Do People Look Younger These Days?

[dave50]

I was looking at some old photographs the other day going back to the 50's, 60's and 70's. People of the same age seem to look younger these days than those of the same age 40-50 years ago. For example looking at pictures of 50 year old women and men from that time, they looked a lot older than those of a similar age today. Is it because of the fashion of the time that seem to age them looking from today's perspective or is it something else?

[albaqwerty]

maybe they were just genetically pre-disposed to show their age?

I've some some 80 years olds who look as if they are in their 50's.

[ummmm]

I think they dressed older.

Older people are much trendier nowadays, plus we have much more to chose from.

[ummmm]

'we' as in everyone.

[Old_Geezer]

I don't look younger these days. Quite the reverse.

[albaqwerty]

Old G, you're just becoming distinguished :-D

[EcclesCake]

I think that as we have a greater range of shops to choose from we can liberate ourselves from what was considered appropriate attire for our age.

I certainly think when I look back to my child hood many of the adults dressed much older than their years. A more affluent society, greater choice and social mobility have played a considerable part in changing how we look.

[Baldric]

Do you know something, I do believe I do, now that you mention it.

[Arti]

I think that some of it is down to our education of healthier lifestyles, but a lot of it is in how people dress and wear their hair and make-up. Look at Phyliss Logan, who plays Mrs Hughes in Downton Abbey. In Downton Abbey, with no make-up and with the hairstyle she has, she looks about 55-60. Look at her in real life, she looks mid-30s - 40.

[sara3]

I think it's down to people looking after themselves more, or being more vain. hair dye, fake tans, hair straighteners, better make-up, etc

I am only guilty of one of those things!

[bookbinder]

ummmm has a good point. When you look at photos of children - especially those who worked in factories - in 1920, 1930, and that era, they look like little adults. That's because they wore smaller versions of adult clothing (caps, shawls, boots) which made them look older than they were. But now, everybody has a wider choice of clothing, fabrics, and so on, and they can dress according to their age, or their whims.

[tamborine]

Todays Hair tints, cosmetics & dress can knock years off ageing. As people look & feel younger so their health & outlook improve.

[mikey4444]

I saw Cliff Richards on the TV over Christmas and he looks better now than he did in 1960 !

Can't think why !

[sandyRoe]

Think what the painting in the attic must look like now.

[Spoonboy]

People are more vain today in trying to make themselves look younger: they ought to be like me and grow old as disgracefully as possible :)

[mikey4444]

I have just had a photo taken for my Bus Pass, which, here in the Peoples Republic of Wales we get at aged 60. I last had a new photo taken in 2008 for a passport. In those 5 years I have visibly aged and now resemble one of the Great Train Robbers. I am frightened to get on a bus in case I am nabbed !

[Sqad]

My opinion...SMOKING.

In the 30'40's 50's it was fashionable to smoke....pipes, cigarettes,cigars.....since the 50's and the association of smoking with many diseases, smoking has diminished.........not far enough.....but it has.

[daffy654]

People didn't always have access to decent diet and healthcare years ago, as well as the issues of cosmetics and clothing and the smoking that sqad mentions.

[pixie373]

I think it's due to clothes and posture. Also, people in portraits seemed to have a much more serious pose than they do now.

[pixie373]

And hairstyles!