Perceptions About Aging and Aesthetics: A Global Study of Adults Aged 50 to 80 Years

Aesthetic treatments are associated with positive psychological and psychosocial outcomes, but most data are from adults <60 years. As the global population ages, there is an opportunity to better understand perceptions about aging among older adults and whether engaging with aesthetic medicine influences these perceptions.

This global survey sought to understand the psychology of aging among older adults with varying relationships to aesthetic medicine.

This online survey (July-September 2022) queried adults (50-80 years) in 8 countries. Respondents were divided into 3 groups: those that had ever received aesthetic treatments (aesthetics receivers); those naive to aesthetic medicine but considering (naive considerers); and those naive and not considering (naive non-considerers). Respondents were queried about perceptions and expectations of aging and perceptions of aesthetic treatments.

Among 7588 total respondents, 39.8% were aesthetic receivers, 28.7% were naive considerers, and 31.5% were naive non-considerers. Overall, satisfaction with psychological self-perceptions (eg, level of self-confidence) was high (∼80%) regardless of respondents' engagement with aesthetic medicine. Naive non-considerers had the most positive view on aging, but there was strong agreement across all groups that aging was associated with benefits (eg, more time for hobbies/leisure) and potential challenges (eg, changes in mobility, losing independence). Most respondents (83%), regardless of their relationship with aesthetic medicine, agreed that aesthetic treatments had emotional benefits (eg, feeling like the best version of oneself).

The data from this multi-country survey of older adults gives key insights into perceptions of aging and aesthetic medicine among a previously underrepresented population.

(Therapeutic).