Why are Women Afraid of Aging?

Image Courtesy: Strike Magazine Tallahassee 

In our culture, there is an immense amount of pressure on women to keep up with ever-evolving beauty trends. Youthfulness is being sought after through perfect, never-aging skin, free of wrinkles and imperfections. Due to the overarching theme of negativity surrounding aging women in our society, there is a demand for women to color their hair or have cosmetic surgeries to prevent signs of aging for as long as possible. 

A study by Dympna Tuohy and Adeline Cooney found that the negative connotation around aging was internalized by older women who had difficulty accepting their changing appearances, finding it difficult to garner self-love and acceptance. Whether it be consciously or subconsciously, we are constantly consuming messages about our appearances and what is considered by society to be the “standard of beauty”. Advertisements in particular play a huge role in how we see ourselves in association with others. 

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Cosmetic and skincare advertisements display images that are highly retouched, making these models look more “perfect” than they already are. Consequently, women are beginning to use skincare products at younger ages to try and prevent the “negative” side effects of aging. A poll of 2,000 women by Dermstore found that around 28% of women under the age of 25 have certain and constant anxieties about the indications of getting older. This number continues to climb to 54% for those aged 35-44. These high numbers exhibit how much women are truly impacted by the public's influence and how they internalize this view onto themselves. 

Image Courtesy: Vogue India

Social media, however, plays a larger role in the popularity of anti-aging skincare for younger women. Teenagers and adolescents seek to find the best skincare routine that will keep them looking young for as long as possible. With celebrities such as the Kardashians striving to display a perfect and unageing image, younger women are bombarded by the “ideal” and youthful standards. Additionally, the popularity of the “clean girl” aesthetic and Korean beauty products on TikTok contribute to insecurities than can harm a young girl’s self-image. 

Since 2010 the number of cosmetic surgeries has risen from 14 million to 23 million cosmetic surgeries. Given that women have begun to try and stop signs of aging before they even begin through surgical or injectable methods. Specifically, the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery found that the most popular cosmetic procedure was Botox for women. This points to a growth in the use of fillers that smooth out the wrinkles of skin to make sure of “pre-rejuvenation” and that signs of aging are minimized.

Image Courtesy: Elle

The process of aging in women has been treated negatively in society. The way that women's aging is perpetuated influences women to internalize these negative feelings and can, in turn, affect their self-image. Despite this, women should feel proud and accept changing and evolving over time. The way that aging is portrayed is seen as negative but, in reality, women should not be made to feel bad about the natural process of aging. Women should be able to process aging in whatever way fits the individual. Instead of being shunned and feared, aging should be given credit for our ever-evolving selves. 

Strike Out, 

Writer: Emily Montarroyos 

Editor: Jayna O 

Graphic Designer: Sydney Barrow

Tallahassee