When people talk about “looking older,” they usually jump straight to wrinkles and grey hair.
Honestly, there’s way more to it than what’s happening with your skin. A lot of the things that make someone seem older (or younger!) come down to their energy, habits, and how they show up in everyday life. If you’ve ever been told you seem older than you are (and not in the good, wise way), here are some things that might be ageing you without you even realising it — and none of them involve crow’s feet.
1. Constantly complaining about “kids these days”
Nothing will date you faster than sounding like you’re permanently stuck in the past. Complaining about younger generations instantly makes you seem out of touch, even if you’re technically not much older. People who stay curious, open, and interested in how the world is changing tend to radiate a fresher, more youthful energy. You don’t have to agree with every trend, but you shouldn’t get stuck in “everything was better back then” mode.
2. Dressing too formally for every occasion
There’s a big difference between dressing well and looking like you’re always heading to a board meeting from 1995. Overly formal or outdated outfits can quietly add years, even if you’re otherwise vibrant and energetic. You don’t have to chase trends to look fresh, either. Just leaning into more relaxed, modern styles (that still feel like you) can make a surprising difference in how youthful and current you come across.
3. Talking about your “glory days” too much
It’s great to be proud of your past, but if most of your stories start with “Back in my day…” people will start seeing you as stuck there. Constantly living in your memories can unintentionally age you in people’s eyes. Staying engaged with what’s happening now, and being excited about the future, makes you seem a lot younger than someone who’s always reminiscing about their high school wins or university parties.
4. Being negative about technology
It’s fine not to be glued to your phone, but constantly moaning about how “technology is ruining everything” can make you seem way older than you are. Resistance to new tools or platforms often gets read as resistance to change in general. No one’s asking you to love every app that comes out, but staying open to learning new things keeps you mentally flexible, and nothing says “young at heart” like someone willing to adapt without grumbling about it.
5. Moving stiffly or avoiding physical activity
You don’t need to run marathons to look lively, but if you move like everything hurts all the time (even if it doesn’t), it can add years to how people perceive you. Stiff, sluggish movement quietly sends a message that your body’s older than it really is. Staying active, stretching, and moving with purpose by even just taking regular walks can make a huge difference in the way you carry yourself and how much youthful energy you give off without saying a word.
6. Being cynical about everything
Cynicism can sneak up on you. A sarcastic comment here, a rolled eye there, and before you know it, you’re the person who seems tired by life. Chronic cynicism, even in small doses, tends to age people more than almost anything else. Choosing hope, or at least choosing curiosity, keeps your spirit lighter. You don’t have to be endlessly optimistic, but staying curious instead of constantly rolling your eyes at everything makes you feel much more alive to be around.
7. Holding onto outdated beauty habits
We all have our favourite styles, but clinging to old haircuts, heavy makeup styles, or past-their-prime fashion tricks can make you look stuck in time, even if your face is wrinkle-free. Updating your style doesn’t mean throwing everything out — just small tweaks like lighter makeup, a fresh haircut, or softer colour palettes can make you look way more current without feeling like you’re trying too hard.
8. Avoiding change at all costs
Change is uncomfortable, sure, but avoiding it like it’s the plague can make you seem rigid, stuck, and, frankly, old before your time. People who welcome (or at least accept) change naturally seem more vibrant and flexible. Adapting doesn’t mean you abandon who you are. It means you stay open to new ideas, new ways of thinking, and new experiences that keep your spirit moving forward instead of cemented in the past.
9. Speaking in outdated slang
Using slang from decades ago (“groovy,” “cool beans,” “radical”) can feel nostalgic in a funny way, but if it’s how you speak all the time, it can quietly date you more than you realise, even if you’re young at heart. You don’t have to start saying “slay” or “vibe check” if it’s not you, but just keeping your language more natural and less tied to old catchphrases helps you sound current without forcing anything fake.
10. Having an “I’ve seen it all” attitude
Nothing kills fresh energy faster than acting like nothing can surprise or impress you anymore. That weary, know-it-all attitude might feel earned, but it makes you seem older than your years. Wonder, awe, and the ability to be delighted, even by small things, keeps you emotionally youthful. It’s not about pretending you’re naïve; it’s about staying open enough to still be amazed by life.
11. Always needing to be the expert
Being knowledgeable is great. Needing to show you know more than everyone else all the time? Not so much. It can make you seem heavy, rigid, and older than you really are, even if your advice is technically good. People who stay youthful know how to switch between sharing their knowledge and staying humble enough to learn something new. That humility reads as fresh and energised, not worn-out or stuck in their ways.
12. Neglecting posture and body language
Slouching, crossing your arms tightly, or walking with your head down can make you look tired, closed off, and way older than you are. Body language speaks loudly, even when you’re not trying to send a message. Standing tall, moving openly, and walking like you have a reason to take up space can subtly make you seem years younger without changing a single thing about your looks. It’s a free facelift for your whole vibe.
13. Always talking about how tired you are
Everyone’s tired sometimes—that’s just life. But if “I’m exhausted” becomes your catchphrase, people will start to associate you with low energy, even if you’re actually doing fine most days. Energy is contagious. Talking about your interests, your little wins, or even your random daily adventures keeps your vibe light and engaging, and helps people see you as lively, not worn down by life.
14. Acting like fun is only for “young people”
There’s no age limit on laughing too hard at dumb jokes, trying new hobbies, learning new dances, or saying yes to spontaneous adventures. Fun isn’t reserved for the under-30 crowd, unless you convince yourself it is. People who stay playful, who don’t take themselves too seriously, and who keep chasing new experiences seem to defy the calendar. They’re proof that you don’t stop having fun because you get older. You get older because you stop having fun.
