How Old Do I Look? Aging Appearance and Experiences of Aging Among U.S. Adults Ages 50–80

Abstract

Appearance is an indicator of age and life stage, which are linked to socially salient stereotypes and prejudices. Older adults’ appearance-related perceptions and behaviors may affect their experiences of aging within broader society, which may in turn influence health. This study examined associations between two measures related to aging appearance—assessment of one’s aging appearance relative to same-age peers and investing time or effort to look younger—positive and negative experiences of aging, and health using multivariable regression. Cross-sectional data were from a nationally representative sample of 2006 U.S. adults ages 50–80 (Mage = 63, 52% women, 71% White) who completed Wave 6 of the National Poll on Healthy Aging in 2019. The majority (59%) reported appearing relatively younger than peers, while fewer reported appearing the same age (35%) or older (6%). About a third (35%) reported investing in looking younger. Appearing relatively younger was associated with more positive (p