To remain youthful, embrace your inner child and be a kidult.

If you are seeking a simple, affordable way to feel younger and live a longer, happier life, there is an answer that is straightforward and enjoyable.

All you need to do is maintain a youthful mindset, engage in youthful activities, and embrace nostalgia.

Although it may seem too good to be true, recent survey findings, supported by a research psychologist, suggest otherwise.

Overview

In a survey of 2000 British adults, participants were questioned about the health benefits of behaving in a youthful manner and the practice of indulging in nostalgia.

Three out of four respondents believed it was important to occasionally forget their adult responsibilities and embrace a more carefree mindset.

To cultivate a more youthful outlook, respondents engaged in activities such as watching cartoons, playing card games or classic board games like Monopoly, playing with Lego, watching old movies and TV shows, looking at old photos, imitating others, playing pranks, making silly faces, daydreaming, driving while listening to music, and blowing bubbles through a straw.

The survey revealed that men typically did not feel truly mature until the age of 29, while women reached this milestone at 27. A quarter of participants expressed a desire to maintain a "child-like" attitude for as long as possible, with over half feeling nostalgic for their childhood.

Additionally, one in four respondents mentioned that one of the joys of parenthood was the opportunity it provided to act like a child and play with toys.

While these self-reported opinions do not offer biological proof of age reversal through childlike behavior, Megan Arroll, a Research Fellow in Psychology at the University of East London, was not surprised by the results as they align with prior research.

Nostalgia Enhances Mood

According to Ms. Arroll, “Viewing ourselves as younger than our actual age is associated with a future-focused mindset, leading to better health decisions such as engaging in physical activity and maintaining a healthy diet.”

Nostalgia also uplifts our spirits, which may explain why a majority of survey participants declared Christmas as their favorite time of year. This season allows adults to momentarily shed their daily concerns and immerse themselves in games, quality time with loved ones, and a reconnection with their inner child.

Ms. Arroll further stated that past research has indicated that nostalgia can serve as a protective shield against depression and strengthen interpersonal relationships. She emphasized the importance of engaging in childhood activities for overall well-being, particularly in terms of nurturing social connections, as isolation can be detrimental.

It appears unanimous among this group of Britons that embracing a "kidult" lifestyle is beneficial. So, remember to tap into your inner child from time to time. It's a simple and enjoyable way to maintain a youthful spirit.