Globally, people stop considering themselves young at an average age of 41 – but in Pakistan, that milestone arrives as early as 33, according to a new international study released on International Youth Day.

This stark difference underscores the impact of cultural perceptions on the concept of youth, the research suggests. The Worldwide Independent Network of Market Research (WIN) Worldviews Survey, conducted in Pakistan by Gallup Pakistan, polled 1,000 individuals nationwide between December 3, 2024, and January 2, 2025. The examination, part of a larger global poll spanning 40 nations and 35,515 participants, explores the evolving understanding of youthfulness across cultures.

The study reveals a shrinking global “window of youth,” with the average age of perceived youthfulness dropping from 44 in 2018 to 41 in 2025. This shift highlights a disconnect between official youth classifications by organizations like the United Nations and individual experiences. The research demonstrates wide regional variations, with Europeans feeling youthful until 44, while Africans report a decline at 36.

Even within regions, disparities exist. While individuals in Thailand report feeling old at just 26, South Koreans maintain a sense of youth until 51. These differences emphasize the cultural construction of youth, influenced by societal norms and individual circumstances. The survey concludes that youth is not solely determined by age but is a complex interplay of cultural, social, and personal factors.

WIN President Richard Colwell stated, ‘Age is not merely a number but a narrative. The age at which individuals perceive the end of their youth reflects societal influences, economic opportunities, and cultural narratives around vitality and significance. WIN aims to initiate deeper discussions on the true meaning of youth and who is granted that label.’