Everyone wants to look younger, right? We live in a youth oriented society. In the minds of many, younger = better looking, better performing and more fun. Looking younger helps us fit in, and we humans are hardwired to fit in.

Looking younger means we are more attractive to others. Women are especially hard wired to need to look attractive, according to some psychologists, because in our distant past we got food from the he-man hunter by being sexually attractive to him. Although I’m not sure I buy in to that theory, I do like to do what I can to look younger than my age.

Studies have shown that better looking people earn more. Since we typically think of younger people as looking better, looking younger may help you earn more.

We all age. From the moment we stop growing, we start aging. The war will be lost, but the battle may yield temporary victory.

Here are 11 things you can do to appear younger, without surgery, that have pretty immediate impact.

Sleep More

Let’s face it, even a teenager looks better after a full nights sleep. Not only will your eyes be less puffy, but your skin will sag less and you may lose those dark circles under your eyes. Your mood will improve and you will have more energy.

Smile!

Actual research has been done showing that people guess ages to be less when they look at pictures of smiling faces compared to ones not smiling. So smile away. Your own mood may improve and you may end up with more positive energy. When you smile or laugh your eyes light up, your facial skin tightens and you look instantly younger (besides those smile lines hide your real wrinkles!).

Stand Up Straight

Bent backs are associated with oldness. Stand up straight. You will look more confident, breathe easier, and look thinner and younger.

Exercise

Aerobic exercise will get the blood flowing into every nook and cranny of your body. It will push debris out and give your skin at least a temporary glow.

Walk Faster

Researchers have found that how fast you walk is a predictor of how long you will live – mainly because it is an informal measure of health and vitality. Walk fast and you look more energetic and in control – and younger.

Cover Your Gray

There is no shame in covering up your gray hair. Gray hair has long been associated with age. It can make your skin look pale and make you feel older.

Whiten Your Teeth

Whiten teeth gently using a baking soda and water paste twice a week, or use one of those daily whitening routines available at the local drug store. A bright smile makes you look lots younger.

Wear V Neck Shirts or Blouses

The shape draws your eye up and down, making your neck look longer and you look thinner. A V neck design can draw eyes away from your turkey neck or double chin.

The next three pertain more to the ladies than the gents, usually.

Get a Pedicure and Manicure

Keeping your nails in great shape draws attention away from wrinkly skin and age spots. Buff down or fill in the ridges on your nails and cover with vibrant shades to direct the eyes toward the nails and away from the hands.

Cover Age Spots

If you do have those dark spots popping up on exposed skin, you can try lightening them, but for a quick fix – just cover them. I have a large brown spot on one of my arms and I usually try to cover with long sleeves or a wrap. If it is just too hot, I use makeup. I found some industrial (actual Physicians) Strength stuff that does a good job covering, but it only works short term. The brand I have currently is called Conceal RX.

Loosen Hair Around Your Face

If you pull your hair back into a tight pony tail or up do, all of your facial wrinkles will pop. Loosen the hair around your face to draw more attention to your hair and less toward your face.

What are your look younger secrets?