Young at heart


What is the meaning of the phrase ‘young at heart’?

Has traits associated with youth, such as energy, enthusiasm, vitality, joy and a positive outlook.

What is the origin of the phrase ‘young at heart’?

The earliest known recorded use of the phrase ‘young at heart’ is from 1836 in Albion.

However, it wasn’t until a film called The Young in Heart released in 1938 that this variation of the phrase came into regular use.

The specific phrase ‘young at heart’ came to be used much more frequently in the year 1953, following the release of a song called Young at Heart by Frank Sinatra. And this was then strengthened by the release of a film by the same name the following year, starring Frank Sinatra and Doris Day.

The phrase is still frequently used, and is used to describe people who always come across as lively, energetic, full of joy, and with a real zest for life. The idea is that 

What are some notable uses of the phrase ‘young at heart’?

An album called ‘Young at Heart’ was released in 1956 by Johnny Richards. There’s also a documentary called young@heart released in 2007 featuring a chorus of senior citizens from Massachusetts who cover songs by Jimi Hendrix, Coldplay, Sonic Youth, and more.

Trend of young at heart in printed material over time

Cari Mayhew - Author at Phrase Finder

Cari Mayhew

Lifelong learner, phrase fanatic, and lover of literature across multiple genres. Cari Mayhew has a passion for expression, and a keen curiosity for how phrases begin and how their use transforms over time. She is often found looking for the ideal idiom to convey her thoughts and musings.
Young at heart

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