What makes so many people feel they must cover up all signs of aging?

Question

Why should we have to get rid of wrinkles and gray hair?

Answer 1

People cover up all signs that they are aging or at least try to because of mortality. Seeing oneself visually decaying overtime makes one dwell on their eventual end. No one wants to die and seeing yourself getting older is proving to your mind that you will one day expire.

Answer 2

Probably the way our youth-oriented culture treats the aging.
No one wants to be treated like a second-class human being(though, in some cases, it is more like third, fourth or fifth class!).

How many "superstars" and other celebrities do you see with grey hair and wrinkles? How many wrinkled game show contestants have you seen lately? Even those absurd and inane "reality shows" - which are anything BUT real - include ONLY those older participants who don't actually LOOK old.

How many employers will choose a greyed and wrinkled applicant over a strong-looking, young attractive one with similar training and experience?

So, "What makes so many people feel they must cover up all signs of aging?"
Maybe the desire for acceptance and respect and a future that DOESN'T include sitting on a stool and saying "Welcome to Wal-Mart" all day long or a McJob flipping burgers in the neighborhood McFast-Food establishment.

Answer 3

It seems that everywhere you look there are billboards, articles and new shows about anti aging and all the new techniques that are out there to keep us looking young. There's nothing wrong with wanting to look your best, but I think people can look good at any age if they take care of themselves. It's sad to me that people over 50 just don't seem to matter much in our world today. Yet, those are the people who have had many life experiences and have become wiser because of them The media puts a lot of pressure on people to stay looking young, get rid of that gray and do away with lines and wrinkles and then they will matter again. Young people are even getting plastic surgery earlier and earlier in search of perfection. No one is perfect, no matter who they are. Celebrities are shown in the right lighting, stage makeup and airbrushed photographs to give them that perfect look. It's also a double standard for men and women. Men seem to be considered as more distinguished looking with gray hair while women are perceived as looking old. We are a very superficial society. I think it's time to get back to taking other things more seriously and to accept ourselves and be the best we can whatever our age.

Answer 4

I think all the advertising on T.V. convinces the public that old is not acceptable. You must keep up your appearence no matter what. Then they get big shot Hollywood actors to promote their products (of course in between botox injections or other monthly plastic surgery routines), which of course make the public feel worse about their age and appearence.

Answer 5

Our media and culture forcing us to look young, anorexic and perfect. I don't think that we should, but we are bombarded with these messages constantly.