These days, when I look in the mirror, I can definitely feel that I'm getting older.

Comparing my face to photos from my 30s, I can see that my facial contours have changed a bit and there are fine lines around my eyes.

In my 20s, just washing my face would leave my skin feeling firm, but now I can feel that even with cream, my laugh lines are becoming deeper and more pronounced.

However, it's interesting that Americans still perceive me as being about five to six years younger than my actual age.

Just the other day, an American woman asked me how old I was, and when I said I was 42, she was shocked. She thought I was around 35.

Inside, I felt good, but on the outside, I pretended it didn't matter.

"Really? Thank you!"

But what's been bothering me lately is that restaurants and bars in America no longer check my ID.

Up until I was 39, I would always be asked for my ID when I went to a bar.

Of course, there are many places in America that check IDs regardless of age when selling alcohol.

Still, back then, it felt nice.

Especially when I went to a bar with my husband and they only asked me for my ID; that day felt like a victory for me.

But after turning 40, things changed.

Now, they just glance at my face and hand me the drink without asking any questions.

Wait, they checked my ID until I was 39, and now that I'm 42, I've suddenly graduated from ID checks?

This man is said to be 60... Oh my. He's not my husband, haha.

My husband is even funnier.

At 45 years old, most Americans see him as being in his mid to late 30s. They absolutely do not think he's in his mid-40s.

Recently, when a friend heard his age, she thought he was around 35.

He acted like it didn't bother him, but I know.

That evening, I found myself staring at the bathroom mirror longer than usual.

There's a famous saying in America.

"Black don't crack, Asian don't raisin."

This means that Black people don't tend to get wrinkles, and Asians don't shrivel up like raisins.

It's a bit grammatically unusual, but the rhythm makes it a popular joke among Americans.

When I first heard this saying, I laughed.

But after living in LA for a while, I understand a bit more about why such expressions exist.

In fact, dermatological studies also research the relationship between skin color and aging.

Having more melanin in the skin can help reduce some of the damage caused by UV rays.

UV rays are a significant cause of wrinkles and pigmentation changes because they damage the skin's collagen and elastic fibers.

Therefore, people with darker skin tend to show signs of photoaging later.

Some studies have also observed that Asians tend to show certain types of wrinkles later than Caucasians.

Of course, not all Asians look youthful. Skin aging can vary greatly depending on genetics, UV exposure, smoking, sleep, and lifestyle habits.

Additionally, for Asians, pigmentation or melasma may become more prominent before wrinkles.

So, the saying "Asian don't raisin" is an interesting cultural expression, not a medical fact that all Asians' skin doesn't age.

However, I also think there's a difference in how facial features are perceived.

Americans sometimes struggle to accurately guess the age of Asians.

There are studies suggesting that unfamiliar facial features can lead to different age judgments.

So, whether Americans see me as 36 because my skin looks good or because they can't distinguish Asian ages, I honestly don't know.

But I don't want to overthink it.

If they say I look 36, then I'm 36.

Recently, my husband and I went to a restaurant, and something funny happened.

The staff asked my husband how old he was, and when he said 45, they were surprised and said they thought he was in his 30s.

My husband smiled and pointed to me.

"My wife is 42."

Then the staff looked at me and said they thought I was in my late 30s. At that moment, I felt a strange mix of emotions.

It means my husband looks ten years younger, and I look five years younger. Even among those who live together, there's a gap in perceived youthfulness.

The Legend of Youthfulness in Korea, Lee Gil-yeo

When it comes to discussions about youthfulness in Korea, there's one figure that cannot be overlooked.

That's Lee Gil-yeo, the founder of Gachon University and the chairperson of the Gachon Gil Foundation.

Born in 1932, she is currently 94 years old as of 2026.

However, when she appears at public events, it's truly astonishing.

With her upright posture, abundant hair, and bright eyes, she looks quite different from the typical image of someone in their 90s.

What's even more surprising is that she continues to be active in the fields of education and healthcare.

Lee Gil-yeo is also a physician who has contributed to the growth of Gachon University and Gachon University Gil Medical Center.

Of course, one cannot judge biological age solely based on appearance. Genetic factors, health management, and lifestyle habits all play a complex role.

Still, when I see her, the phrase "a person who defies aging" comes to mind before "youthful."

Every time I see her photos, I wonder: Is time really passing her by?