5/1: What’s in a Number?

It’s time to wish The Marist Poll’s fearless leader, Dr. Lee M. Miringoff, a happy birthday!  What are Americans giving Dr. Miringoff this year?  Their gift is another year of being middle-aged!  Six in ten adults nationally — 60% — think Dr. Miringoff’s current age, 63 years old, is middle-aged.  27% consider it old, and 13% say it is young.

Click Here for Complete May 1, 2014 USA Marist Poll Release and Tables

“I’m very gratified with these results,” says Dr. Lee M. Miringoff, Director of The Marist College Institute for Public Opinion.  “Truth be told, when I wanted to reach 6 – 3, I was thinking height not age.”

The good news is Americans’ attitudes have changed little since last year.  At that time, 59% thought Dr. Miringoff’s age, 62, was middle-aged.  28% said 62 was old, and an identical 13% believed it to be young.

Age matters. Younger Americans are nearly three times as likely than older residents to think 63 is old.  42% of those under 45 have this opinion.  This compares with 15% of those 45 or older.

Table: How Old is 63?

 How the Survey was Conducted

Nature of the Sample

Dr. Lee M. Miringoff reacts to the findings of his latest birthday poll.  Watch the video below.