Ever notice the person who looks "young" for their age? You know they're an adult, but beyond that is anyone's guess.
From the stories they tell, you gather they were around "when." Yet when you think back to how many years ago "when" was, you about have to do a double take. The person simply doesn't look old enough to have been present for the story they just told.
You've probably met people like that, and so have I.
And then there are the others. You know. The ones who tell you "I was born in the early 60's" and you thought they were ten years older. Oooh. Regretfully, this second group is the subject of sign #4 that everyday life could be undermining your health: "You look or feel "old" for your age."
Let's slip in the back door on this conversation. We'll consider some things that make a person look "young" for their age:
- A sparkle in the eyes that lets you know they're having fun.
- Erect posture that lets you know they have all the energy they need to live full out.
- A full head of natural-colored hair.
- Awareness of the hair and clothing styles that help them look their best.
- Robust coloring & plumpness of the skin.
- Healthy-looking teeth that appear to be original issue.
- Flexibility, both in their body and in their thoughts and actions.
- A fresh approach to life.
There's our model. Now let's turn it around and consider what might cause a person to stray from that ideal:
- Rigid thinking & rigid habits.
- Poor nutrition.
- Tobacco, drug, or alcohol abuse.
- Resentment and bitterness about supposed offenses they've collected over the years.
- Lack of enough good-quality sleep.
- Poor hygiene.
- Failure to get enough exercise and fresh air.
- The illusion of "knowing it all."
- Poverty.
- The sense of being burdened by more than the person can bear.
Here's our real question: No matter where you are today, is it possible to create a more youthful countenance?
I believe it is. Once again, it's a simple matter of managing your energy. If you're not where you'd like to be right at the moment, then consider your feeling of being "older than your years" a signal that life can get better if you give it some attention!
Readers: Think you don't have time to manage the little stuff? Well, maybe it's not about time. Maybe it's about energy. Preview the new Word Cures "Less Stress; More Time" mini-course to get the connection.
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Elizabeth Eckert can help you explore how simple everyday choices create health — or undermine even the best of intentions. With a background that ranges from energy medicine to structural bodywork to developmental psychology, this "Stick-To-It Coach" has the experience to support you in creating the healthiest possible expression of — you!
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Comments (5)
The statement "Flexibility, both in their body and in their thoughts and actions" describes 3 individuals who spring to mind. Each of them are over 80 (one is 90 plus!) I at more than 30 years their junior, am amazed at their fresh, youthful approach to looking at ideas, problems - life in general. The other quality that all three exibit is that look in their eyes that immediately tells me they are never bored - and consequently they are never boring!
Posted by Terri | November 7, 2007 2:47 PM
Posted on November 7, 2007 14:47
I saw personally how my father kept a younger then his age appearance and it was done by his sense of humour. By being a relaxed type of person he aged slowly. He fooled people all the time. He also made them feel younger which helped them to view him as younger. Sounds silly but it works.
Susan
Posted by Susan Adkins | November 7, 2007 8:28 PM
Posted on November 7, 2007 20:28
I can testify that a person who looks and feels old for his/her age can be taught a different way of thinking and behaving that will transform their life.
A few years ago I reached a point in my life that triggered the desire to change. I wanted to do something about the stress in my life that zapped my energy. I felt I was carrying a burden that was unbearable, and I didn't know how to deal with it. I believed that I was 'over the hill' unable to cope with the situations in my life. I thought my circumstances had to change before my life would get better, but I was wrong. Things got better when I began reaching out for help and support. One day Elizabeth came to the YWCA meeting I was attending and gave a presentation on relaxation exercises. I made an appointment with her for a bodywork session and the rest is history. I learned of her coaching program and immediately joined. She has been a tremendous help to me in my goal to seek balance in my life and harmony at home. I still have many of the same challenges and issues to deal with, but I'm a different person. I have gained the skills and self-confidence I needed to manage my life well thanks to Elizabeth's coaching. If you're searching for a mentor to help you grow and experience a fuller life, then look no further. I urge you to contact Elizabeth without delay. I am forever grateful for the help she has provided.
Posted by George Lowther | November 7, 2007 8:46 PM
Posted on November 7, 2007 20:46
Sense of humor, of course! Thanks for the clarification!
Thanks for the kind words, George ... remember who stuck with it and actually made the upgrades, though. You! :-)
Posted by Elizabeth | November 7, 2007 9:11 PM
Posted on November 7, 2007 21:11
Thanks Elizabeth, for a kind of wake-up call that we all can respond to easily. Everyone knows people that are vibrant and enthusiastic about everything (and yes, younger looking than their age) and we like to be around those people. But I don't know if most of us have stopped to think about WHY we like to be around them. Your list of attributes is like a perfect guideline for feeling better, enjoying life more and maybe becoming just like those people. Most of us hope we have some of those attributes already, but I'm sure going to work on having more of them from now on!!
Posted by judith greenwood | November 7, 2007 10:30 PM
Posted on November 7, 2007 22:30