As we strive for success in life and business, having a sharp and healthy brain is essential. Good ideas, hard work, and smart decision-making are all rooted in the well-being of your brain. But how can you assess whether your brain is aging gracefully, or if you need to make changes to ensure it stays sharp? According to neuroscience research, there’s a deceptively simple question that could provide insight into your brain’s health: How old do you feel?
The Link Between Feeling Young and Brain Health
When it comes to aging, the difference between your actual age and how old you feel can be significant. Neuroscientists have observed that most people tend to feel around 20 percent younger than their actual age. But while this is the average, some individuals feel older, while others feel like eternal youngsters.
A team of researchers led by neuroscientist Jeanyung Chey at Seoul National University set out to investigate whether feeling younger than your actual age correlates with better brain health. To do so, they conducted MRI scans on 68 middle-aged participants to assess the volume of their gray matter, a key indicator of brain aging. Participants were also asked to report how old they felt and completed a series of cognitive tests.
The results were telling. “We found that people who feel younger have the structural characteristics of a younger brain,” said Chey. Even after accounting for other factors like personality, physical health, and cognitive function, the relationship between feeling younger and having a healthier brain remained strong.
What Does Feeling Old Mean for Your Brain?
Feeling older than your years may be more than just a mental perception—it could indicate that your brain is aging more quickly. While Chey’s research showed that feeling older is linked to poorer brain health, the exact reasons why remain unclear. However, the study suggests that the way we perceive our age could be an important signal.
This discovery isn’t the first to point to the importance of mindset in the aging process. Research from Yale psychologist Becca Levy has shown that those who view aging positively live an average of 7.5 years longer than those with a negative outlook. This longevity boost surpasses many of the health benefits we associate with physical interventions, such as maintaining low blood pressure or cholesterol.
Why Your Mindset Matters in Aging
Why is a positive attitude so powerful when it comes to aging? Experts suggest that people who embrace the aging process tend to remain more curious, open to new experiences, and engaged with the world around them. They are also less likely to succumb to stress and pessimism, which are known contributors to cognitive decline.
This suggests that if you want to keep your brain as healthy as possible for as long as possible, you should not only focus on physical health but also on maintaining a positive mindset towards aging.
How to Keep Your Brain Young
So, what can you do if you feel older than your actual age? According to Chey, feeling older might be an early warning sign that it’s time to evaluate your lifestyle. Are your habits supporting brain health, or are they speeding up the aging process?
There are many simple, accessible ways to maintain a healthy brain as you age. A nutritious diet and regular physical activity are key, but socializing with friends, prioritizing mental health, seeking new experiences, and engaging in lifelong learning also play vital roles. The good news is that these strategies are not only effective, but many are also enjoyable and can enrich your life in multiple ways.
Conclusion: A Simple Question for a Healthier Brain
While feeling old isn’t a definitive diagnosis of declining brain health, it could serve as a useful early warning signal. If you find yourself feeling older than your actual age, now is the time to take proactive steps to improve your brain health. From boosting your social life to learning new skills, there are many ways to keep your mind sharp and ensure that you age well, both mentally and physically.
