Indra's blog: About the Difference between my Actual and my Perceived Age

Indra blog: About the Difference between my Actual and my Perceived Age

Perceived age refers to the age that a person looks or is estimated to be based on their physical appearance,

rather than their actual chronological age.

I was at the pharmacy, when the pharmacist looked up surprised from her paperwork and queried me about my age. The answer made her chuckle: "Really? I didn't think this was right, but there you go." That completely made my day. If even a healthcare professional starts to doubt it, I think I must be doing something right.

When you ask any of my kids how old I am, they will answer straight away with “36”,  followed by a wink and a knowing smile in my direction. If you take into account we just celebrated 15 years of Berwick Smile, set up by me as a squat, you will realise the maths don’t add up. And indeed, last April I celebrated a decade of turning 36. I liked that number more than anything else that came after that. I did celebrate turning 40 BIG, but the year after, it was back to being 36.

Why? You might ask.. Well, I think I just don't want to feel old(er). I have young kids and don't want to be this old mum. So, when anybody asks and my kids reply with "36" and the other person doesn't move an eye lid, it makes me feel good. Thinking that apparently I don't look the 10 years older that I truly am. Not just young at heart.... and all that.

My youngest sister on the other hand, sees it completely differently and turns the conversation around. As a very fit, slim, beautiful and childless (I do love my kids, but they give me a few extra years now and again) woman, she feels the best way is to boast about your age. She just turned 41 and thinks it is an absolute blast to astonish people with her real age and loves the conversation that follows and usually goes like: "No, you can't be", or "I don't believe it" ... and so on.

My ultimate win was when we were at one of our '100' days; a community of 100 dental practices that come together every quarter in groups over a few locations in the UK to talk about anything new and exciting that is coming our way. We were talking about the advances of AI and were shown the (free) Novos FaceAge calculator, that will show you your overall perceived facial age. Obviously we all had to try this out. Low and behold, in May, my FaceAge was actually 36, with an Eye Age of 21. For the sake of this blog I redid the calculation this evening and I am now perceived 34 (Eye Age 19). Well that proves the point that regular collagen intake does work... And solves the question that my eldest asked me this week: "Mum, when you turn 50 in a few years, what are we going to say then?" I did answer him "Let's make it 38", but I decided we are now sticking to 36 for the next decade as well. I think I earned it.

For me, I have to admit that some good parental genes from my father's side do most of the trick, daily collagen, staying out of the sun and wearing a high sun factor SPF 50 most of the time are part of it too. And obviously, a few years of regular use of botulinum toxin (more commonly known as BotoxⓇ, but that is just a brand name and not even my favourite one) help erase the other extra years that you can't see.

I invite you to do the free AI Facial Age Test by clicking on the button here. If you don't like what you see, give us a call. I am more than happy to share some of my tips and show you what I can do for you with the art of facial aesthetics. After all, when it comes to ageing, we can use all the help we can get, right?

Try FaceAge Now

Indra x

Just a small reminder that I am training for the Great North Run. I am taking on the biggest half marathon of the North East in aid of the Sick Children’s Trust and the Tiny Lives Fund. 

If you like to know more or help me support these amazing charities, you can do so here:

https://ajbellgreatnorthrun2025.enthuse.com/pf/indra-rampersad

It is greatly appreciated. Thank you.