Body image among older adults

Body image in older adults reflects years of physical, social, and psychological changes within a cultural context. In a youth-focused society, where development is perceived to give in to decline at the first sign of wrinkles and graying hair, the complexity of the construct thickens. This article provides a discussion of body image concerns as they pertain to the aging body, and some of the challenges older adults face in coming to terms with changes that occur. One of the major challenges identified is retaining a positive sense of self through those changes, many of which are treated with disdain by younger and older adults alike. This discussion is grounded in theory and research focusing on biopsychosocial factors relevant to body image in the latter part of life span development.<br />