5 Things That Can Make You Feel Older Than You Really Are (And Their Solutions)
Getting older is a funny thing. Many people don’t like it, and yet they nearly always prefer it to the alternative. It can also become something of a self-fulfilling prophecy; if you feel older, then you’ll be more likely to act older, which in turn causes you to feel even older.
Father Time catches up with everyone eventually. However, how old you feel is somewhat within your control. There are people who feel old at 25, and people who feel young at 75. The difference lies in how they see themselves. In this post, we’ll run through a few things that can make you feel older than you really are, as well as outline some things you can do to combat them.
Aged Skin
We associate clear, healthy-looking skin with youthfulness. Once that goes away, it’s normal that someone would begin to see themselves as older, especially if the grey or sagging skin is accompanied by wrinkles.
In this day and age, there are a million and one skincare products and treatments that can drastically improve the quality of a person’s skin. Using sunscreen daily, investing in products that contain retinoids and ceramides, and eliminating alcohol and tobacco from your lifestyle can all make a world of difference.
Thinning Hair
Thinning hair doesn’t only make you look older. It can also change how you view yourself. Having a full head of lush hair can make you feel vibrant and youthful, and when that’s gone, it’s normal to wonder if your youth is behind you. However, as with aged skin, there are treatments, such as getting a hair transplant, that can help restore your hair to its former glory. Plus, this is usually considered a long-lasting treatment, so once it’s done, you won’t need to worry about it again for a long time.
Reduced Energy
One of the most common complaints you’ll hear from people in their thirties and forties is that they’re tired all the time. Yet, while that’s sometimes discussed as if it’s an inevitability, the truth is that it’s more a product of lifestyle than something innate. By making a few adjustments, you’ll likely find that you can radically enhance your energy levels. Getting enough exercise, ensuring you get enough sleep, and eliminating alcohol — which can increase tiredness — can make a big difference.
Flexibility Challenges
Many people struggle with flexibility as they get older, but as with energy levels, this isn’t as “natural” as you might think. While the body does become less elastic as you get older, the real damage comes from spending too much time sitting down and simply not moving your body as much as you should. Yoga is the perfect antidote to this. Start a regular routine, and you should find that you’re more flexible than ever in no time.
Less Optimism
Finally, there’s optimism. Many people take a slightly less positive view of their future once their youth is past. But don’t believe it! Many people have achieved amazing things later in life, and with the right mindset, you might just join them.
