Scientists have found that people who consider themselves older than their peers are more likely to be hospitalized. These data came from an analysis of more than 10,000 people aged 24 to 102. Specialists asked them how old they felt. Participants also reported their previous medical history — diabetes, cancer, heart disease, osteoporosis and arthritis. In addition, participants completed a questionnaire designed to assess their level of depression.
Accordingly, participants who felt older than their actual age had a 10–25% higher probability of hospitalization over the following 10 years. Depression and poor health among participants helped specialists explain the connection between perceived age and hospitalization.