Body image satisfaction differs in older men and women

Wednesday, 3 August 2011 10:15 AM

Mature women and men have differing opinions when it comes to satisfaction with body function and body appearance, according to a new study.

Researchers at Baylor University in Texas found that as men and women age, there is a shift in body satisfaction away from appearance and towards functionality, particularly among women.

However, satisfaction with function was more important for men than women, the research revealed.

The study also found that increasing physical activity raised satisfaction with body function and appearance.

When researchers studied the men and women as a combined group, greater improvements in satisfaction with body function were associated with being younger, better baseline health ratings, greater reductions in body mass index and more physical activity.

Greater improvements in satisfaction with body appearance were associated with obtaining a college degree, more reductions in BMI and depressive symptoms, and increases in physical activity.

Study author Dr Renee Umstattd said: “It was interesting that even though body appearance satisfaction seems to be more important for younger populations, especially women, it is still important and relevant among older adults."

Almost 1,900 participants with an average age of 69 were surveyed.

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