Have you ever had someone ask your age, and then be shocked at your response? "You look so young! I never would have guessed it!" I used to hear those comments all the time before I had kids, but I think the lack of sleep and stress of children has aged me a little. It's definitely been worth the tradeoff, but now a new study reveals that looking younger may mean you live longer. The University of Southern Denmark did a study of twins over the age of 70. They were photographed, and then took various physical and cognitive tests. The study tracked the twins for 7 years, and found that perceived age was associated with survival. The older-looking twin was more likely to die before the younger-looking one. The research also showed a relationship between perceived age and physical and mental capabilities. According to the study, "Perceived age—which is widely used by clinicians as a general indication of a patient’s health—is a robust biomarker of ageing that predicts survival among those over 70 and correlates with important functional and molecular ageing phenotypes." So basically, a younger look may mean a longer life. What do you think? Have you noticed anyone in your own life who has a younger look and better health?
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Now that I'm 35, I don't know how old people perceive me to be, but I'm hoping late 20s. LOL! Report
I turned 49 yesterday! Anyone wanna come see if I look that old?
Much love
Mxx Report
"The finding came from research that involved 1,826 Danish twins, aged 70 and older, who were given physical and cognitive tests and then had their faces photographed."
cj Report
One other thing I have learned is to never try to guess the age of fitness professionals...you'll be shocked! Report
And another person brought up a good point about how perceived age may influence care of older adults. First part of YAVIS stands for young, and YAVIS patients tend to receive better care. These treating them feel they can relate to them better, that they are more likely to be successful, believe they understand what they are being told and also therefore are more likely to listen carefully to what they say.
Believing a person to be younger, may alter how a doctor reacts. Not a doctor relationship, but for example when my grandmother- 72- went to visit her sister in the nursing home, her sister mistook her at first for someone else who was nearly 90, and told her she looked good. When it was pointed out that it was her sister, she changed her comment to you look terrible.
Speaking medically, I've been told regarding two different medical issues, that I was too young for them. In one case it was a doctor saying there was no point testing for something that fit my symptoms (it ended up being that btw), in the other it was a doctor emphasizing the seriousness of me having it. If I were older, it might be written off as a normal part of aging. Report
I have lost 106 pounds since 2007 and feel much younger than I really am.
I do exercise every day and do some weight training as well.
So yes I believe the younger you look the longer you will live.
Younger looking people are eating healthy and exercising that is the key. Report
Now people think my husband robbed the cradle. I thought he might look older than what he is. Friends who know both of us, just say I don't look my age.
As far as healthy....not sure that I can claim to be as healthy as some of my friends. But wearing a smile can fool people.
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For the first part of my life I was always seen as being old than I was. Then I hit 30 and started looking younger. Recently in my office there was a discussion about who was the oldest. It is a computer consulting firm lots of young people. They were shocked when I said that I was the oldest hands down. After all I am old enough to be half of the staffs mother (there is a nightmareLOL) They would not believe that I am 49. Most would have said I was 30 something.
Guess I got my granddad's genes.
I think it also could have something to do with attiude about age. my grandad never let being over 70 stop him. In was raising me at that age. I am not afraid to say I am 49, very comfortable with my age. And I don't use it as a reason not to do something.
Kind of like being the 49 year old 250lb girl at the gym who can hold her own in the wieght room with the guys. Report