Five Reasons People Try to Look Younger

“Forty is the new 20,” you hear. “Fifty is the new 30,” someone says. With all of the cosmetic advancements we have made, it often seems true. But why is it so important for people to look younger than they are? Here are just five reasons people are trying to turn back the clock:

(Photo: Dreamstime)

1. Career

Years ago, workers and professionals with years of experience were considered great hires. These days, it is tougher to procure and maintain employment if you are aging.

As a result, many want to look a little more fresh-faced. Appearing younger gives the impression that in today’s fast-moving world, you can keep up with your younger peers. And that makes you more secure in your position.

2. The second act

Most of us are aware that nearly half of all marriages end in divorce. Many of these divorces coincide with becoming middle aged, with children growing up and leaving the nest. When everything changes, how do you move on?

Some choose to dive right back into life (and the dating scene) with a new look. Are they making up for lost time or just enjoying their freedom? The answer varies, but looking younger often takes a front seat during the transition.

3. Social media

This may be stating the obvious, but we really are bombarded with images of young, beautiful people at all times. And even the youngest among them have their own doctors of plastic surgery in Toronto that they count on to make sure they are always picture-perfect.

Aside from that, it can be a little intimidating to post photos of yourself on social media if you aren’t feeling great about your looks. We all want to look like we are doing well and having a great time, and giving the impression of youth is a big part of that.

4. To match what is inside

You should listen to your elders when they say they don’t feel any older on the inside. A lot of them are shocked by what they see in the mirror with the passage of time. Naturally, they want to look as young as they feel.

We all want to look the way we feel. If you still love having a good laugh, nightlife, travel and all of the fun and energetic things we associate with youth, chances are you would like your outward appearance to reflect that.  

5. To be included

Women in particular have noted that as they age, they seem to become invisible to many. This trickles down to affect nearly every scenario in life, from meeting someone new to getting a server’s attention in a restaurant.

It used to be that older people were the most respected in society, but that has changed. People who exude youth and beauty are followed much more closely and valued more in many arenas.

By looking younger, many of us become more noticeable and somehow more respectable to others. The fact is that none of us want to disappear into the crowd, and in this day and age, why should we?

Article by Jane Davies