Why feeling younger than your age could boost your health and happiness
As teenagers, growing up seems like the ultimate goal. We envy the older kids for their confidence, independence, and style. Ironically, once adulthood arrives, we often find ourselves looking up to the younger generation, envying their energy and freedom.
In this dance between age and perception, many adults, playfully, not maliciously, tweak their age. They shave a year here, add a smile there. While it might seem trivial, researchers say that feeling younger than you are can have genuine benefits for your health, happiness, and even longevity.
Subjective age: the age you really feel
Psychologists call this your “subjective age”—the age you feel internally versus the number on your birth certificate. Dr. Dayna Touron, ageing specialist and Dean of Arts & Sciences at the University of Louisville, explains that subjective age is fluid and deeply personal.
“In middle age, most of us start to think of ourselves as 20% younger than we are,” she notes. While teens dream of growing up, adults often crave the vitality of youth, holding onto a sense of energy and curiosity that defies the calendar.
Interestingly, studies show a gender gap. Research from the University of Exeter in 2023 found that women in midlife often feel older than men of the same age due to societal pressures and pervasive stereotypes about ageing and beauty.
Yet, feeling younger isn’t just psychological—it can have real-world health benefits.
Science backs up the benefits of feeling young
A 2014 study by University College London followed 6,500 participants over eight years. Researchers found that those who felt younger than their chronological age had nearly half the risk of death compared to those who felt older. Only 12% of participants who felt younger passed away during the study, versus 24% of those who felt older.
Why does this happen? Feeling younger often encourages healthier habits: more exercise, better diets, and a willingness to try new experiences. It also strengthens resilience, purpose, and a sense of control over life, factors that influence biological ageing.
Why people lie about their age
For many, bending the truth about age isn’t vanity, it’s a strategy to navigate a youth-obsessed world. A 2023 New Zealand Seniors report found that 71% of respondents believe ageism is common in the workplace, and 64% have faced or anticipate age-related bias.
Lying about age can restore a sense of vitality and opportunity, whether in careers, dating, or social situations. Psychologists argue that subjective age allows people to reconcile their inner vitality with societal expectations—a reframing, not a denial, of ageing.
The fine line between youthful energy and denial
While feeling younger can boost confidence and health, ignoring your real age entirely can backfire. Overemphasising youth may cause stress, guilt, or disconnect from peers. It can also prevent appreciation of the wisdom, experience, and perspective that come with ageing.
Imagine a world where turning 50, 60, or 70 is celebrated with the same excitement as a 21st birthday, a place where age is privilege, not liability.
How to embrace age while feeling young
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Redefine beauty: Celebrate laugh lines, silver hair, and other marks of a life well-lived.
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Stay curious: Pick up new hobbies, learn a language, or take on challenges that excite you.
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Prioritise health: Exercise, eat well, and get quality sleep to keep both body and mind vibrant.
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Advocate for change: Challenge ageist stereotypes in your community.
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Lean into your younger self: If thinking of yourself as younger helps you feel empowered, embrace it.
Ultimately, feeling younger isn’t about denial, it’s about choice. It’s about using your mind and habits to add years of vitality, happiness, and resilience to your life. And as science shows, the age you feel may be more important than the age you are.
Source: IOL
Featured Image: Pexels
