Despite continuous advancements in medical and scientific technology, such as gene editing and the rise of AI, the technology to reverse time still has a long way to go. However, in 1979—long before the 2000s—a study was conducted that seemingly turned back time.
Ellen Langer, a Harvard University psychology professor, gathered elderly individuals aged 70 and above and had them live for a week in an environment that closely resembled the era of their youth. Not only were nostalgic objects placed throughout the space, but the music, books, news, and TV programs were also adjusted to match that period.
As a result, participants significantly improved vision, hearing, and joint flexibility. Their blood pressure and blood sugar levels also approached normal ranges. Furthermore, their self-perception became younger, and their overall attitude toward life became more positive and energetic.
This experiment, known as Ellen Langer’s famous Counterclockwise Study, highlights the importance of mindfulness and the deep connection between mental and physical health. Langer emphasizes that when people bring their drifting consciousness into the present—”the here and now”—they not only lead a more dynamic life but also experience a revitalization of both mind and body.
Slow aging, or aging gradually, is gaining widespread interest. While each individual’s definition of beauty varies, the pursuit of health and youth is nearly universal. Slow aging refers to various methods that help slow down the aging process of both the mind and body, preventing diseases and maintaining a healthy life. In contrast, accelerated aging speeds up the decline of mental and physical functions.
As the Counterclockwise Study shows, mindfulness helps slow the aging process. When the body experiences acute stress, it secretes cortisol as a defense mechanism, raising blood pressure and blood sugar levels. Rapid breathing and headaches may also occur. When stress becomes chronic, the immune system weakens, increasing the likelihood of conditions such as diabetes and hypertension.
Lee Sang Hyuk, a professor of psychiatry at Bundang CHA Hospital, states that incorporating stress management through meditation, a form of mindfulness, into daily life can rejuvenate both the mind and body. He describes mindfulness meditation as staying in the present moment and explains that it involves focusing on current experiences and sensations.
Mindfulness meditation can be practiced anytime and anywhere—walking, eating, brushing teeth, or showering. For example, when eating, one can focus on the texture and taste of the food. During a walk, one might notice the sensations in one’s feet and observe the shapes and colors of flowers and leaves.
Lee advises that it is okay if other thoughts arise during meditation. In such cases, he suggests recognizing, “I tend to have these thoughts often,” and then consciously bringing oneself back to the present moment. He suggests repeating this process as training.
He also recommends viewing emotions and thoughts as passing clouds. “If you recognize that the stress you are experiencing now will eventually pass, just like clouds in the sky, you can shift your mindset and focus on the present. This is not only a stress management technique but also a fundamental approach to life,” he explained.