The aging population of today is more energetic and active than ever. People are not accepting traditional “elderly” stereotypes. They want to retain—or regain—their youth, striving to extend their youthful years. Although they have aged in years, their youthful attitudes and states of mind remain intact. Regardless of age, people want to be able to travel the globe and experience new cultures, adopt adventurous hobbies, and be present for the milestones that occur in the lives of their children and grandchildren.

When you think of living young, what comes to mind? Probably the most common thought is an active lifestyle through sustained physical health. However, there are several components that work together to help you live younger longer. In addition to sustained physical health, it is equally important to support your emotional health and maintain an optimistic outlook on life.

Think about the specific elements of your life that help you feel young—the things that keep you going. Some of the top ranking things on your list may include relationships with family and friends, personal achievements, or pushing the boundaries of what you thought you were capable of.

Here are a few tips to help you defy aging:

Don’t Limit Your Opportunities

Results from a study in 2010 found that society is full of subtle negative cues about aging. These unconscious cues may shape the view we have of ourselves, the way we act, and even shape our bodies.¹ Just as some social cues can make us feel old, other social cues can help us feel and act young. Surround yourself with youthful influences and opportunities. Continue doing the physical and social activities you enjoy—regardless of your age. You really are only as old as you feel. Don’t use your age as an excuse to miss out on the things you enjoy doing or things you’ve always wanted to do.

Ignore Negative Stereotypes about Aging

Research has shown that breaking free from elderly stereotypes can extend your life. One study compared individuals who dressed “appropriately” for their age with those who wore uniforms to work. Those who wore uniforms for a living had lower morbidity overall than those who earned the same amount of money but did not wear a work uniform. Individuals who wore uniforms had one less social cue reminding them that they were getting older. You don’t have to look or act like the stereotypical senior population as you get older. So be yourself, whatever your age.

Develop a Positive Attitude

Research also links positive attitude with the number of years someone lives. One study involving 100,000 women found that those who were optimists were 30% less likely to die of heart disease than pessimists.² Studies indicate that self-perception has a greater impact on survival than blood pressure and cholesterol levels.³ Choose to be positive! Adopting an optimistic attitude will help keep you going and help you feel your best at any age. Maintaining an optimistic, youthful mindset will give you the confidence and determination you need to start a new hobby, learn a language, or take up new challenges.

Living younger longer is about improving your health physically, emotionally, and mentally. At Nu Skin, we strive to assist you in your quest to live younger longer through innovative products designed to target the sources of aging. Keep checking back with us for our latest innovation to help you live young, ageLOC Youth!

How do you live young? Share with us on our Facebook page, or on Twitter and Instagram using #DefyAging.

Sources

1.        Young in mind: saying no to caricatures of aging,” Wray Herbert, Association for Psychological Science, Nov. 2010

2.        “8 ways to stay young as you age,” Dennis Kravetz, Huffington Post, July 2013 http://www.huffingtonpost.com/dennis-kravetz/aging-gracefully_b_3280506.html

3.        “Longevity increased by positive self-perceptions of aging,” Levy, BR, et al. PubMed.gov, Aug, 2002