How Old Do I Look? Aging Appearance and Experiences of Aging Among U.S. Adults Ages 50-80

Appearance is an indicator of age and life stage, which are linked to socially salient stereotypes and prejudices. Older adults' appearance-related perceptions and behaviors may affect their experiences of aging within broader society, which may in turn influence health. This study examined associations between two measures related to aging appearance-assessment of one's aging appearance relative to same-age peers and investing time or effort to look younger-positive and negative experiences of aging, and health using multivariable regression. Cross-sectional data were from a nationally representative sample of 2006 U.S. adults ages 50-80 (Mage = 63, 52% women, 71% White) who completed Wave 6 of the National Poll on Healthy Aging in 2019. The majority (59%) reported appearing relatively younger than peers, while fewer reported appearing the same age (35%) or older (6%). About a third (35%) reported investing in looking younger. Appearing relatively younger was associated with more positive (p < .001) and less negative experiences of aging (p = .019). Appearing relatively older showed the opposite relationships (p values < .001). Investing in looking younger was associated with more positive and more negative experiences of aging (p values < .001). Few sociodemographic variations were detected. More positive and less negative experiences of aging were associated with better physical and mental health (p values < .001). While aging appearance is often the basis for jokes, it may affect the quality of older adults' experiences of aging and associated health outcomes. Nuanced findings caution against framing youthful biases in aging appearance and investments in looking younger as solely negative (or positive). Public Significance Statement Study findings indicate that aging appearance and efforts to look younger may affect the quality of older adults' experiences of aging within broader society and associated physical and mental health outcomes. No sociodemographic groups appeared immune. Personal and collective efforts to enhance older adult quality of life should consider that issues surrounding youthful aging appearance reproduce harmful ageist ideology but may be linked to both positive and negative outcomes.