Age is not just about the number of years you've lived or the physical appearance. It's about your mindset and how you perceive yourself. As someone who has been assisting people as a dating coach in their online dating journey for almost three decades, I've come across various perceptions of age and its influence on dating. It's fascinating to see women in their 60s looking like they're in their 50s, men in their 60s appearing older than their age, and men in their 70s looking younger than expected.

Some singles proudly state on their dating profiles, "Even though I'm 68, people often mistake me for 55." But let's be real here, we all age, and that's something to embrace and respect. Aging brings wisdom and life experience, not baggage. It's something to be cherished.

So, how can you maintain a youthful spirit, mindset, and appearance? Here are some tips and common traits I've observed in people who not only look great for their age but also find success in online dating:

1. Expand your social circle

Don't confine yourself to the same group of friends. Meeting new people keeps life exciting and adds a fresh perspective.

2. Plan an annual adventure to a new destination

Exploring new places keeps life interesting and satisfies your adventurous side. While it's tempting to revisit your favorite spots, there's something special about discovering a new culture or experiencing the Christmas markets in Germany.

3. Consider getting a pet

Studies have shown that having a pet can contribute to a youthful mindset. Personally, waking up to a cheerful golden retriever who eagerly awaits breakfast brings me joy. Moreover, taking my dog Luna for a walk along Delray Beach has not only made us both happy but has also led to unexpected friendships.

4. Embrace your age with confidence

So many people shy away from revealing their age. It's absolutely ridiculous! Own it and be proud of how far you've come in life!

5. Mindful exercise and eating

Not only does this give us a boost of endorphins, but it also helps us maintain a strong and healthy body. Who doesn't feel amazing after a 3-mile walk, a yoga class, weight training, Pilates, or a tennis match? Yes, you are what you eat, but that doesn't mean you can't indulge in a treat day every now and then. Personally, my weakness is donuts, but I don't have them every day.

6. Embrace Blue Zone techniques

I'm a huge fan of Blue Zones and love reading about them. I used to live near Loma Linda in California, which is the only Blue Zone in the US. People there age gracefully and live happily. Blue Zones are geographic areas with lower rates of chronic diseases and longer, active life expectancies. Want to know the secret? Well, it's like a fountain of youth, seriously! In Blue Zones, people have strong communities, practice rest and relaxation through meditation and mindfulness, and follow the 80% rule when it comes to eating. There's more to it, but I'll let you explore that on your own!

7. Take care of your skin, wear sunscreen, and stay hydrated

Gone are the days of slathering baby oil on our skin to get a tan. I'll admit, I'm a bit of a product junkie and I never leave the house without sunscreen, even on cloudy days. And moisturizer is a must, guys, it's not just for the ladies. Oh, and don't forget to drink plenty of water! Our bodies are mostly made up of water, and staying hydrated helps us look and feel great.

8. Stay curious and keep learning

We should never stop learning, no matter our age. There's so much to gain from other people, books, traveling, and trying new things. When you're on a date, ask questions and embrace the differences between you and the other person. I always say that you'll get bored with someone who's just like you. I have clients who are excited about going on second and third dates because they're trying new activities like trivia nights or pickleball games. It all adds up to you being a more well-rounded and interesting person.

9. It's crucial to have a tight-knit group of friends who can support you However, it's also important to take care of yourself. Sometimes, you may need to let go of a friendship if it brings negativity or constant complaining into your life.

10. Dressing appropriately for your age is something I strongly believe in It doesn't have to be expensive, but having a nice wardrobe for dates can make a difference. Consider getting help from a personal shopper at a trusted store like Nordstrom. They can push you out of your comfort zone and give you a fresh look. Just remember, we're not talking about dressing like a contestant on a reality show. Some of those outfits were just ridiculous and showed a lack of confidence in embracing the aging process.

Bonus tip: Men, try shaving or trimming some of that facial hair. Don't dress like your dad, and consider getting your teeth whitened. Ladies, update your hairstyle and use makeup lightly. You can even get a free makeover at the cosmetic counter!

This isn't about trying to find the fountain of youth. It's about taking better care of yourself and increasing your chances of meeting the right person.

Are you happy with your dating life? If so, that's great! I'm happy for you.

 But if you're not satisfied, let's take action. If you're serious about finding a life companion, reach out to me here. We can set up a 15-minute call to see if I can help and if we're a good fit. Click here.