Wouldn’t it be nice to turn back the clock and be young again? Back in 1979, a Harvard psychologist by the name of Ellen Langer succeeded in doing exactly that with a group of eight elderly men,
In what is referred to as “The Counterclockwise Study” she investigated whether mindsets and environments could reverse physical ageing. She did this by re-creating an environment in a retreat as if it was still 1959, twenty years earlier. A group of men in their seventies and eighties were put into this environment and instructed to live as if it were 1959. Before entering the retreat, they wrote biographies describing themselves in 1959 and dressed in 1950s clothing.
They discussed events that were happening in 1959 in the present tense. They listened to music from 1959. The retreat had a black and white TV on which they watched old shows. They read newspapers and magazines from the era and didn’t discuss life as it was in 1979. Most importantly, they had to take care of themselves and help with cooking and cleaning. They also engaged in physical activities as if they were younger.
After just one week, the participants showed remarkable improvements in memory, grip strength, joint flexibility and even hearing. Independent observers even noted that they appeared physically younger.
What this study showed was that psychological mindset has a tangible, physical impact on biological age. This became the foundation for what is referred to as ‘reminiscence therapy’.
Reminiscence therapy is used with people who have memory problems, such as those suffering from dementia. It involves discussing past activities, events and life experiences. It also uses prompts such as photographs, music or familiar objects to help people access long term memories and improve their overall wellbeing.
Another researcher, Dr Becca Levy of Yale University, has demonstrated that individuals who hold positive attitudes toward ageing tend to live longer than those with negative perceptions. Positive age beliefs are associated with lower levels of stress, better cardiovascular health, improved memory performance, and greater resilience when facing illness or adversity.
Stress is a key pathway through which mindset influences biological ageing. Chronic psychological stress can increase inflammation, weaken the immune system, and accelerate cellular ageing. Studies have found that prolonged stress may shorten telomeres—the protective caps at the ends of chromosomes that are considered markers of biological age. Shorter telomeres are linked to a higher risk of age-related diseases and earlier mortality.
Conversely, a mindset characterised by optimism, purpose, and self-efficacy can help buffer the effects of stress. People who believe they have control over their lives are more likely to engage in healthy behaviours such as exercising, eating well, maintaining social connections, and seeking medical care when needed. These behaviours contribute directly to healthier ageing.
Mindset can also influence the body’s physiological responses. Positive emotions have been linked to lower blood pressure, reduced levels of stress hormones such as cortisol, and improved immune function. Over time, these benefits may slow the biological processes associated with ageing.
In summary, psychological mindset is not merely a reflection of health; it can actively shape it. By cultivating positive attitudes toward ageing, maintaining a sense of purpose, and developing effective coping strategies, individuals may influence their biological age and improve both the length and quality of their lives.
