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A Sense of Control of Your Life Can Lower Your Subjective Age

Study finds that older adults who feel that they re in charge also feel younger

Getty Images Having the sense that you are in control of your life can make you feel younger — whatever your , a newly released study has found. “Our research suggests that subjective age changes on a daily basis and older adults feel significantly younger on days when they have a greater sense of control,” researcher Jennifer Bellingtier of Friedrich Schiller University told last week’s annual convention of the American Psychological Association (APA). Such feelings can lead to improved , longevity and overall quality of life, researchers believe. Get instant access to members-only products and hundreds of discounts, a free second membership, and a subscription to AARP the Magazine. Participants in the study represented two age groups – 18 to 36 and 60 to 90. In both groups, researchers found a wide range in subjective age on a day-to-day basis. But only in the older group was there a “significant association between perceived level of control each day and subjective age.” Bellingtier suggested that family, friends and caretakers can provide opportunities for older adults to exercise more control of their lives, which could allow them to keep a youthful outlook. Such interventions could range from “a regular meeting with a therapist to discuss ways to take control in situations” to smartphone apps offering daily examples of how to take control. In line with a number of similar findings in recent years, researchers also reported in a separate study presented at the APA convention that increased generally serves to lower one’s subjective age. AARP Membership — $12 for your first year when you sign up for Automatic Renewal Get instant access to members-only products and hundreds of discounts, a free second membership, and a subscription to AARP the Magazine. AARP VALUE & MEMBER BENEFITS See more Health & Wellness offers > See more Flights & Vacation Packages offers > See more Finances offers > See more Health & Wellness offers > SAVE MONEY WITH THESE LIMITED-TIME OFFERS