Or how others seem to defy age and have that youthful joy and remain passionate and energetic?
New research puts it down to the way we think. Having a positive attitude and being optimistic boosts your immune system and therefore your ability to fight disease.
Just as attitude affects the heart, scientists have concluded that attitude is more influential than blood pressure, cholesterol levels, smoking, body weight and exercise levels in how long a person lives.
Now direct from the United States comes a revolutionary programme called Youthing, to help individuals look and feel younger by making them feel more positive and optimistic. Forget cosmetics, injections and surgery and think the power of the mind instead.
Youthing is an hypnotic approach to anti-ageing and it's just been introduced to Yorkshire by clinical hypnotherapist Debbie Taylor-Payne who used to live in Elland.
Debbie who runs the Hypnotherapy Rooms in Marsh, Huddersfield, has always been fascinated by the subject of longevity as all the women in her family have lived into their 90s, and her great-grandma lived to be 102.
In the past she has worked with the elderly and is a firm believer that a positive mental attitude and enthusiasm for life is one of the secrets to a peaceful, happy, healthy life.
Debbie met Youthing's creator, Dr Bee Epstein-Shepherd while studying medical hypnotherapy in London and felt inspired by the whole idea of helping others slow down the ageing process.
"Some people may think that everyone has to get old. Yes, they do, but some age much quicker than others. There are people who try to look young by opting for Botox, surgery and cosmetic teeth whitening but don't stop to think what's going on internally.
"I believe that with a strong intention to youth we can all use our minds to lead us to behaviours and attitudes that are anti-ageing. I want to get the message across that individuals are not necessarily at the mercy of their genes. The environment, diet and attitude all play an important part to."
The programme helps people reduce stress that creates a whole host of negative emotions, weight gain, sleeplessness, loss of memory and cell deterioration that can cause ageing.
It gives you an "hypnotic facelift", increased energy levels, better memory skills, a better sex life and helps you to manage eating habits and weight.
"Hypnosis is one of the fastest ways to create a younger, more vibrant you. A truly youthful person has energy, vitality, flexibility, strength, and a strong immune system with cells working at their optimum level," says Debbie.
She has had a positive feedback to the programme, which includes a CD and workbook so you can use simple self-hypnosis at home. "Dr Epstein-Shepherd has spend 30 years researching the subject and it really does work.
"You not only look younger but you self images and confidence improves too," says Debbie.