How Old Are You Really? The Truth About Lying (About Your Age)

Published on: September 9, 2025

We’ve all heard the saying, ‘age is just a number’, but how true is it really? Do we feel our age… or do we bend the truth now and again when someone asks?

At Funky Pigeon, we wanted to find out, so we asked the public to come clean in our latest survey. We asked 2,000 Brits whether they’ve ever fibbed about their age. From little white lies on birthdays to how old we actually feel inside, our new survey reveals the quirks and secrets behind our age.

How Many People Lie About Their Age?

Many of us are guilty of shaving a few years off (or even adding a few on) when it suits the moment. Our survey asked people if they’ve ever bent the truth about their age:

We found that four in 10 people have lied about their age at some point, with the most popular age related lie being to shave 4 years off of their actual age!

In fact:

  • 65% have rolled back the years to appear younger.
  • 81% have added on a few to seem more mature.

Why Do We Do It?

So, what makes us want to take off (or add on) a few years? Our survey dug into the top 10 reasons why people lie about their age:

  1. To access an age restricted location – 47%
  2. To access age restricted products – 40%
  3. To appear older – 27%
  4. For fun – 23%
  5. To fit in with a group – 21%
  6. To appear younger – 21%
  7. For dating – 18%
  8. To access cheaper prices – 16%
  9. For online dating – 16%
  10. For career or job opportunities – 11%

Take Our Quiz to Calculate Your Real Age

We know numbers are only part of the story. How you live, what you enjoy, and how youthful you feel all play a role in your real age.

That’s why we’ve created a fun quiz to help you discover your true age if it was based on your day to day way of living.

The Top 10 Places We Lie About Our Age

Depending on where we are, sometimes a little white lie slips out, and our survey results show there are a few places we just can’t resist bending the truth. Here are the top 10 places Brits are most likely to lie about their age:

  1. The pub – 44%
  2. Nightclubs – 41%
  3. Social settings – 24%
  4. Dating apps – 21%
  5. The cinema – 16%
  6. Shops – 12%
  7. Work – 11%
  8. A birthday party – 9%
  9. Concerts – 9%
  10. Sports clubs – 8%

Every Birthday Is Worth Celebrating (No Matter Your Age)

Whatever your real age (or what you claim it to be), what really matters is making the most of every year. Birthdays are a chance to celebrate, spend time with loved ones, and enjoy yourself, whether you’re turning 18 or 80.

At Funky Pigeon, we believe that every birthday is worth shouting about. So, go ahead, pick a birthday card, send a gift, and celebrate big. After all… you’re only as old as you feel.