Decoding beautiful ageing in the boomer generation: Insights from a cross-generational study with American women

Age is a component of our social identities, shaped by social processes and cultural norms. This study aimed at decoding the beautiful aspects of ageing in the US Boomer population and assessed whether younger and older generations of people perceive ageing differently.

The photographs of 218 models aged 60-70 years were rated by a panel comprised 190 American women aged 18-65 years, both cohorts being recruited with all phototypes and diverse ethnic origins. A questionnaire with seven criteria relative to skin ageing (beautiful, radiant, confidence, healthy, vibrant, my skin looks like her, happy) was used for subjective assessment. The panel rated the photographs on a 10-point scale while an AI-based algorithm graded 14 facial signs pertinent for further analysis.

The study reveals no significant difference between young and older judges in rating pictures, indicating a shared perception across age groups but differing in terms of intensity. Despite cultural variations such as ethnicity, phototype, and age, the interpretation of the photographs is consistent. Furthermore, except for pores, all clinical signs show a negative correlation with perceptions. Whether evaluating photographs of elderly individuals or their peers, both age groups exhibited similar interpretations, highlighting a novel trend in the perception of ageing. These findings suggest a universal understanding of ageing indicators across different demographics.

This study privileged the perception of positive ageing and the significant impact on social or psychosocial relations. Indeed, findings shed light on the intricate interplay between clinical signs and subjective perception, providing valuable insights into the underlying mechanisms of age perception. The outcome of this study paves the way towards integrating online and offline services with accurate algorithms tailored for boomers, opening the road for new holistic experiences. Additionally, this study also offers insights into the concept of perceiving ageing more positively and its link to longevity.