Do men get more attractive with age?

Rob (No)

While attractiveness is mostly subjective across different people, it’s undeniable that younger always equals more physically attractive, even in men. Claims that men become more attractive with age stem from associated qualities such as life experience, wisdom, and maturity, which are different from objective physical attractiveness. This is evident in the fact that most men, as they get older, succumb to societal pressure and resort to artificial means, such as hair dyes, younger dressing styles, and other alterations, in an attempt to look younger and, thus, more attractive. The desperation to appear younger than they really are only makes them seem insecure about their ages, proving that, even for them, younger equals more attractive.

Beyond these superficial changes, however, the biological and physiological changes in men as they grow older are difficult to overlook. Hormonal shifts, including declining testosterone levels, can result in undesirable changes such as increased abdominal fat, hair loss, and unwarranted hair growth in the ears and nose regions. Elevated estrogen levels may also cause changes in breast tissue and a reduction in muscle mass, all of which make men less physically appealing.

According to a survey conducted by Zogby International that asked older people the question, “What age do you wish you were?,” about 35% of respondents said they wished they were between 21 and 30. In comparison, 17% wished they were between 31 and 40. Notably, more men wished they were between 21 and 30, way younger than their current ages. This demonstrates that for most people, younger is always more attractive, and the notion that men get more attractive with age isn’t true.

Emily (Yes)

While some people prefer the looks of youthful men, there is more to be appreciated about an aged man. As men age, they become more settled and less flighty in life than younger men. Their looks also change as they mature from their boyish features to settle into more chiseled features, especially in their faces. As their hair transitions to grey, they become what is flirtatiously referred to as 'silver foxes'—just ask any George Clooney fan.

Additionally, certain positive, attractive characteristics can only be gained with age. Maturity, emotional intelligence, behavior, self-confidence, commitment, and financial stability are just some of the fine qualities men can gain as they age. Once these characteristics are obtained, men tend to become better partners and friends than when they were young. Because they become more confident with age, they are more likely to achieve financial success at work and in their careers, which means they can better provide for themselves and their family. These are very attractive qualities for those seeking a partner that can align with set goals and accomplishments.

Furthermore, as relationships age, shared experiences and commitments over the years contribute to a person's enduring beauty. The human body releases hormones such as oxytocin, also known as the love hormone, which evokes feelings of contentment, calmness, and security in a partner. Additionally, vasopressin is linked to the dynamics that make long-term, monogamous relationships thrive. These biological factors contribute to partners seeing each other as more beautiful than they were when they first came together many years ago. Aging is a unique and irreplaceable journey, enhancing the beauty that transcends physical appearance.