Blow out the candles and light up your smile—we think birthdays are the best. Here are some standout smile facts for birthday milestones:
• Happy Birthday, Babies!
Smiling starts at birth.
Babies learn a lot of from watching the action around them, but all infants are born with the ability to smile. Even blind babies smile.
• Happy Birthday, 20-Somethings!
Smiling gets you promoted.
Fresh in their careers, 20-somethings are eager to become workforce warriors. And if you’re in your 20s, it pays to sport a smile. Because happiness is strongly correlated with performance and productivity, smiling can help you climb the job ladder, according to Forbes.
• Happy Birthday, Midlifers!
Smiling makes you look younger.
Kick a midlife crisis to the curb and smile! Smiling can make you appear up to 5 years younger. One study showed when people looked at photos of smiling individuals; they estimated a younger age than when they looked at those same people sans smile.
• Happy Birthday, Seniors!
Smiling is your specialty.
Seniors are smiling more because happiness is highest in the golden years. Older Americans express the highest levels of happiness, according to a 2011 study. And if you’re 75 or older, you’re more likely to report your life turned out better than expected.
Celebrate every birthday with a smile! And remember—if you’re sad about turning another year old, force a smile. It can actually make you FEEL happier.