Why do some people look particularly young? The answer may challenge your perception.

Today, I want to discuss an insightful and intriguing perspective that has greatly inspired me.

There are always people around us who, despite being the same age or even older than us, appear younger and more vibrant.

Most people would say, “Oh, it's because they have good genes, take care of themselves, and use expensive skincare products.”

But if you observe closely, you'll notice a strange phenomenon: those who truly look young aren't the ones who apply face masks daily or get cosmetic injections, but those whose eyes always sparkle with vitality.

What's going on here? In seeking the answer, I discovered a harsh truth: 90% of aging occurs in the brain.

Neuro scientists have discovered an astonishing phenomenon called neuroplasticity. Simply put, our brains are like clay that can be reshaped, and this ability is almost unrestricted by age. Even more amazingly, when your brain is in a fresh state, it sends signals throughout your body, causing your cells, hormones, and even gene expression to follow suit and become more youthful. This explains why some people look 40 at 60, while others look old at 30.

The key isn't what magical skincare products they use, but whether their brains still maintain a beginner's mindset.

The life of renowned Chinese painter Qi Baishi is truly remarkable. This old gentleman lived to be 97, but his most impressive works were created after he turned 60. Why?

Because he was always learning new things and constantly challenging himself. At 60, he began studying portraiture; at 70, he changed his style; at 80, he was still researching new techniques. His brain never entered a comfort zone, so he always looked like a child full of curiosity.

There's also Grandma Moses, who picked up a paintbrush at 76, held her first solo exhibition at 80, and lived to be 101. What do these people have in common? Their brains are always upgrading, while those who look old often have rigid thinking.

Many older people say, “What's the point of learning these things at my age?” As they grow older, their memory deteriorates, and their brains themselves become the strongest evidence of aging.

Psychologists conducted an experiment where they took a group of people in their 70s to a place completely simulated to resemble an environment from 20 years ago and had them stay there for a week. Remarkably, their memory, vision, and hearing improved significantly, and they walked with more vigor. Why? Because the environment tricked their brains into thinking they had returned to their youth, so their bodies followed suit and rejuvenated.

What does this indicate? Age is largely a psychological suggestion. Let's take a look at those around us who seem to defy aging. They share several common traits.

First, they always maintain curiosity about new things, no matter their age. When they see something new, they want to try it.

Second, they frequently engage in “meaningless activities,” such as learning a new language or skill, even if they don't master it, they enjoy the process.

Third, their mindset remains open. They don't dwell on how things were in their day but are willing to embrace new ideas and even challenge their previous beliefs.

Fourth, they maintain active social connections. Not superficial interactions, but meaningful exchanges with people of all ages.

These behaviors share a common effect: keeping the brain in a learning mode. Neuroscience tells us that when the brain is in a learning state, it releases a protein called BDNA in large quantities. This substance acts like a “youth hormone” for the brain, promoting neural cell growth and enhancing brain vitality. This vitality then spreads throughout the body, influencing hormone secretion, metabolism, the immune system, and even the firmness of facial muscles.

So, the real secret behind those who look young is that their brains are still growing. On the other hand, those who age more quickly than their peers often have brains that have entered maintenance mode, no longer learning new things or challenging themselves, instead repeating fixed daily routines. The brain thinks: “Since it's not needed, it might as well atrophy.”

This also explains why many people age rapidly after retirement, while those who continue working into old age remain energetic, such as the beloved and dedicated Queen Elizabeth II.

It’s not work that keeps you young; it’s the continuous mental challenges that keep you young. So the best way to stay young isn’t to buy expensive skincare products, but to keep your brain hungry.

Go learn something you’ve always wanted to learn but never did, go meet a group of people completely different from you, and challenge yourself with a goal that seems impossible to achieve.

When your brain reignites the spark of learning, you’ll discover that youth can truly be redefined. Remember, true youth isn’t on your face—it’s in your mind, and the youth in your mind can always be reignited.

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