How old do you FEEL?
How old do you FEEL?
We’ve all heard the saying, “You’re as old as you feel” but it turns out there’s more truth to it than you might think.

Imagine for a moment that you had no birth certificate, no official record of your age – just the way you FEEL.
How old would you say you are?
Most of us have a number in mind that doesn’t match our chronological age. Maybe you feel ten years younger. Or maybe life has been a bit of a challenge, and you feel older than the candles on your last birthday cake. Either way, that ‘felt age’ – or what scientists call subjective age – matters more than you might think.
The power of our subjective age
Researchers have been studying this for decades, and the results are pretty compelling. People who feel younger than their actual age tend to be healthier, happier and even live longer. On the flip side, feeling older than you are can increase the risk of depression, illness, and even early death.
One particular study* found that most people feel about eight years younger than their actual age. But the striking discovery was that those who felt older had an 18-25% higher risk of dying sooner than those who felt younger—a staggering statistic.
* Yannick Stephan at the University of Montpellier

What shapes how old we feel?
So, what makes someone feel younger or older than their years? Turns out, a few key factors play a big role:
- Personality – People who feel younger tend to be lifelong learners and naturally curious. It’s no surprise that people who stay mentally and socially engaged often feel younger than their years.
- Activity Level – Movement matters. Whether it’s learning a new skill, travelling, or just getting outside for a walk, staying active helps reinforce a youthful mindset.
- Mindset & Self-Perception – If you see ageing as a slow decline, guess what? You’ll probably feel older. But if you view it as a new chapter full of possibility, you’re more likely to stay vibrant and engaged.
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How this affects your retirement
If you feel younger than your age, you’re more likely to embrace new opportunities, stay connected, and have a stronger sense of purpose. But if you feel older, you might assume the best years are behind you—and that can lead to a more passive, disengaged retirement.
The way you think about ageing shapes whether retirement feels like a time of growth and excitement or just the slow passing of time.
The good news? You have more control over this than you might realise.

How to feel younger (No fountain of youth required!)
You don’t need anti-aging creams or a time machine to feel younger – try these science-backed ways instead:
1. Stay Curious – Try new things, challenge yourself, keep learning.
2. Move Your Body – Even small changes, like walking more or stretching, make a difference.
3. Ditch the ‘I’m too old for that’ mindset – The more you reject those stereotypes, the younger you’ll feel.
4. Surround Yourself with Positive Energy – Spend time with people who inspire you and make you laugh.
5. Focus on What’s Ahead – Look forward to things. Having goals and plans helps keep you engaged and excited about life.
So… how old do YOU feel?
If your answer is younger than your real age, great! Keep doing what you’re doing. If it’s older, take a moment to think about why. Is it anxiety or overwhelm? Social isolation? Lack of purpose? A limiting belief about ageing? Now ask yourself – what small, intentional shifts could help you feel more vibrant and engaged?
You can’t change the date on your birth certificate, but you CAN change how you experience ageing. Because as the research shows, you really are as old as you feel.
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