Why feeling younger slows down the rate your brain ages

Feeling younger can help slow down the rate your brain ages, a new study has found.

That is because people who feel this way have been found to have greater volumes of grey matter in their brains. This is involved in hearing, emotions, decision-making and self-control, the Daily Mail reported.

Researchers from Seoul National University also found them to have better memory and good health physically and mentally.

"We found that people who feel younger have the structural characteristics of a younger brain," study author Dr Jeanyung Chey is quoted as saying by the Daily Mail.

However, for young folk who feel like their already seniors and feel demotivated to lead a healthy lifestyle, it leads to cognitive decline.

Why? Researchers believe it is due to loss of grey matter. This mindset may make daily chores more challenging.

"If somebody feels older than their age, it could be sign for them to evaluate their lifestyle, habits and activities that could contribute to brain aging and take measures to better care for their brain health," Dr Chey went on to explain.

The findings were originally published in the journal Frontiers in Aging Neuroscience.