“You’re only as young as you feel” may be truer than you think. Individuals who take care of themselves – and their appearance – live longer, healthier lives, according to several studies.

A 2005 study of Danish twins found that looking old for one’s age is associated with poorer health and an earlier death. A total of 1,826 twins aged 70 and over had a high-quality facial photograph taken. Then, 10 nurses guessed the age of each twin from the photograph. The mean of the nurses’ age estimates was used as the individual twin’s perceived age.

The scientists found that approximately 40 per cent of a twin’s perceived age was down to non-genetic factors. Those who looked older than their actual age tended to have higher sun exposure, smoked or had a low body mass index (BMI). Younger-looking twins tended to have a higher social status, low depression score and were married. (An extract from the study may be found at: http://ageing.oxfordjournals.org/cgi/content/abstract/35/2/110)

Good looks and brains too
In general, keeping up appearances is important for your mental health, says Dr Des O’Neill, a geriatrician based at Tallaght Hospital and Trinity College, Dublin. “It’s a sign of strategic thinking and shows awareness of your position in society. A positive perception of self improves locus control in the brain, which is important for ageing successfully.”

A study by cosmetics giant L’Oreal claims that a little bit of lippy also goes a long way to improving your health. In April, researchers at the French firm said that the act of slapping on lipstick or applying blusher is a stretching exercise and actually improves older people’s balance and coordination.

A team led by Dr Patricia Pineau of the University of St Etienne in France fitted 100 women aged between 65 and 85 with belts to measure their posture and special insoles to test their centre of gravity. They found that those who wore even a small amount of make-up appeared more stable on their feet, stood straighter and had fewer falls than those who did not. (http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/howaboutthat/5114055/Putting-on-make-up-could-help-prevent-accidents.html)

Your thoughts
These scientific studies are also borne out by our social attitudes. A recent SilverCircle readers’ survey of more than 500 people found that almost 70 per cent believe that staying young in appearance is important. An incredible 95 per cent said that outward appearance indicates an inner state of mind and shows that the person is maintaining a sense of dignity and respect for themselves. Beauty is less about youth than preserving yourself against the ravages of ageing, according to 72 per cent.

Active ageing
Staying fit – mentally and physically – are the keys to a healthy latter part of life. Many communities have active-ageing organisations for those who want to try something new, get out of the house or make new friends. To find one in your area, contact the Federation of Active Retirement Associations (www.fara.ie) or write to: Shamrock Chambers, 59-61 Dame Street, Dublin 2; Tel: (01) 679 2142; or email:
fara@eircom.ie

For a longer list of organisations, check out:
http://www.citizensinformation.ie/categories/employment/retirement/retirement-from-work/active_retirement