a balanced diet and getting a good night’s sleep.
Along with joining a group activity or choir (33 per cent) with 25 per cent of 40 to 49-year-olds believing singing to yourself, or in a group is good for you.
The spokesperson for Staysure said: “Travelling brings a wealth of experiences, and singing is good for the soul. That’s why we created this song — in the hope that people would connect with it, feel invigorated, and sing it loud with a smile on their faces.
“After all, being old is just a state of mind and we shouldn’t judge people for their different stages of life – we’re all individual and it’s natural to like and do different things.
“You might get someone in their early 30s who loves nothing more than staying in every night with a cup of tea and a good book.
“While some in their 50s or 60s might be listening to dance music, going out to bars and going on holiday as often as they can.
“This research shows the important thing, is having respect and tolerance for one another, regardless of age or preference.”
