"When I see a healthy-looking woman on the street, especially her hips, I feel some kind of reaction. Is this a rise in hormones?"

Let's discuss this question in a slightly scientific and entertaining way.

To get straight to the point, yes. Visual stimuli alone can temporarily increase male hormones, particularly testosterone.

The human brain is designed more primitively than we think. It is sensitive to signals that favor reproduction.

There are elements in a woman's body that men unconsciously recognize as health signals. These include a balanced body shape, appropriate muscle and fat distribution, and the ratio of waist to hips.

From an evolutionary psychology perspective, these features are interpreted as "signals of health and reproductive capability." Therefore, the male visual system quickly detects these shapes and activates the brain's reward circuits.

In this process, dopamine is released, and at the same time, testosterone may temporarily rise. Actual studies have confirmed that men's testosterone levels increase in the short term when they see or interact with attractive individuals. Of course, this increase is temporary, and over time, levels return to baseline.

Interestingly, this reaction occurs regardless of age. While baseline hormone levels may decrease compared to one's 20s, the response system to stimuli does not significantly diminish. From my counseling experience, men in their 50s and 60s jokingly say, "The eyes are still alive." Biologically, this is not an incorrect statement.

However, it is important to note that hormonal responses and behavior are separate issues. The brain's primitive reactions occur automatically, but humans are social beings. Factors such as experience, values, relationships, and responsibilities regulate behavior. This is also why rational control and emotional stability tend to strengthen as one ages.

Another interesting fact is that these visual stimuli do not necessarily carry only sexual meanings. Vibrant appearances, healthy bodies, and lively movements are recognized by humans as overall "vitality signals." This can lead to feelings of improved mood or increased energy.

By the time one reaches their 60s, the body is certainly not the same as before. However, some parts of the brain still retain the programs from youth. I express this in counseling by saying, "The body is preparing for retirement, but the brain is still active."

Ultimately, the key point is that feeling good or momentarily energized when seeing an attractive appearance is a very natural physiological response. It signals that even as we age, humans are still alive and that our senses and instincts are functioning.

So, there is no need to over-interpret this or think of it as something strange.

Perhaps the fact that we can still see beauty as we age is the most human signal sent by a healthy brain.