Life: Feeling Younger than Your Age Could Mean a Longer Life
By Doris Schneyink - 4 Min Read
One's age is subjective, reflecting one's mindset and emotional state rather than biological age. - "Individuals who perceive themselves as younger than their actual age, tend to live longer"
In conversation with Mr. Wettstein, he discussed an intriguing topic: why does the concept of "feeling younger" have an impact on our longevity? This stemmed from a statement made by a relocated senior, who found the care home environment populated by only "old people" unsettling. Is this a sign of reality loss, or is there more to this phenomenon?
The Connection Between Longevity, Fitness, and Age
So, does feeling younger than your actual age really determine how long you live? Not quite in the literal sense, but research shows a significant correlation. In fact, most people over 40 tend to perceive themselves as about 20% younger than their real age [4]. Maintaining this mindset can boost life satisfaction, resilience, and—you guessed it—longevity!
The Impact of a "Younger Subjective Age"
Beyond boosting life satisfaction, a younger subjective age corresponds to better health outcomes and longevity [3]. A positive outlook on aging and the desire to stay young encourage what's known as a greater "lust for life," which is advantageous for one's health [3]. By remaining cognitively and socially engaged, people maintain their well-being even as they physically age [4].
Fitness and Biological Aging: Going Strong
Individuals who feel younger tend to reveal healthy biological markers of fitness. Assessments of biological age (considering physical health indicators) can show they're biologically 15 years younger than their chronological age, which corresponds to robust cardiovascular health and sharp brain function [2]. Encouraging a healthy lifestyle by maintaining fitness throughout life may significantly contribute to this younger biological age [3].
Longevity: The Rich Get Richer
The combination of a youthful outlook and good physical fitness can lead to extended life expectancy. Embracing a positive attitude toward aging and feeling young seems to engender longevity through mechanisms like increased encouragement for healthy practices, decreased stress levels, and improved neural plasticity [3][4]. Plus, individuals who stay physically fit and mentally active typically lead longer, healthier lives [2][4].
Embracing the Fountain of Youth
In summary, a positive perception of one's age is tied to better physical fitness and a more optimistic psychological outlook, all of which contribute to longer, more gratifying lives [3][4]. So, if you're always the youngest at heart, keep embracing that spirit and nurture your body to enjoy a longer, healthier life!
- Science has uncovered a significant correlation between feeling younger than one's actual age and longevity, suggesting that maintaining a youthful mindset can boost life satisfaction, resilience, and, subsequently, life expectancy.
- A younger subjective age, as a result of a positive outlook on aging and the desire to stay young, has been linked to better health outcomes and longevity, due to factors like increased encouragement for healthy practices, decreased stress levels, and improved neural plasticity.
