WASHINGTON, D.C.: A University study released this week found that people who feel younger than their actual age live longer than those who feel older than they really are.

The researchers analysed data from a long-term study where respondents aged 52 and older were asked how old they felt. They then divided those people into those who felt close to their actual age, those who felt more than a year older than their chronological age and those who felt three or more years younger than their actual age.

Following up after 99 months, they found that the people who felt older than their actual age were 41 per cent more likely to have died than those who felt younger.

The reasons were unclear, though the researchers speculated that those who felt younger might have a greater resilience, sense of mastery and will to live than those who felt older…

This trend is covered in detail in the Seniors Housing Trends Text Book Series