The saying “You’re only as old as you feel” seems to resonate with older adults, according to a Purdue University research study.
“If you feel old beyond your own chronological years, you are probably going to experience a lot of the downsides that we associate with aging,” Markus H. Schafer, a doctoral student in sociology and gerontology who led the study. “But if you are older and maintain a sense of being younger, then that gives you an edge in maintaining a lot of the abilities you prize.”
According the National Survey of Midlife Development in the United States, most people aged 55 to 74 identify with being 12 years younger than they actually are when asked what age they feel most of the time.
“We found that these people who felt young for their age were more likely to have greater confidence about their cognitive abilities a decade later,” Schafer said. “Yes, chronological age was important, but the subjective age had a stronger effect.”
Home Instead’s Get Mom Moving program offers many ideas to keep clients feeling enriched mentally, physically and spiritually (don’t be fooled by the name, that’s for dads, too). It’s a great way to keep older folks active – and feeling young.
For more information, call your Home Instead of Richmond office at 804.527.1100 anytime.
