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

If you are looking for a simple and cost-effective method to feel younger and increase your happiness and longevity, there is a solution that is uncomplicated and fun.

All you have to do is keep a youthful mindset, participate in activities that bring out your inner child, and embrace nostalgic moments.

Although it may sound too good to be true, recent survey results, backed by a research psychologist, indicate otherwise.

Overview

In a study involving 2000 adults from the United Kingdom, participants were asked about the advantages of behaving in a youthful manner and the act of indulging in nostalgia for the past.

Seventy-five percent of respondents believed it was essential to occasionally set aside adult responsibilities and adopt a more carefree mindset.

To foster a more youthful perspective, survey participants engaged in various activities like watching cartoons, playing card games or classic board games such as Monopoly, building with Lego, watching old movies and TV shows, reminiscing over old photos, mimicking others, pulling pranks, making funny faces, daydreaming, driving while listening to music, and blowing bubbles through a straw.

The survey findings showed that men typically felt fully mature by the age of 29, while women reached this point at 27. A quarter of the participants expressed a desire to hold onto a "child-like" attitude for as long as possible, with more than half feeling nostalgic about their childhood.

Furthermore, one in four respondents mentioned that one of the pleasures of being a parent was the chance to act like a child and play with toys.

While these self-reported views do not provide scientific evidence of age reversal through childlike behavior, Megan Arroll, a Psychology Research Fellow at the University of East London, was not surprised by the results as they align with previous research.

Nostalgic Memories Improve Mood

Ms. Arroll noted, “Seeing ourselves as younger than our actual age is linked to a forward-thinking mindset, resulting in better health choices like engaging in physical activities and maintaining a nutritious diet.”

Nostalgia also boosts our mood, which may explain why a majority of survey participants named Christmas as their favorite time of the year. This period allows adults to momentarily escape their daily worries and relish games, quality time with loved ones, and a return to their inner child.

Ms. Arroll further added that past studies have indicated that nostalgia can act as a shield against depression and enhance social relationships. She stressed the importance of participating in childhood activities for overall well-being, especially in terms of nurturing social ties, as isolation can be harmful.

It seems unanimous among this group of Britons that embracing a "kidult" lifestyle is advantageous. So, remember to connect with your inner child occasionally. It's a straightforward and enjoyable way to maintain a youthful spirit.