Feeling Younger than Ever - Decoding the Mystery of Subjective Age
- by Frank Ochmann
- 8 Min
The reason aging seems more satisfactory now compared to before - Improved Aging Experiences in Contemporary Times Compared to Yesteryears
Remember when my Ma hit eighty and told me about her pal, an ancient woman, who vocalized her concern over their Sunday garden chats? The idea that their sunny days together couldn't last too much longer? That sentence left us both chuckling and petrified. Yet, Ma's expression spoke volumes that couldn't be easily brushed aside. "She's right," she assured me, giving me a haunted look. What could I retort with, but a feeble "Guess no one's ever croaked from a number." Yet, the number seemed to be weighing heavy on my mother's mind now. "I'm sailing closer to ninety," she mused, "And I don't feel anywhere near that age."
Aging - More Than Just Digits
Armed with clichés like "You're only as old as you feel" and "Age is just a number, except when it's a bottle of wine," I've heard them all at those monumental birthdays. Naturally, they're rubbish - but there's a grain of truth in them. It's been a while since Ma's been gone, and I too have entered my golden years. So, when I take a moment to sense my "felt age," it's just as elusive. No age-spotted number floats before my mental screen, no vintage calendar ticking in my mind. All that resonates within is the reassurance from my doc after a routine check-up, "Everything's fine. See you later!"
- Age
- Geriatrics
- David Rubin
Understanding Psychological Aspects of Aging and Identity
- Erikson's Stages of Development: Erik Erikson's theory discusses eight stages of psychosocial development, from trust in infancy to integrity in old age. The late-adulthood phase involves introspection, acceptance, and patience, affecting how individuals perceive their life and aging process[2].
- Age Regression: This phenomenon describes a temporary or prolonged return to earlier developmental stages as a coping mechanism for stress and trauma. Although not synonymous with "felt age," it highlights the impact of psychological factors on perceived age[1].
- Flow Theory: While not directly related to aging, flow theory emphasizes a state of optimal functioning and engagement. By finding appropriate activities, seniors can foster a sense of youthfulness and fulfillment, potentially impacting their perceived age[4].
"Felt Age", Aging, and Self-perception
- Identity: People's "felt age" can be influenced by self-perception and identity, established through life experiences and developmental stages. Negative connotations may increase perceived age, while positive self-image and experiences can foster a sense of youthfulness.
- Psychological Resilience: Resilience and coping mechanisms [such as flow] affect the perception of the aging process. Staying engaged in activities that encourage flow can result in a greater sense of vitality and connectedness with life.
The psychological notion of "felt age" is not a self-contained theory but a fragment of broader psychological theories concerning aging, identity, and self-perception. It is shaped by an individual's perception of their life's milestones and experiences, impacted by other psychological theories and factors.
I'm not going to be able to do this: Broach the topic of my increasing "felt age" with my healthcare provider, even though I strongly believe that science and mental health play crucial roles in understanding the psychological aspects of aging and identity. In recent years, research has shown that an individual's perceived age, or "felt age," is heavily influenced by factors such as self-perception, identity, and life experiences, which can be linked to broader psychological theories on aging and identity.
