A darling wrote to me a few days ago asking about my age. It took me less than a second to answer her, “I don’t associate with age. Age is merely a number. In wisdom, I think my spirit is old. However, based on my joie de vivre, I know I am young.”

Have you ever found yourself wondering how old you truly feel, or how your perception of age compares to the number on your birth certificate?

This is how I feel every day of my life. Just imagine for a few minutes that your birth certificate did not exist. Based on the way you feel, what age would you give yourself?

Taking Care of Our Things Defeats Chronological Age and Biological Age

I drive a black two-door Lexus. It is a hardtop convertible that is 20 years old. The chronological age (or actual age) does not matter. I think my car is beautiful. It was a special edition and Lexus no longer produces this model. Although it is 20 years old, it’s still in high demand. My car looks and drives like a new automobile because I take care of it.

I have a beautiful gold Cartier watch with a diamond bezel that is over 30 years old. I took it in to be checked and the gentleman behind the counter told me this style of watch has been discontinued but is in high demand. It keeps time perfectly and glimmers on the outside because I take care of it. When we take care of our things–including our bodies–age is just a number. Proper care helps prevent deterioration, whether it’s in cherished objects or in our own bodies.

Taking care of your body can also help minimize visible signs of aging such as wrinkles.

Assessing Your True Age: Beyond the Calendar

Have you ever wondered if the number of candles on your birthday cake really tells the whole story of your age? Most people think of age as the number of years since their birth date—a simple calculation from one date to another using an age calculator or even a chronological age calculator. This is what we call chronological age: it measures the time that has passed since you were born, from your given date to the current date. It’s the number you see on your driver’s license, the answer you give when someone asks, “How old are you?”

But here’s where it gets interesting: research suggests that your chronological age is only part of the story. There’s another, perhaps more important, measure called biological age. While chronological age measures the years you’ve been alive, biological age refers to the actual condition of your body’s cells, tissues, and organs. Biological aging is influenced by a beautiful mix of genetic factors, lifestyle choices, and even the environment around us.

For example, two people born on the same date—let’s say, two dates in February—might have the same chronological age, but their bodies could be aging at very different rates. One person might have shorter telomeres (the protective caps on our chromosomes), which research has linked to a higher risk of aging-related diseases like diabetes and even premature death. Another person, thanks to healthy habits like managing stress, maintaining a balanced diet, and staying active, might have a biological age that’s years younger than their chronological age.

Scientists and researchers have developed fascinating tools to help us determine our biological age, such as DNA methylation tests and telomere length measurements. These tests look at the tiny changes in our DNA and proteins that happen as we age. While you don’t need to rush out and get a DNA test, it’s empowering to know that the aging process is not just about the number of birthdays you’ve celebrated, but about how well you care for your body and mind.

So, the next time you use a chronological age calculator to figure out how many years have passed since your birth, remember that the real difference in aging comes from how you live your life. By focusing on healthy habits—like managing stress, eating nourishing foods, and staying active—you can help slow down biological aging and reduce your risk of aging-related diseases. In other words, you have more control over your longevity and life expectancy than you might think!

Ultimately, your true age is not just a number on a calendar, but a reflection of your health, your choices, and your joie de vivre. Embrace the process, celebrate your life, and remember: it’s never too late to feel younger than your years.

8 Easy Steps I Use to Take Care of Myself

Do you take care of your body? For those of you who do, please share your secrets with me. I would love to know your tips in the comments below!

Taking care of yourself can help prevent or manage various health conditions, supporting overall well-being as you age. In some cases, self-care may also include taking medications as part of managing specific health conditions.

Here are mine:

1. Walk Whenever Possible

I walk America daily, which is a great way to get in my exercise and enjoy the wonderful outdoors at the same time.

2. Use Your Scale or Run Out and Buy One

This will help you keep a decent weight. My scale keeps me disciplined. I weigh myself daily and when I am up a few pounds, I force myself to cut back when eating and I dedicate extra time to walking. You notice I chose the word force, as we are the ones who need to take the responsibility to care for ourselves. While sometimes it can be hard for us to put on the brakes, I keep light snacks like SkinnyPop popcorn in our home to nosh on so I’m satisfied while staying healthy.

3. Become Overly Observant of the Importance of Routine Exams and Screenings

This discipline has saved my life three times. Modern medicine offers various tests and screenings to assess your health. During these exams, important health metrics are measured to help detect potential issues early. I am the opposite of a hypochondriac, therefore, I am not eager to make doctor appointments. Actually,  I am afraid. Nevertheless, I force myself, darlings–and you must too.

4. Don’t Smoke

If you do smoke, I advise you to seek help and get on a path to quitting.

5. Limit Your Alcohol Consumption

If you drink alcohol, they say not more than two drinks a day or 5 ounces of wine and 1.5 ounces of liquor. I have a glass of wine or a cocktail when my ultimate concierge and I go out for dinner. However, I don’t partake in wine or cocktails at home.

6. Sleep, My Darlings!

Try to get at least seven or eight hours each night. Sadly. I have to give myself an F in the sleep department. I used to be the greatest sleeper. But recently, the wheels in my head will not stop. While I am not tired, this is not healthy for my immune system or yours if you are copying me. I don’t know what the answer is and I keep hoping this is just a phase (If you have great girlfriend advice for me, please share it in the comments!)

7. Water Washes Away Chronological Age

Drinking plain water has never been easy for me. To help me reach adequate hydration, I have a large container filled with hot water and a squeeze of a lemon wedge that I carry with me when I am home. I do enjoy sparkling water and I also eat lots of tomatoes because I read they are filled with water.

8. Take Care of Yourself and Manage Stress The Same Way You’ve Cared For Your Children and Grands

As mothers and grandmothers we have a tendency to care for everyone around us and forget to put on our own oxygen mask! Remember that your health is important too. When you take care of your body, your mind and soul will experience a joie de vivre.

Chronological Age is Just a Number: Attitude Counts

Our minds and souls are the windows of how we interpret aging. It is all attitude, darlings. My mindset doesn’t often think about my chronological age. In other words, my actual age does not affect my daily lifestyle, a lifestyle that overflows with joie de vivre especially when I am with my ultimate concierge, my pooch America, people young and old, nature and when I am alone writing. I don’t think much about myself. Maybe that is one of the reasons I don’t think much about aging. I am too busy staying curious, experiencing new avenues, helping others and enjoying all the little things that are important to me.

Cognitive abilities and mental outlook also play a significant role in how we perceive aging. There are different types of ages, such as chronological, biological, psychological, and social ages, each influencing our overall experience of growing older.

Therefore, I don’t embrace the aging process or aging for that matter. Instead, I embrace life! I am still on the hunt, continuing to gain wisdom, which is a satisfying and exuberant feeling.

Life is filled with incredible moments and I take all I can from the joy this very minute of the strong wind keeping rhythm with my fingers on my keyboard to my husband sleeping beside me and my pooch on my other side, to the darkness and stillness of the night aside from the light of my computer screen and the whispers of the wind outside. I am grateful and feeling in love. Who has time to think about age?

At any point in time, reflecting on your age or life journey can offer new perspectives and appreciation for where you are.

Consider how you can reap your joie de vivre and stop thinking about your chronological age. Life is here for the taking and I suggest you take all that you can. Sit down and make a list of your dreams. Then hitch yourself to your star and soar!

What are the rules you follow to take care of your self? I’d love to learn from any life hacks you practice in the comments below!

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