The average woman over 45 would only like to look five years younger, a study has found. Despite a lifelong fear of aging and the pressure to always look good, research shows that the majority of older women actually think they look younger than they are.
Only 25% of the women polled would even consider cosmetic surgery, with health risks and cost implications being the biggest deterrent.
Half admitted they would be terrified of the procedure going wrong.
In fact, women think the age of 59 is the perfect time to begin to ‘grow old gracefully’ ditching certain styles and cleansing and refreshing their wardrobe to suit a more mature style.
The study, by anti-aging brand Nurture Replenish Skincare, also found that 74% are more than happy to let nature take its course and not succumb to any drastic anti-aging measures.
A spokesman for Nurture Replenish Skincare commented:
”It appears we are seeing a Botox backlash, as women seem to be more interested in looking good than looking 20.
”At the end of the day, what make-up or hair style you wear is a personal choice but it’s good to hear that women in their fifties feel confident enough in their looks to stop being a slave to fashion.
”It’s encouraging that women only want to shave just 5 years off their real age and most are not interested in cosmetic surgery.
”Nowadays with so many advances in skincare that is achievable- the key is to adapt and change your routine as you mature.”
The ladies also revealed their solutions for looking young naturally- a good diet and a strict skincare regime were deemed highly important.
However, 10% embraced the anti-aging benefits of a younger man, with only one in twenty relying on their make-up.
Instead, being wrinkle-free was the must-have attribute to looking good when you hit your fifties and sixties- but confidence, wisdom and intelligence were also highly-rated attributes that contributed towards older women feeling in their prime.
The poll of 1,500 aged 45 and over found 80% do feel the need to abandon ‘younger’ styles as they grow older, deeming some trends unsuitable even for a women in her 40’s.
Miniskirts need to be banished by age 41, knee high boots are given the boot at 45, and baseball caps are batted away by 40.
Leather trousers are risky for anyone over the age of 41, while embracing a tight top or shirt needs a second thought when women reach 45.
As a result, it’s no surprise that almost a third of women feel they’ve grown out of certain items in their wardrobe.
The Nurture Replenish Skincare spokesperson continued:
”Many women will be able to relate to these findings.
”It’s true that as you get older you may have to adapt your look and 50 is a watershed decade for most women.
”But every woman will face this stage at different times in her life and what age is right for one woman won’t necessarily suit the next.
”What’s important to remember is to be yourself and don’t be forced to look a certain way because you feel you have to.”
The study also found that Helen Mirren was the perfect role model when it came to style, fashion and beauty in an older woman.
Runner-up was Bond actress Judi Dench, followed by Absolutely Fabulous Star Joanna Lumley.
But Madonna, Anne Robinson and Jerry Hall were at the bottom of the list and failed to make the top 20.
TOP 10 CELEBRITIES THAT ARE GROWING OLD GRACEFULLY
1. Helen Mirren
2. Judi Dench
3. Joanna Lumley
4. Twiggy
5. Nigella Lawson
6. Lorraine Kelly
7. Honour Blackman
8. Lulu
9. Fern Britton
10. The Duchess of Cornwall
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