How old do you feel?

We all know of people who look fantastic ‘for their age’. How do some individuals achieve this status whilst others feel twice their age? There are a number of physical and psychological factors that affect the process of ageing such as general health and wellbeing, disease and our own perception of our age. It is this latter point that we shall focus upon with a growing body of scientific literature identifying the very real physiological links between thoughts, beliefs and the physical body.

Beliefs are grooved through our upbringing and molded by experience. Behaviours are driven by our beliefs and therefore the choices we make depend upon what we believe to be ‘true’. The importance of this in terms of ageing is that if we believe that we are ‘old’, ‘past it’ or ‘getting on a bit’, then typically the way that we go about our business will reflect this attitude. This of course includes our outward appearance to the world. Believing that you are ‘old’ may lead to the choice of clothing that supports this belief rather than considering an outfit that enhances your positive features and gives you a sense of femininity, glamour or sexiness.

Age can be noted in three ways, chronologically, physiologically and psychologically. Chronological age is the actual number of years that you have been alive, physiological age is the age of your organs and tissues and psychological age is your own perception of your age. The former is clearly unchangeable, however physiological and psychological ages vary according to our health. For example, smoking, drinking and a lack of exercise will have a detrimental effect upon our organs and tissues and hence the physiological ages of these structures. Interestingly, psychological age has an effect upon the physiology of the body as proven by a famous study completed in 1979. In placing individuals in a 1950s environment their measurable health parameters changed for the better, including eyesight. These individuals became ‘younger’ by manipulating the environment to alter their perception of the era.

So what does this mean? Essentially we can affect our health by feeling younger, changing our thought patterns and our beliefs. This is really very exciting as there are practical ways of becoming healthier and enjoying life to the full by changing our thinking and perception of ourselves. A makeover and styling session that optimises your look will have a significant impact upon your perception of who you are including how old you feel. Combining this with an exercise programme and healthy diet and you can really feel and look different. We know that exercise makes your brain fitter and more capable of concentrating, learning, remembering, reverses some of the effects of ageing by promoting the growth of new brain cells and improves mood. There’s no time like the present to ‘grow younger’.

See NHJ Style website: click here