Discussion»Questions»Human Behavior» Generally speaking I think more men become better-looking as they age than women do. Is it just my imagination or do you see it too?
Ya know what? I think Sbf nailed it! I think she looks quite lovely but I think he's way better looking! Sbf said it's because I'm a gal that I'm drawn to guys. I never thought of it that way but seeing these photos? That's definitely it! Who knew? Thank you for your reply and the nifty photos. Happy Monday! :)
No I don't think that is true. That is sort of a cultural stereotype because traditionally we saw older men as being more in a position to take care of us so we were more willing to look upon them as attractive. But now so many of us are taking better care of ourselves as we become older - good food, fresh air, exercise, sleep, positive attitude toward life, social interactions. Instead of just letting ourselves go as our children became older. Which is one reason I think why young men started being more interested in us older gals oh from about maybe 15 years ago. Whereas I see now a lot of men becoming discouraged in their early 40s and just letting themselves go and withdrawing from active life which I think is too bad. But I know and see so many older women 50+ and well above that who just look great and I don't remember that from when I was younger except a few people such as Shirley MacLaine . I was never a "looker" but have tried to take care of myself and am enjoying life as much or more than when I was younger.
It's not really a cultural thing though. The phenomena is cross cultural ans exist in nearly all of them. When that happens and isn't isolated to one or only a few linked cultures that suggest it's somewhat innate and instinctual.
Thank you for your thoughtful and helpful reply officegirl. One of the respondents, Sbf, nailed it. He said it's just that I'm a gal and am drawn to guys. Element's reply has two photos..one of an older gal and the other of an older guy. I'm drawn to the guy so I think it's just normal attraction. When I asked the question I was thinking of the actor Sean Connery and the actress Janet Leigh. He remained a hunk and aging was very unkind to her. :)
Oh you are welcome. Well I have been "boy-crazy" all my life and some of them, older or younger, were and are not what many people might call attractive. But still I see so many older women looking so stunning I can't help but envy them. And is not just their clothing but their beings and the energy and positivity they exude.
I was a little slow socially. I skipped a few grades in grammar school so I was several years younger than my classmates. At that age several years is huge. It took me awhile to get out of my 'painfully shy' phase as well. I do compliment women when I see them if they are stunning. Since I'm old no one is ever offended by it. They smile and thank me. Some women are stunning for sure. However I would NEVER compliment a male who is a stranger even though I might think he is very handsome. I think that would be way too pushy and anyway I'd feel disloyal to my Jim. Silly I guess but I just never would. Now my brother-in-law or Jim's sons? Of course I tell them they're gorgeous because I love them and they're family. I've told this anecdote before on Answerbag and also Answermug. I was in a market one day years ago and I saw a particularly attractive women wearing a very flattering blouse. One I would have liked to own. I approached her and told her how lovely she looked and that I especially liked the blouse. She teared up and told me she went out of her way to look her best. That was going to be her first day of chemo! She said the compliment cheered her up. We hugged of course and I never saw her again. I think of her occasionally and hope she made it. But the point is you never know how much a compliment will mean to a person. Why not give one? :)
I feel good when I am complimented so I try to do the same to others. Clothing, appearance. Men too but only men I know and in a polite way and not being flirty. Many women are just amazing in what they can do with clothing - things I know I could never pull off. I try always to dress appropriately and have clothing that works on me but I would never attempt anything the least flamboyant or fashionable.
Usually by the time I realized something was fashionable it was out of style and something new was in. A fashionista I am not and never have been. I guess I just wasn't into clothes that much and certainly not into shoes at all. I go around the house barefoot. I wear sandals year-round. You can do that when you live in California. Shoes are too confining. I don't get how women can spend so much on them and have so many of them. Not my cuppa tea. Thank you for your reply og. I have always dressed modestly. It's just my nature. :)
Yes - modestly - I agree that is best and easiest. But I have a niece who is quite clothes-conscious and when she visits we go shopping and she picks out things that will work for me. She has been quite a help over the years - don't know what I would have done without her.
I think there is some expectation for women to look "youthful" for as long as possible. Men are given more of a pass when it comes to their hair turning gray or their faces becoming etched with lines. Men are more likely to be described as "distinguished" where women would more likely be described as frumpy.
Society definitely warps it and multiplies it. Especially nowadays . Though it's so universal in worlds cultures it has to have an evolutionary biological reason behind it. Theory goes that in our hunter/gatherer and other primitive pasts that it comes down to mate selection. An older male shows an ability to protect and survive. An Alpha quality.Alphas gorw old and Beta's die young. The female of the species recognizing it as a sign of providing and protecting. He got this far. Coupled with the fact the male does not have a procreation lifespan. Women however do and a younger and more youthful woman is stronger for and better able to provide healthy offspring. So each gender is looking for queues to decide who is best suited to pass on the genetic legacies.
Like all our primitive instincts these become corrupted as they outlive their importance to our genetic survival with social constructs growing out of them.
The actress Janet Leigh did not age well at all. Sean Connery did. An example of what I meant by my question. We all see things differently of course. I just wondered if others noticed aging well as being tilted toward one gender. Thank you for your rely Spunky and Happy Monday! :)
D'ya really think it boils down to that Sbf? Could be I guess. Anything is possible. I can't step outside myself and look in to see what's there. Thank you for your reply and Happy Monday. I thought Sean Connery aged very well. I always thought he was quite a hunk! The actress Janet Leigh did not. But that's just me looking at them through my own lens. :) I think you nailed it kiddo! I just replied to Element's response. He has two photos. One of an older woman, the other of an older guy. I'm drawn to him so I'm just responding to that old "attraction" thingy. Now I know the "why". Thanks again! :)
This post was edited by RosieG at November 27, 2017 1:57 AM MST
Element 99 