The fountain of youth is an age-old concept that many have sought but none seem to have actually found.
However, new research from Germany suggests that for many people, their perceived psychological age is at least a decade lower than their chronological age an attitude that could actually help them to live longer.
A study published in the Journals of Gerontology: Psychological Science found that people aged 70 or older felt an average of 13 years younger than their actual age.
Jacqui Smith of the University of Michigan Institute for Social Research, who helped conduct the study, explained that feeling youthful can positively affect a persons physical health.
“Feeling positive about getting older may well be associated with remaining active and experiencing better health in old age,” she said. These people often die later than their counterparts, Smith added.
More than 500 people were followed over a period of six years as part of the Berlin Aging Study to determine their attitudes about getting older.
Some health experts have suggested that engaging in regular physical activity is one of the best ways to keep your body young and able over time.