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Is Age Just a Number?

News flash – age is just a number! What a relief. I had been using my age to estimate how much longer I have on this earth, but thanks to American Laser Centers I now know the truth.

The good folks at American Laser Centers (who incidentally would be happy to remove every unwanted hair on your body --- Smooth. Sleek. Sexy is their slogan) commissioned a survey to find how we perceive our appearance vis a vis our actual age.

Do you think you look older or younger than your age? Do you want to look younger? How would you improve your body? And, of course, what cosmetic procedures would interest you?

The results? Not surprisingly, more than half those surveyed thought they looked younger than actual age. Equally predictable, more women than men were interested in procedures that would make them appear younger.

So how do boomers fit in here? Guess which cohort most wanted to look younger than their age? It was 83% for boomers, 70% for 18-24, and 51% for 25-29.

• 24% of 45-50 year olds think they look like they are in their late thirties
• 38% of 51-54 year olds think they look like they are in their mid forties
• 30% of 55-60 year olds think they look like they are in their mid forties
• 33% of 61-63 year olds think they look like they are in their early fifties

Sixty really is the new 50, and 50 is the new 40. Oh, what the hell, make it twenty years less. When you hit 70, feel free to tell everyone you’re 50. One finding that was odd, considering that American Laser Centers commissioned the survey, people who think they have stayed young looking as they age believe it has to do with their self-image and maturity, NOT cosmetic or surgical procedures.

• 66% cited a healthier self image
• 50% cited they are more stylish
• 46% care less about what people think
• 28% cited weight loss 15% cited a cosmetic procedure
• 6% cited weight gain
• 6% cited plastic surgery

In the words of one of our generation’s greatest philosophers, Billy Joel:

Don't go changing, to try and please me,

You never let me down before,

Don't imagine, you're too familiar,

And I don't see you anymore.

But if you need some unsightly hair removed, you know who to call.

Jay Harrison is a graphic designer and writer whose work can be seen at DesignConcept. He's written a mystery novel, which therefore makes him a pre-published author.

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