WASHINGTON, DC—With Halloween creeping up this weekend, AARP released today online survey results of people 50-plus and their opinions on the haunting American tradition.

When it comes to trick or treating, those surveyed say the age of 12 is the best time to give up the candy bag.

AARP asked in the poll, what age do you think it is proper to stop trick or treating? For both men and women the median age is 12. *

Candy Cost
Survey recipients 50 and older also say on average they spend about $20 on Halloween goodies to treat those who come to their door. +

Spooked Seniors?
When people 50-plus were asked if they believe in ghosts, an overwhelming 68% said no. The older the respondent, the more skeptical they were about supernatural spirits:

• 63% of those 50 – 64 don’t believe in ghosts +
• 81% of those 65-plus don’t believe in ghosts

And when asked about iconic thriller movie characters, Freddy Krueger slashed his way to the top giving 50-plus respondents the most creeps, followed by a host of other scary movie icons:

• 35% chose Freddy Krueger from Nightmare on Elm Street; +
• 17% chose Dracula;
• 16% chose Jason from Friday the 13^th;
• 12% chose Michael Myers from Halloween;
• 10% chose Frankenstein; and
• 10% picked other

The survey is part of an ongoing polling series to disrupt aging and highlight how Americans 50 and older feel about interesting cultural topics and other issues that affect their everyday lives.

AARP will continue to share the opinions of Americans 50 and older on the issues of the day through the end of the year. Follow @AARPMedia on Twitter.

* Survey date October 9-12, 2015
+ Survey date October 23-26, 2015

About AARP
AARP is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization, with a membership of nearly 38 million, that helps people turn their goals and dreams into real possibilities, strengthens communities and fights for the issues that matter most to families such as healthcare, employment and income security, retirement planning, affordable utilities and protection from financial abuse. We advocate for individuals in the marketplace by selecting products and services of high quality and value to carry the AARP name as well as help our members obtain discounts on a wide range of products, travel, and services.  A trusted source for lifestyle tips, news and educational information, AARP produces AARP The Magazine, the world's largest circulation magazine; AARP Bulletin; www.aarp.org; AARP TV & Radio; AARP Books; and AARP en Español, a Spanish-language website addressing the interests and needs of Hispanics. AARP does not endorse candidates for public office or make contributions to political campaigns or candidates.  The AARP Foundation is an affiliated charity that provides security, protection, and empowerment to older persons in need with support from thousands of volunteers, donors, and sponsors. AARP has staffed offices in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Learn more at www.aarp.org.​

CONTACT:
Monique O'Grady, 202-434-2560, media@aarp.org, @AARPMedia