New book argues aging can “flicker” — and adults can choose to feel younger, authors say
A new gerontology concept, the ‘Flicker Stage’ — introduced in Your Aging Advantage — argues aging is dynamic rather than linear, and that individuals can deliberately “flicker” into younger-feeling states via targeted interventions and mindset shifts.
- Fluid model: Authors Stuart Kaplan and Marcus Riley propose seven fluid stages of aging rather than a steady decline.
- Flicker concept: Short-lived “flickers” — triggered physically, socially, psychologically, or environmentally — can make people feel and function younger.
- Evidence base: The idea draws on studies, clinical observation and interviews but lacks large randomized trials to date.
- Local impact: Redding-area communities could see economic, social and political effects if residents adopt flicker-focused practices.
What Kaplan and Riley are proposing
Stuart Kaplan and Marcus Riley, co-authors of Your Aging Advantage: The Seven Fluid Stages of Aging (2025), argue many people live with a “feels-like” age that differs from their birth-certificate age. They ask readers to think of aging like weather: the thermometer may read 85°, but humidity makes it feel like 95°. That subjective, lived experience — the feels-like age — can move up or down. Short bursts of feeling younger or older are what the authors call the Flicker Stage of Aging.
“Through positive interventions, we have the ability to flicker back to the stage of age we want,” Riley said in a recent media interview.
“Age 65 is a social convention tied to retirement policy, not a rule for the body or mind,” Kaplan added.
See the Fox News video segment with Kaplan and Riley for the authors’ media appearance.
The seven-stage model
Your Aging Advantage frames aging in seven stages: Vitality, Momentum, Flicker, Stabilization, Adaptation, Resilience and Legacy. The Flicker Stage sits near the center of the model and is described as a state where habits, mindset or short interventions produce a temporary improvement in felt capacity and function. The authors emphasize this is a functional and psychological reset—not a cellular reversal of aging—but one that can improve daily life and extend healthy years.
Evidence and scientific context
Kaplan and Riley build the Flicker Stage idea from multiple lines of inquiry:
- Neuroscience: Studies suggest the brain’s state can shift more rapidly than outward behavior, leaving room for short-term functional changes.
- Psychology: Classic mindset work — such as Ellen Langer’s counterclockwise experiments — shows older adults can manifest temporary improvements when placed in evocative environments.
- Social science: Theories like socioemotional selectivity show social ties and meaningful choices shape wellbeing as people age.
- Healthspan trends: Public-health writing argues healthspan is evolving separately from lifespan, supporting a non-linear view of aging.
The authors cite peer-reviewed research such as a Frontiers in Aging Neuroscience study on blink-related oscillations that finds some neural markers change with age while others remain flexible — a result the book interprets as consistent with non-linear aging.
What the research does not yet show
While consistent with mindset and plasticity literature, the Flicker Stage is not yet validated by large randomized controlled trials. Kaplan and Riley rely on clinical observations, interviews and smaller studies. Independent geriatricians praise the emphasis on prevention and personal responsibility but urge caution: the concept should not be read as a promise to reverse biological aging. The authors report a planned UCLA trial to test flicker interventions more formally in coming years.
Practical flicker triggers and methods
Kaplan and Riley list practical, repeatable triggers that can help someone flicker back. These align with conservative values of self-reliance and community responsibility:
- Physical: short walks, regular resistance training or a 20-minute movement routine to restore energy.
- Psychological: gratitude journaling, reframing setbacks, or goal-setting that restores purpose.
- Social: renewed contact with friends, mentoring, or joining a local club.
- Environmental: spending time outdoors, decluttering living space, or a brief “reset” retreat.
The authors encourage readers to identify personal flicker triggers — specific actions that reliably produce younger-feeling states — and to practice them as a repeatable skill rather than expecting a one-time miracle.
Media reception and public response
Since publication, Your Aging Advantage has circulated widely in wellness circles. The Fox News video segment with Kaplan and Riley drew significant views and framed the message as empowering. The concept has also spread on social media via hashtags and short videos showing personal stories of feeling younger after simple changes.
Experts react with cautious interest: neuroscience papers provide evidence of brain flexibility without establishing a direct “flicker” mechanism. Commentators note the book’s mix of science, anecdotes and tips makes the idea accessible but not a replacement for medical advice or clinical care.
Implications for Redding, California
Redding and Shasta County could be well positioned to adopt elements of the flicker approach given local lifestyle and resources. The book’s framing offers potential impacts across economic, political and social domains.
Economic impact
Redding’s economy — a mix of small businesses, healthcare providers and services for older residents — could benefit if more people stay employed longer, retrain, or volunteer. Employers may gain a larger pool of experienced workers; local fitness, outdoor recreation and wellness providers could see increased demand for short, effective programs.
Political consequences
Kaplan and Riley’s critique of fixed retirement benchmarks like age 65 intersects with debates about Social Security, retirement age and workforce participation. For conservative audiences in Redding, the message supports flexible work options, private-sector eldercare solutions and policies promoting individual responsibility.
Social effects
Redding’s access to outdoor spaces and active community groups aligns with Flicker Stage triggers: hiking, fishing and clubs can serve as practical resets. Senior centers, churches and volunteer organizations could adopt short, actionable programs to help members discover personal flicker triggers and remain engaged contributors.
Cultural relevance
The book’s emphasis on autonomy, purpose and family responsibility resonates with conservative values. Framing aging as a product of individual choice and community support rather than inevitable decline may strengthen local initiatives that emphasize work, faith-based service and mentoring.
Practical applications for Redding residents
- Employers: Offer flexible scheduling, part-time roles and workplace wellness tied to flicker triggers (walk breaks, social lunches).
- Healthcare providers: Integrate brief exercise plans, social prescriptions and mindset coaching into routine care for older adults.
- Community groups: Host “flicker workshops” focused on short evidence-based activities: 20-minute walks, nature outings, social reconnection events.
- Individuals: Identify one reliable flicker trigger — a short walk, a call to a friend, or ten minutes of journaling — and practice it after setbacks.
Sources and further reading
- Fox News video segment with Stuart Kaplan and Marcus Riley
- Frontiers in Aging Neuroscience study on blink-related oscillations
- Steven Pinker, publications (books page)
- Your Aging Advantage: The Seven Fluid Stages of Aging, Stuart Kaplan and Marcus Riley (2025). Book available through major retailers and authors’ website.
