Feelin' Fine: The Myth of Age, or Key to a Long Life?
- by Doris Schneyink
- ⏱️ ≈4 Minutes
Individuals who subjectively perceive themselves as younger than their chronological age demonstrate extended lifespans. - "Individuals who perceive themselves as younger than their actual age tend to live longer"
A Little Chat with Mr. Wettstein: "When my old lady had to move into a nursing home at 83, she spouted after a few days that she couldn't stand it because there were only old geezers around. Was that a touch of reality slipping? I reckon not, but she might've been dealing with a difference between her felt age and her actual age."
- *Lifespan, Fitness, Growing Old
In the vast sea of research, no direct link was found between feeling younger than one's age and increased longevity or life expectancy. Yet, studies shining a light on related ideas suggest that a rosy self-perception of aging—i.e., feeling young—can boost well-being and health.
First, folks who think they're younger than their biological age typically report better well-being and life satisfaction. This self-perception can shape how people view their health and aging process, potentially resulting in a more optimistic approach to life[1][2].
Next, positive self-perceptions, including feeling young, are linked to better health bounce-back after at-risk events like falls, hinting at a protective effect on health[2]. This optimistic outlook might indirectly impact longevity through encouraging healthier behaviors and attitudes[4].
Lastly, the Socioemotional Selectivity Theory (SST) suggests that as we age, our focus shifts from future-related goals to present-oriented emotional satisfaction. This transition can result in increased subjective well-being post-50, despite physiological declines[4]. The positive outlook on aging suggested by SST may contribute to better mental health and, in turn, possibly longevity.
To wrap it up, albeit no concrete evidence confirms that feeling younger links to a longer life, a youthful self-image seems to optimize well-being and health, which may, in turn, indirectly influence life expectancy. It appears that the secret to eternal youth may lie in the mind rather than the number on our birth certificates!
In the realm of scientific research, the link between feeling younger than one's biological age and increased longevity or life expectancy remains inconclusive. However, studies reveal that a positive self-perception of aging, such as feeling young, can enhance well-being and health, potentially contributing to optimism in life, healthier behaviors, improved mental health, and longevity through indirect means [1][2][4]. Therefore, the key to a longer life might reside more in the mind than the numbers on our birth certificates, suggesting a potential role of mental health and well-being in life expectancy.
