Each year, countless older individuals in the United States allocate time and resources to presenting a more youthful appearance. This endeavour encompasses many practices, including dyeing hair to counteract greying, purchasing products to combat hair loss, utilizing teeth whitening solutions, and applying wrinkle-reducing treatments.
A recent investigation delves into the implications of such efforts for older adults within the context of the widespread ageism prevalent in American culture. The research further examines the relationship between individuals’ self-assessed age appearance, their encounters with both positive and negative aspects of ageing, and their overall physical and mental well-being.
The findings reveal that 59% of adults aged between 50 and 80 perceive themselves as appearing younger than their contemporaries. This perception is notably more prevalent among women, individuals with more significant financial resources, those with more extensive educational backgrounds, and currently employed persons.
Conversely, a mere 6% of the older population believe they appear older than their peers, with the remainder considering their appearance on par with individuals of their age group. Interestingly, a marginally higher proportion of those aged 50 to 64 feel they look older than those within the 65 to 80 age bracket.
Regarding efforts to achieve a younger look, the study identifies that approximately one-third of older Americans (35%) have dedicated time or money towards this objective. This tendency is particularly evident among women, higher-income earners, and individuals of Hispanic descent.
Conducted by the University of Oklahoma, Norman, and Michigan Medicine, U-M’s academic medical centre, and published in the journal Psychology and Aging, the study is grounded in data from the University of Michigan National Poll on Healthy Aging. It explores physical appearances and older adults’ positive and negative experiences associated with ageing and ageism. Positive experiences include being sought after for advice and possessing a strong sense of purpose. In contrast, negative experiences entail assumptions by others regarding difficulties with vision, hearing, memory, or technology usage.
The research indicates that individuals who perceive themselves as younger than their age tend to report more positive experiences related to ageing and fewer encounters with ageism. This correlation is especially pronounced among those who have actively pursued a younger appearance, particularly those who are married or in a partnership.
However, the pursuit of youthfulness is not without its drawbacks. Participants who have invested in looking younger also report a higher incidence of negative ageing-related experiences, a trend that is significantly strong among non-Hispanic Black and White respondents but not for Hispanic participants.
Additionally, the study highlights a stark contrast in experiences between those who view themselves as older looking versus their age group, with the former group reporting more negative experiences with ageism and fewer positive ageing-related experiences.
Exploring participants’ self-reported health status reveals a nuanced connection between ageing experiences and mental and physical health. Individuals with more positive and fewer negative ageing-related experiences are likelier to report good health.
The research underscores the complex interplay between older adults’ perceptions of their age-related appearance, their experiences with ageism, and their overall health. Julie Ober Allen, PhD, M.P.H., from the Department of Health and Exercise Science at the University of Oklahoma, Norman, emphasizes the indirect relationship between ageism—a consequence of societal biases favouring youth—and health outcomes.
The disparity between those who appear younger for their age and those who admit to spending resources on achieving such an appearance reflects broader societal attitudes towards ageing and the stigma associated with efforts to alter one’s appearance, particularly among men.
The study advocates for a balanced approach by clinicians and public health officials, cautioning against reinforcing the negative perception of ageing signs while promoting health behaviours that can improve appearance and health outcomes in later life. Such behaviours include healthier eating, increased physical activity, better sleep quality, stress reduction, preventive oral care, sunscreen use, and avoiding harmful substances. These lifestyle choices, often more affordable and evidence-based than commercial anti-ageing products, can significantly impact both physical and mental health, as well as reduce experiences of age-related discrimination.
The findings, from a comprehensive survey of over 2,000 individuals aged 50 to 80 conducted in 2019, offer insights into the complex dynamics of ageing, self-perception, and societal attitudes. They highlight the critical role of healthful practices in mitigating the negative impacts of ageism and enhancing overall well-being among older adults.
More information: Julie Ober Allen et al, How Old Do I Look? Aging Appearance and Experiences of Aging Among U.S. Adults Ages 50–80, Psychology and Aging. DOI: 10.1037/pag0000800
Journal information: Psychology and Aging Provided by Michigan Medicine – University of Michigan
