We're so used to thinking of ourselves in terms of our age. Even if we don't FEEL like we're 50, for example, that number is always on the back of our mind. However, our age can be quite deceptive… A 42-year-old may feel like a 12-year-old during an afternoon of playing with their kids. On the other hand, after a grueling day of meetings, shopping, and errands, they may collapse into bed feeling closer to 70. When it comes to our brain, science shows that this gap in the sense of age is a real phenomenon: the brain can age and function at a pace different from our chronological age. Depending on your health, lifestyle, and personality, your brain age might be much younger or older than it seems. How can you know if your brain is fresh and vital or aging quickly? There are several signs, both good and bad, that can help you determine your brain's real age, and in the following article, we will reveal them for you.
3 Signs Your Brain Is Young Even If You’re Older
A Young Feeling That Leads to a Young Brain
A study conducted in South Korea found that people who feel younger than their age show fewer signs of brain aging over the years. In other words, a younger subjective age—feeling younger than your objective age—can be a positive and encouraging indication of brain function and its structural aging pace.
The researchers suggest that more studies are needed to determine the exact way this youthful feeling influences neural mechanisms; one theory is that the younger a person feels, the more physically and mentally active they are, which has been proven to be excellent for brain health. Therefore, it is recommended for everyone to engage in activities that make them feel young, such as refreshing the music in your playlist, watching more movies and series, trying new activities, and so on.
Familiarity with and Regular Use of More Than One Language
Canadian and Spanish researchers published in 2017 a study which concluded that bilingual individuals have more centralized and specialized neural connections. They deduced that speaking two or more languages causes the brain to "select" information more efficiently, saving brain energy and helping to keep it young. Additionally, bilingual people use the frontal areas of the brain less compared to monolinguals, which likely reduces the risk of cognitive aging and dementia.
Focusing on the Present and a Desire to Live in the Moment
Mindfulness or meditation practices that help focus thoughts on the present can help preserve gray matter in the brain, which is essential for good memory, according to research from UCLA and the Australian National University. However, it is not mandatory to adopt such activities to be someone who focuses on the present; it might also simply be a matter of personality and life approach. If you live with a more relaxed attitude, your brain suffers less from the damage and accelerated wear caused by high stress and constant worry about the future.
If you wish to adopt such an approach, there is no shortage of practices that can help. You can try starting each morning with a short meditation or reciting empowering mantras while getting ready to leave the house. It will benefit your mind and brain at any age.
4 Signs Your Brain Is Worn Out Even If You’re Young
A Cynical Approach to Life
Finnish researchers published a fascinating study showing that older adults who are highly cynical not only experience a higher rate of cognitive decline but also tend to die younger. Why? Possibly, as mentioned earlier, the stress and tension associated with such a life approach are the true culprits. For example, we know that the stress hormone cortisol negatively affects the brain and prevents clear thinking. If your worldview leans towards cynicism—believing that most people are selfish or dishonest—it’s worth trying certain actions to prevent cynicism from reaching harmful levels. You can perform breathing exercises, focus on positive affirmations instead of cynical criticism, and remember that your attitude towards life has the power to positively or negatively affect your brain.
Your Attention Often Wanders
A very important sign that the brain is developing wear and tear even at a young age is difficulty completing tasks that require prolonged and focused attention. A research team from USC found that an inability to focus and "quick surrender" to distractions is a sign of cognitive aging. A decline in concentration and attention can begin in the brain as early as age 30, and it’s important to be aware of the pace and extent of its occurrence. A sharp decline in concentration and attention ability may indicate Alzheimer's disease or similar problems, sometimes even at a young age. In such cases, it is essential to seek medical advice promptly and describe the situation candidly.
Comments From Your Environment
Forgetting to return a call or leaving your wallet at home once in a while can be explained by overload or distractions. However, when such phenomena affect more and more aspects of life, comments will start to come. If your friends note that your behavior seems different, distracted, and forgetful, it’s essential to take their words seriously.
"The patients I see who have memory problems often don’t recognize that they have an issue," says Thomas R. Vidic, M.D., a fellow at the American Academy of Neurology. "They are convinced they have no problem when there is one. So, I would say a very important sign to pay attention to is what your friends and family are telling you." Remember that such comments are not coming from a bad place but from concern and love, and there is something you can do to change the situation, as we will explain further.
Feeling Tired Most of the Day
This is a significant sign of brain aging noted in several studies—for example, the Mayo Clinic’s Aging Study. Sleepiness and a feeling of tiredness during the day not only indicate that your brain isn’t getting rest at night, but they are also symptoms of an issue that may lead to physical changes in the brain associated with aging. "Sleep is a very important protector of the brain," says Neil Graff-Radford, M.D., a professor of neurology at the Mayo Clinic in Florida. A persistent feeling of tiredness that could indicate accelerated brain aging is often a result of insufficient sleep, but not only that.
Dr. Graff-Radford further explains, "Studies have shown that sleep apnea can shrink the hippocampus (a part of the brain associated with learning and memory). Sleep apnea causes a lack of oxygen, which can damage the brain—but studies also show that treatment for sleep apnea can restore it to a normal state. The body needs seven and a half to eight hours of good sleep at night to maintain brain health."
Bonus: Simple Ways to Help Your Brain Function Better at Any Age
The MIND Diet
The MIND Diet is a nutrition plan rich in leafy greens, berries, nuts, fish, olive oil, and even a bit of wine. Not only is it delicious, but it can also turn back your cognitive age by seven and a half years, according to a 2015 study. Nine hundred men and women aged 58 to 98 detailed their diets and were cognitively tested for more than four years. Study participants who adhered to the MIND diet reduced their risk of Alzheimer's and dementia by 53%, and those who moderately followed the diet reduced their risk by 35%.
Maintaining Physical Activity
Regular exercise is not mandatory—although it is highly recommended—since general physical activity positively affects brain aging. For example, for every floor climbed daily, the brain’s age decreases by 0.58 years, according to a study published in the scientific journal Neurobiology of Aging. You can also take short walks throughout the day, do five-minute fitness routines, play outdoors with the kids, garden, or complete household chores. The main thing is to move your body!
Sharing Emotions With Friends and Family
A 2021 study found that social connections with people who are good listeners, trustworthy, and can share emotions with you can slow brain aging. Remember that even manageable stress and tension still negatively affect the brain. Unloading and sharing these emotions not only helps your mental health but also preserves your brain and memory.
Maintaining Optimism
"A positive attitude is important for protection against cognitive aging," concludes Dr. Graff-Radford. "I’ve met several Holocaust survivors, and they light up the room when they enter. I met a wonderful woman who was a survivor, and she passed away at over 100 years old—she was elderly, but she spoke with amazing clarity and had an exceptional positive outlook on the world." Take this inspiring example to heart—looking on the bright side is a great way to maintain joy and a young brain at any age!
