How Old Are You Really?
How you act and how you choose to look can really impact your overall appearance, especially when it comes to making you look older or younger. That number on your birth certificate? It doesn't matter at the end of the day if you don't take care of yourself! Here are 20 things that make you appear much older than you actually are, despite what you wish or want.
1. Gray Hair
We know that getting gray hair is a natural sign of getting older, but for some people who deal with premature graying, it's an unfortunate thing that tacks on a couple of years. It's sad to say, but it seems like genetics can affect your appearance. Nothing a bit of hair dye can't fix though!
2. Heavy Makeup
While there's nothing wrong with putting on makeup to look extra nice, wearing a bit too much where it starts to look thick and cakey can really backfire. Using dark colors and heavy foundation can emphasize your fine lines and wrinkles instead of making them disappear; this just causes you to look a lot older than you actually are.
3. Outdated Fashion
Appearance is everything, especially if we're talking about how young or old it makes you look. Clothes are incredibly important to your overall style and vibe. If you dress in old fashion trends like bootleg jeans or paisley shirts, of course people are going to think you're a lot older!
4. Sedentary Lifestyle
Generally, teens and young adults love exploring and trying out new things. Whether it's hitting the gym, going to the club, or hanging out with friends, they're constantly out and about. So if you prefer having a sedentary lifestyle, not only will your body change, it just makes you feel a bit aged too.
5. Smoking
Smoking is incredibly unhealthy for you and should be avoided at all costs. But not only does it damage your body, it can make you look and feel a lot older than you'd probably like too. For one, smoking causes some intense facial aging, making your skin seem more dull and bringing out more wrinkles.
6. Using Old Time Phrases
How many times have you heard your parents or grandparents use the phrase "Well, back in my day..."? Referencing past events or even mentioning your personal experiences in this way can really emphasize the age gap you have with another person. After all, you're talking about it as if it's been years ago!
7. Ignoring Skincare
You may be used to just using soap and water to wash your face, but we're telling you now that ignoring a good skincare routine will definitely add up over the years. Everything from sun damage to acne and wrinkles will happen a lot sooner if you don't take care of your skin.
8. Poor Diet
It's not just about what you wear, your lifestyle and the choices you make can affect your overall appearance too. For instance, only eating junk food while neglecting healthy foods like fruits and vegetables can seriously do a number on you. Not only will you gain weight, it'll negatively impact your skin health too.
9. Rigid Attitudes
It may sound like a stereotype to say that boomers have rigid attitudes, but there's definitely some truth to it. If you don't want to catch yourself sounding like a boomer, you definitely have to be more open-minded. People who are stuck in their ways just naturally seem a lot more disconnected and older.
10. Traditional Hairstyles
Let's go back to talking about physical appearances for a moment. How you choose to style your hair can make a massive difference on how old or young you look. Getting clean cut, modern haircuts will definitely work in your favor, while old school, outdated looks are undoubtedly going to add a couple of years.
11. Resistance to Change in Personal or Professional Life
Young people are usually categorized as being flexible and open to new experiences. That's why having the opposite mindset can really make you feel older. Being scared of change or strongly resisting it can make you seem rather closed-minded. It's certainly not what you're looking for if you're trying to appear more youthful.
12. Slouched Posture
Never underestimate how important posture can be on your overall appearance. While sitting up straight can make you look nicely put together, sitting slouched or stooped over can give off a rather aged impression. It makes you look messy and unapproachable.
13. Traditional Timepieces
If you want to look younger, always review what the current popular trends are. Wearing things that are out of style, or worse, considered outdated, will really tack on some years to your appearance. For example, wearing old school watches or brooches don't really fit in with today's time.
14. Bad With Technology
In today's world, technology is all around us. You can't go a day without interacting with some piece of tech! That's why it's important that you move with the times - if you're still bad with using your computer, phone, or TV, it might just make you come across as a bit of a boomer.
15. Using Outdated Slang or Phrases
We mentioned this a bit previously, but language is so important in making you come off a certain way. If you still use slang or old-fashioned phrases, you'll immediately make yourself seem significantly older. If you're going to talk as if you're from the 70s, then that's exactly what people are going to think of you!
16. Avoiding Social Media
If you're out of touch with what's going on on social media, we're sad to say that makes you seem like a boomer. Social media is everything these days; it's how companies advertise, how people connect, and how we get information from around the world. Staying engaged and learning about what's trending can really make you seem a lot younger.
17. Wearing Out-of-style Eyewear
Glasses can be a seriously nice fashion statement when chosen right. Picking the right frame that accentuates your face can do wonders on your overall look. But if you choose something instead that's old-fashioned and not trendy, it just does the opposite.
18. Complaining About Body Aches
As you've gotten older, we're sure you're familiar with experiencing random body aches. Sit down for too long? Suddenly, your back's hurting. Went for a nice hike? Your knees feel like they're exploding! Bringing up these body pains on a regular basis just reminds everyone and yourself that you've aged.
19. Overemphasizing Routine
Being too strict about following a certain routine makes it sound like you have a much older mindset. Why? It demonstrates that you don't have any flexibility and hate spontaneity - things that are often associated with younger individuals.
20. Avoiding New Music and Entertainment
If you want to shave off a couple of years, why not get involved with all the new music and entertainment pop culture has to offer you? There's nothing wrong with enjoying the classics, but being open to new genres and experiences is one easy way to really make yourself appear more carefree and young.
