“You Can’t Always Be 17”? Sven Voelpel Shows How We Can Stay Young Anyway
Aging Is a Matter of Attitude – and a Personal Choice
“Decide for Yourself How Old You Are” – this is the title of the bestselling book by Prof. Dr. Sven Voelpel, aging researcher and professor at Jacobs University Bremen. His message: Aging begins in the mind – not on paper.
At the BEAUTY DÜSSELDORF conference, Voelpel said:
“It’s not about how old you become, but how you age.”
Being Old or Staying Young – What Really Determines Our Age?
Is it our birthdate that makes us old?
Or our biological age, which depends on lifestyle, exercise, and nutrition?
Or is it simply a matter of mindset?
Martina Navrátilová once said:
“Age happens in your head, not on your birth certificate.”
The Bad Reputation of Aging – And How to Change It
“Everyone wants to get old, but no one wants to be old” – a familiar paradox.
Why?
Because we associate aging with loss, decline, and stagnation.
But science tells us:
Only 30% of aging is in our genes – the remaining 70% is up to us.
Negative age stereotypes lower creativity.
Positive self-perception can increase it by up to 400%.
Off the Couch – Into Life
“If you want to live long, start early” – a Spanish proverb.
Voelpel adds:
“Get out of your comfort zone, off the couch – and into the adventure of life.”
Because: Activity is the true fountain of youth.
Even small actions help:
Pull-ups in the kitchen
Squats at the bus stop
Taking the stairs instead of the elevator
Nutrition – Small Bowls, Big Impact
In Japanese villages with many centenarians, people eat:
From small bowls
Nutritious, plant-based food
Only until they’re 80% full
Voelpel himself grows over 100 medicinal herbs – and supports pro-aging instead of anti-aging.
Active Retirement – Aging Doesn’t Mean Slowing Down
Voelpel speaks of “active retirement”.
Movement, mental fitness, and social connection make all the difference.
One study found:
Working professionals and active retirees maintain better cognitive function than those who fully retire.
Tips for a Long, Happy Life
✅ Practice Self-Efficacy
What you believe you can do matters more than what others say you can’t.
✅ Manage Stress Positively
A healthy relationship with stress extends your life.
✅ Maintain Social Bonds
Friends, family, and conversations protect against loneliness.
✅ Design Your Living Space Freely
Live how you want – and don’t live alone.
✅ See Aging as Opportunity
Not withdrawal, but growth and exploration.
How We Age and Stay Young – It’s All in Our Head
According to neuroscientist Martin Korte, our expectations influence our brain performance as we age.
What helps?
🧠 Learn something new daily or do something unusual
🚶♂️ Stay physically active
🤔 Stay curious
💪 Dare to do what brings you joy
❤️ Stay involved and love boldly
Coco Chanel said:
“Age doesn’t protect you from love, but love protects you from aging.”
H2: Conclusion – You Are as Old as You Decide to Be
Sven Voelpel puts it simply:
“Optimism is the magic formula for staying young.”
Those who embrace their age live significantly longer – on average 7.5 years more.
Because:
It’s not the years that make us old – it’s how we live them.
