Aging is natural, but in a world that idolizes youth, staying “young at heart” sometimes goes a bit too far.
While there’s nothing wrong with a youthful spirit, certain signs can make the effort to stay young seem, well… a bit forced.
The tricky part? They often don’t even realize it.
Today, we take a look at seven telltale behaviors that middle-aged people often display when they’re chasing that elusive fountain of youth.
Are you guilty of any of these? Let’s find out!
1) Trying to keep up with the latest fashion trends
Think forty-something-year-old men wearing graphic tees with trendy slogans, or middle-aged women opting for ultra-ripped jeans or crop tops.
You get the picture, right?
Middle-aged people who are trying to look younger often take this to extremes.
They may wear clothes that are typically designed for a much younger demographic, thinking it will make them appear more youthful.
The problem is, it can actually have the opposite effect.
Instead of appearing young and trendy, they might come off as trying too hard to fit in, which can inadvertently highlight their age.
Clothing should be age-appropriate and comfortable.
It’s about expressing who you are, not trying to fit into a mold that isn’t meant for you (or your body shape!).
2) Obsession with youthful hobbies
Ever met someone who seems to suddenly develop a keen interest in activities predominantly enjoyed by the younger crowd?
That was me, a few years ago.
When I hit my mid-40s, I found myself scrambling to stay relevant.
I suddenly developed a passion for skateboarding.
Yes, you heard it right, skateboarding – an activity typically associated with teens.
Every weekend, you’d find me at the local skate park, trying my best to blend in with the kids half my age.
I genuinely believed that picking up this hobby would somehow make me appear younger.
But one day, while nursing a particularly nasty bruise from a failed attempt at an ‘ollie’, it hit me.
Was I enjoying this? Not really. Was it making me appear younger? Doubtful.
Was it worth the aches and pains? Definitely not.
I realized then that picking up youthful hobbies just for the sake of it isn’t the way to hold onto your youth.
Instead, it’s about living fully at whatever age you are and finding joy in activities that genuinely interest you.
Find something you love doing, regardless of the age group it’s typically associated with.
3) Excessive use of anti-aging products
Did you know that the global anti-aging market was valued at $62 billion in 2021 and is expected to reach $93 billion by 2027?
This rapid growth is fueled by the desire to maintain a youthful appearance.
Middle-aged people who try too hard to look young often have a bathroom cabinet overflowing with serums, creams, and lotions, all promising to turn back the clock.
But here’s the thing.
A healthy lifestyle, including a balanced diet, regular exercise, and plenty of sleep, can do more for your appearance than an expensive jar of cream ever could.
4) Constant comparison with younger people
Another common behavior of those trying to appear young is constant comparison with younger people.
This might be in terms of physical appearance, lifestyle, or even career achievements.
They may find themselves looking at their younger colleagues, friends’ children, or even strangers on social media, and feeling a sense of competition.
This can lead to feelings of inadequacy and can often result in attempts to emulate the lifestyle or looks of those younger individuals.
While it’s healthy to admire qualities in others, it’s important to remember that as Roosevelt once said, “comparison is the thief of joy.”
Everyone is on their own unique journey, and age is not a barrier to personal growth or success.
Instead of comparing yourself to others, focus on becoming the best version of you at any age.
5) Using young-person slang
This is another one I have been guilty of.
Trying to keep up with Gen Z slang was one of those things I thought would help me stay connected with my kids.
They’d throw out words like slay, bet, no cap, and sus, and I found myself mirroring them, thinking it might make me appear more “in the know.”
Soon enough, I was slipping words like lit and fire into my daily conversations—even outside of the family.
And let’s just say… it didn’t quite translate.
While it’s great to stay connected to our kids and understand their world a bit better, there’s a time and place for Gen Z slang.
Nothing says “trying too hard” quite like throwing on fleek or periodt into professional conversations.
6) Avoiding discussions about age
I remember a time when every mention of age or passing years would make me flinch.
I’d steer clear of any discussion that reminded me of my advancing years, hoping that if I didn’t acknowledge it, it wouldn’t be true.
Birthdays weren’t celebrations, but reminders of time slipping away.
I would even find myself lying about my age or being evasive when the topic came up.
However, over time, I realized that avoiding the topic wasn’t making me any younger.
It was only adding to my stress and preventing me from embracing the beauty of growing older.
Age is just a number and it doesn’t define your worth or capability.
It’s perfectly okay to grow older – everyone does!
Avoiding discussions about age only highlights your insecurity about it.
7) Fear of being irrelevant
At the heart of all these behaviors is often a deep-seated fear of becoming irrelevant with age.
This fear can drive people to go to great lengths to maintain a facade of youthfulness.
But the truth is, relevance has little to do with age and everything to do with how you choose to live your life.
Being engaged, curious, open-minded, and involved in your community can make you relevant at any age.
So, instead of focusing on looking young, focus on staying engaged and interested.
That’s the real secret to staying forever young.
Final thought: Embrace the journey
Aging gracefully doesn’t mean giving up on vitality, energy, or joy; it means embracing each stage of life with authenticity and confidence.
Rather than chasing youth through trends, hobbies, or appearances, let’s channel that energy into growth, self-expression, and connection.
After all, staying “young at heart” is less about looking a certain way and more about staying engaged, open, and inspired—qualities that only deepen with age.
