Why We Feel Younger Than We Are – What Doctors Say

How differently this change manifests in everyday medical practice becomes evident in various specialties:

Five disciplines, five perspectives

See better, stay active longer

In the Ophthalmology the change is particularly evident. "Because people are more active, the desire for independence from glasses is also increasing," explains ophthalmologist Dr. Christine Mielke.

Good vision is closely linked to quality of life today – whether in sports, everyday life, or digital applications. Modern intraocular lenses increasingly make it possible to improve several areas of vision simultaneously.

Those who see well also stay active longer. BGood vision leads to a significantly more active lifestyle into old age, according to the surgeon. In the last 15 years, the implantation of lenses with refractive added benefits has increased in her surgical center, even among patients who come primarily because of lens opacity.

This development is possible due to medical and technical advancements – particularly because of the high quality of today's available intraocular lenses (IOL). "Modern intraocular lenses can significantly reduce the need to wear glasses after the operation", says Dr. Mielke.

She describes the development of so-called toric IOLs, which simultaneously correct existing astigmatism, as groundbreaking. "But also presbyopia-correcting IOLs, which are used to correct age-related farsightedness, have experienced gigantic developments and improvements in optical quality over the past decade."

Dermatology: Visible Age, Perceived Youth

Also the Skin plays a central role in subjective age. “The face is the first part of the body where age becomes visible,” says dermatologist Dr. Stefan Duve.

How much this process can be influenced is one of the most common questions in practice. Dr. Duve: “Unfortunately, it cannot actually make you younger. However, one can achieve a more even, smoother, and well-groomed skin appearance through the classics of minimally invasive dermatology – primarily Botox and fillers – but also through laser treatments or threads.”

Genetic factors play an important role in skin aging, but also personal lifestyle determines how quickly the skin ages. This is precisely the reason why most people feel younger. “Lifestyle habits carry much more weight than before. Today, it is known that proper care, a healthy diet, and regular exercise are crucial for a younger mindset and a healthier body,” says Dr. Duve.

So-called non-invasive skin boosters can also make a few years disappear from the face. For example, “AGNES Radiofrequency Microneedling” provides a slight tightening of the skin, while the ultrasound lifting method “Ultherapy” reduces fine lines around the mouth and eyes and tightens the chin contour.

A doctor's advice: “Somewhere on the rest of the body, the actual age is then revealed, which is why it should also be kept younger through effective treatments, keyword body contouring, should be maintained younger.”

Aesthetic medicine: Small procedures, big impact

The desire to align one's appearance with one's own sense of life has increased. "One of the most effective measures is eyelid tightening," explains Prof. Dr. Thilo Schenck.

Noticeably, many patients today start earlier with smaller, regular procedures instead of a larger step later on.

The goal is not to look younger than possible – but a fresher version of oneself.

The average age of Schenck's patients is currently around 43 years. For him, exactly the right time: "Especially when it comes to the face, it makes sense to begin reverse aging with regular small procedures. This way, you can gradually work towards the desired result." With permanent medical support, the results also become increasingly natural compared to a one-time large procedure.

Orthopedics: Mobility instead of just freedom from pain

In orthopedics, it is particularly noticeable how expectations have changed.
In the past, people were satisfied with being able to manage everyday life without pain. “Today, people want to stay active and play sports even in old age,” says Prof. Dr. Rüdiger von Eisenhart-Rothe from the Klinikum rechts der Isar in Munich.

Thanks to modern implants and surgical techniques, much is possible: skiing, hiking, or cycling even after joint replacement. It is important to have a realistic assessment. Because as young as people feel – the body still sets limits.

At the beginning, there must always be a realistic assessment and clarification of what is feasible and what patients wish for. But with today’s technical state of implants and endoprostheses a lot is possible: Those who skied before can do so again. “We only recommend adjusting the skiing style a bit – not because the prosthesis can’t handle it, but to prevent accidents.”

If an operation becomes unavoidable, today no longer is it delayed until the last moment for functional reasons. "It is now known that the joint's function before the operation significantly determines how the function will be afterwards," says Prof. Dr. von Eisenhart-Rothe. "If you wait too long, it may be that the hip or knee can no longer be brought to the desired level."

Psychotherapy: The soul plays a role

As positive as the trend is – what remains decisive is mental health.
"If I am mentally healthy, I feel younger. If not, the opposite can occur," explains Prof. Dr. Andreas Menke, Medical Director of Medical Park Chiemseeblick, a specialist clinic for Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy.

Straight transitions such as retirement can be critical. If tasks or social connections are missing, the risk for depression increases—affecting quality of life and health.

Severe depression can completely incapacitate someone. “It doesn't just feel bad,it also affects life expectancy,” says Menke. Studies have shown that life expectancy is reduced by 10 to 15 years. “That's why even those who feel young should not underestimate significant changes like retirement,” Menke continues.

“You need to prepare for it to avoid falling into a rut when you no longer have a meaningful task or are not busy enough.” Often, this leads to depression, causing people to remain below their potential, Menke says.