There is a wide body of research that explores the social, anatomical, and psychological factors that influence perceived attractiveness; age and gender have been identified as two of the most important. However prior studies investigating the link between age progression and attractiveness have been limited in their ability to accurately mimic age progression. In our latest research, we utilized a machine learning model of facial age progression to directly study the impact of aging on attractiveness.
The new study included 20 participants between the ages of 20-29 that had neutral headshots taken. These images were then processed through a machine learning model to create artificial images of what each subject’s expected appearance would be in their 30s, 40s, and 50s. The model was trained using a mugshot database and celebrity database that had over 200,000 images for reference.
A total of 315 laypeople then completed a survey where they were asked to rate the attractiveness and masculinity or femininity of each image using a sliding scale from 0 to 100. We found this model to display excellent accuracy, with 85 percent of survey respondents accurately predicting the target age of the person in the image being displayed.
On average, women were found to have a decline in attractiveness by 10.4 points per decade and a decline in femininity by 7.59 points per decade. The most precipitous drop was found over the age of 40 for women. Male attractiveness and masculinity were relatively preserved until age 50, when attractiveness scores started to decline.
To understand these findings, it is useful to consider attractiveness from an evolutionary biology standpoint. Many studies have demonstrated that facial attractiveness and fertility are closely associated. The greater and earlier decline for women as compared to men may be related to their perceived childbearing capabilities.
There may also be a hormonal component to these findings resulting from specific bony facial anatomical changes that occur to both men and women over time. Males have been shown to have a relatively constant aging rate of the mandible or jawbone, whereas females show an earlier and more marked age-related shape change. Both men and women undergo bony changes that render a more masculine appearing jawbone over time, resulting in an enhancement to a man’s perceived masculinity and a decline in a female’s perceived femininity.
It is also important to highlight these findings from a social psychology standpoint. The large difference in attractiveness and femininity for women as compared with men highlights an inherent inequity in the perception of aging based on gender. Interestingly, this difference is seen regardless of the gender of the individual rating the photos.
Taken together, these findings reinforce the notion that aging and attractiveness are related and demonstrate the aging penalty by decade, and the differences in the aging penalty between genders. As with any study, these findings do not apply to every individual. We hope this study will help better inform patients on when to seek surgical and non-surgical interventions to help preserve attractiveness and gender perception.
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FAQs
The most precipitous drop was found over the age of 40 for women. Male attractiveness and masculinity were relatively preserved until age 50, when attractiveness scores started to decline.
At what age are guys most attractive? ›
That's right – women voted a 59-year-old man as sexier than any other man on the planet. This might be surprising to a lot of men who think that after 40, male attractiveness takes a nose-dive. Sure – there are a lot of men who give up on their personal presentation around that age but it doesn't have to be that way.
Why do men look better with age than women? ›
Do men age better than women? Males tend to hold on to a more youthful appearance longer than females. This is because they lose collagen—a protein in skin that keeps it hydrated and elastic—more gradually.
What age do men peak beauty? ›
Male desirability to women peaks in the late 20s and does not fall below the average for all men until 36. Other research indicates that women, irrespective of their own age, are attracted to men who are the same age or older.
At what age do women look the best? ›
For the U.S., the average for men and women came a bit older than the mean, with 31 being the most beautiful age for women, and 34 for being the most beautiful for men.
What age is a man's prime? ›
Adulthood prime (maximal performance age) begins when growth in height terminates or the velocity slows to an almost imperceptible rate. For women this occurs, on average, by 18-20 years and for men the typical ages are 20-23 years. The Prime adult years continue until about age 30-35 years in both sexes.
What age is considered old for a man? ›
Old age cannot be universally defined because it is context-sensitive. The United Nations, for example, considers old age to be 60 years or older.
At what age do women's looks decline? ›
Consistent with our hypothesis, the decline in facial attractiveness of 51–65 year old (and presumably post-menopausal) women relative to 35–50 year old (and presumably pre-menopausal) women was significantly larger than the decline in facial attractiveness for the corresponding male age groups.
Why are older guys more attractive? ›
Typically, young people like the experience and maturity of older men. After years of dating around, older guys tend to know what they want. Or, they might be interested in older men's security, refined look, or their sexual experience.
Do men age better because they shave? ›
Close Shave
While men may have a significantly shorter skincare routine, most shave their face multiple times a week. Shaving is a form of physical exfoliation. Men begin shaving around thirteen or fourteen and the years of exfoliation show later in life when they have smooth, clear skin with fewer wrinkles.
Biologically, many argue that women are in their reproductive prime age for women in their 20s to early 30s. This phase is often referred to as the "prime years." However, advancements in medical science now enable women to extend their reproductive capabilities, challenging this age-old belief.
At what age is dating the most fun? ›
The Golden Cross of Love for women is scattered. Many said between ages 25-28 is the most ideal age for dating. However, some also said being 30-33 was also very satisfying since they felt secure with themselves. Nobody said over age 35 is ideal, although those above 35 have found loving older men as well.
What age is your prime for looks? ›
Women on average are at their peak between 18-25. For men on average they peak later in life around 30-50. But yes, of course, it's different for everybody. But this is the average.
What is the most physically attractive age? ›
It's generally accepted that late teens to mid-twenties are the years when attractiveness peaks. Unfortunately, this isn't always the case. Originally Answered: At what age do people typically look their best? That completely depends on the person.
What features make a girl look younger? ›
Features of a younger-looking face
- Increased facial contrast (According to a study, observers perceive females with increased facial contrast as healthier, more youthful, and more feminine).
- High, prominent cheekbones.
- A Full face with volume.
- Firm neckline.
- Clear & smooth skin.
- Fuller lips.
Move More - Exercise is Necessary for a Healthy Body
Simple stretches and regular exercise has been shown to decrease the signs of aging in the body. Here are a few easy tips you can apply that will help you maintain a younger looking body, and restore your confidence: Exercising for 20 minutes per day.
Why do men's skin look better than women's? ›
Male skin is, on average, approximately 20% thicker than female skin. It contains more collagen and has a tighter, firmer appearance.
Why do men look for younger women? ›
Most of the media world also promotes youthful looks, skin, and body. Societal pressures are inextricably linked to the decisions we make about our partners. For many of those men who find younger women attractive, it's because being with a younger woman helps them boost their self-esteem.
