Most people feel younger or older than they really are, and this 'subjective age' has a significant impact on physical and mental health, according to new research. Scientists are increasingly interested in how the age we feel inside, rather than our chronological age, influences our wellbeing and even longevity.
A major study led by Yannick Stephan at the University of Montpellier analysed data from three longitudinal studies involving more than 17,000 middle-aged and elderly participants. The research found that most people felt about eight years younger than their actual age. However, those who felt between 8 and 13 years older than their chronological age had an 18-25% greater risk of death over the study periods, even after controlling for factors such as education, race, and marital status.
The study, due to be published in the journal Psychosomatic Medicine, is the largest to date examining the effect of subjective age on mortality. Stephan noted that these large effect sizes demand close attention, as feeling older appears to be a significant risk factor for poorer health outcomes.
Previous research has shown that a younger subjective age is associated with lower risks of depression, better mental wellbeing, and reduced risk of dementia and hospitalisation. It also appears to influence personality, with those feeling younger remaining more open to new experiences and less neurotic, while still gaining the wisdom of age.
The link between subjective age and health may work in both directions. Feeling depressed or physically vulnerable can make people feel older, potentially creating a vicious cycle. Conversely, feeling younger may encourage more physical activity and engagement in new hobbies, which in turn supports better health.
