Yahoo TV

If you could be one age for the rest of your life - what would you choose? A new survey of 2,000 Americans sought to find out. Four in 10 Americans said they would not go back to their 20s, but rather be frozen in time at 36 years old. Although aging is inevitable, health-conscious Americans are exploring solutions to defy their chronological age. The majority of those surveyed (59%) said they used to be obsessed with fighting the aging process - and 56% also said that fighting Mother Nature was exhausting. Conducted by OnePoll on behalf of Tru Niagen®, the nationally representative poll found 41% of respondents actively embrace the aging process. Over half of respondents also said that they believe they not only look younger than their true age (by an average of five years), but they also feel younger by six years. And it turns out that it really is as simple as eating right, exercising and drinking water to feel your best - with respondents selecting these as the top three ways to age well. It's no wonder then, that 71% of those polled shared that it's become more common for Americans to accept and embrace their age. However, scientists are finding ways to increase the gap between our chronological age and our biological age. "We can't turn back our biological clocks, and while there are some aspects of aging outside of our control, there are ways to improve one's healthspan, or the years one is in good health," said Andrew Shao, Ph.D. "The symptoms we associate with aging, like wrinkles, loose skin, and stiff joints, are all just outward signs of what is happening inside our bodies at a microscopic level. Our cells are, in fact, failing. By reducing stressors on our cells, like sun-exposure and excess alcohol consumption, and adding supplementation that can support our health at the cellular level, then we have a fighting chance at aging healthier." The top things respondents are open to trying as they get older included vitamins and supplements (42%) and exercising (35%). The survey also asked respondents to reflect on the impact of the last year and found 53% feel like quarantine has aged them, but they don't think it's a bad thing. In fact, 57% of respondents said it has been a wake-up call for them to realize that aging is a good thing and to embrace the journey. As respondents forward plan, 63% plan on shifting their focus from looking younger to feeling younger. "Based on my experience as a gynecologist, one of the most effective ways to age gracefully begins with attitude," said Dr. Alyssa Dweck, MS, MD, FACOG and medical advisor to ChromaDex. "A positive attitude and proactive approach leads to purposeful health and lifestyle choices for optimal aging."