A new global survey from GSK, released during Shingles Awareness Week 2025 (February 24 – March 2, 2025), reveals that that over half (52 percent) of people aged 50-60 feel younger than their age – and nearly a fifth (19 percent) feel as much as a decade younger. Despite showing a positive trend toward healthy ageing, insights from the survey demonstrate a continued lack of awareness of age-related health risks.

The International Federation on Ageing (IFA) has responded by highlighting the need for those aged 50 and over to pay attention to factors that may impact their health and well-being due to a naturally weakened immune system.

“It is wonderful to see such positive attitudes to ageing reported, but the data also shows many over-50s who feel young, happy, and healthy also lack awareness or concern of their risk of age-related diseases like shingles,” said Katrina Bouzanis, acting director of policy, advocacy, and innovation at IFA.

“Even if those over 50 feel they are in overall good health, they should not be complacent – our natural ability to fight disease weakens as we get older.

“We need to ensure people understand this fully so that they can take better care of their health as they age.” 

The survey of 8,400 participants from nine countries examined 50-60-year-olds’ perception of healthy ageing and the related risk of shingles.

The findings, published at the start of Shingles Awareness Week, highlight limited understanding of adults aged 50-60’s susceptibility to age-related risks – with over one third (37 percent) admitting they have ‘no concern’ about their chances of developing shingles.

Globally, one in three adults will develop this disease in their lifetime.

Over half (55 percent) are unaware that having long-term health issues such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and chronic kidney disease can weaken immunity.

Among those with chronic medical conditions, a third (33 percent) either had no concerns about developing shingles or were unsure whether they should be concerned.

Additionally, more than two-thirds (68 percent) of the respondents reported being under a significant amount of stress, while 16 percent said they ‘struggle to cope most days.’

Age, stress, pre-existing health conditions, ongoing medical treatment, and negative feelings, such as loneliness, can further weaken the immune system, which may increase the risk of developing shingles.

Nearly half (48 percent) of the respondents described themselves as either lonely, stressed, depressed, invisible or unhealthy.

Shingles typically presents as a rash, with painful blisters across the chest, abdomen or face.

Anyone who has had chickenpox has the virus that causes shingles dormant in their nervous system, which may reactivate.

Adults aged 50 and over are at increased risk of this due to their age-related decline in immunity.

“Now in its fourth year, Shingles Awareness Week continues to address critical knowledge gaps about shingles risk, particularly among those who are aged 50 and above,” commented Alexander Liakos, vice-president of global medical affairs at GSK.

“Our survey data reveals many in this age group underestimate their susceptibility to age-related diseases and are unaware of their potential related risks.

“Shingles can have a severe impact on a person’s health and quality of life, particularly for those with pre-existing long-term conditions.

“Greater awareness is crucial – we encourage people to have informed conversations with their healthcare professionals to learn more about the disease.”