“Forever Young means positive attitude and love for life. We grow old when we stop aligning with our inner child”. The elixir of life is a mythical potion all want to drink, which grants the drinker eternal youth. In alchemy, the elixir of life is linked to the Philosopher’s Stone, a legendary substance with the power to transmute base metals into gold and potentially yield the elixir itself. While the elixir of life remains a mythical concept, the quest for it reflects humanity’s enduring fascination with staying young forever.

 

The famous song “Yeh daulatbhi le lo, yeh shauratbhi le lo, bhalecheen lo mujhse meri jawani, magarmujhkolauta do bachpan ka sawaan, wohkagaz ki kastiwohbaarish ka pani” cherishes the child which is inside us, but in the rigmarole of life, we lose its charm and long for it, when life becomes dull, even after having all fame and fortune. In our ancient folkfare, the Gods fought with demons to drink the potion of youth and immortality. When God couldn’t lose the charm of youth, we lesser mortals cannot be left behind. We all are aware of the impossibility of staying young forever, but that doesn’t stop us from wishing for it. In essence, that is what the lyrics in the song ‘Forever Young’, “Youth is like diamonds in the sun/And diamonds are forever” in Alphaville, sung by Marian Gold, is all about. ‘Forever Young’ or ‘Fountain of Youth’ concept has captured people’s imaginations throughout history. Ancient texts, such as those penned by Herodotus and the narratives of the Alexander romance, mention the concept of rejuvenating waters. These stories revolve around the belief that consuming or bathing in these magical waters can reverse the effects of ageing, offering a compelling promise of eternal youth.

 

The quest for eternal youth is deeply rooted in the human psyche. It stems from our fear of mortality and the desire to preserve our physical, mental, and emotional well-being. As we age, we face the inevitable decline of our bodies and the accompanying challenges. Remaining Forever Young represents a symbolic hope for a remedy, offering the promise of vitality, strength, and renewed vibrancy.Furthermore, the psychology behind the yearning for eternal youth is closely tied to our fear of losing relevance and being marginalised in a society that often values youthfulness and beauty. It reflects our desire to be valued and admired, to maintain a sense of self-worth, and to feel like an active participant in the world.

 

The desire to remain Forever young resonates in today’s booming anti-ageing industry. The pursuit of a youthful appearance and the desire to slow down the ageing process have become driving force behind a multi-billion-dollar industry.The anti-ageing industry encompasses many products and services, including skincare products, cosmetic procedures, supplements, and wellness treatments. These offerings promise to turn back the hands of time, rejuvenate the body and restore a youthful glow. Just as the Fountain of Youth offered the hope of everlasting youth, the modern anti-ageing industry capitalises on our deep-rooted desire to defy the effects of time. However, it is important to approach the anti-ageing industry critically, separating fact from fiction and recognizing that true ageing is a natural and inevitable part of life. While self-care and remaining healthy can contribute to our overall well-being, embracing the beauty and wisdom that come with each passing year is crucial. We should adopt Positive aging to maintain a positive outlook in life, staying healthy and fit and feeling good about oneself. Age is just a number and we should live life to the fullest – this is the secret of remaining forever young!! (The author is in teaching profession)