Do men worry about their looks fading

[IhatePipArcher]

Inspired by another thread. Starting a new one because I don't want to derail the misery fest over there (though a couple of us have tried)

Do men notice their looks fading and get depressed about wrinkles, sagging and jowls?

I look at David Beckham with his crowsfeet and "laughter" lines and think how the press (and other women) would rip into Victoria if she dared to age like that.

Well I don’t think there’s anything wrong with a man caring about his appearance.

Ihatepiparcher sadly that quite seems to be very true (in society anyway) although I think there are many men who find their older partners sexy.

*quote

Yes of course

It’s depressing and soul crushing.

If I wanted to stereotype or make generalisations I’d claim it’s wirse because by and large men are more involved in sport so your body is constantly telling you that it can’t do what it used to and you’re not as good at something that used to define you or be a source of pride.
But realistically it’s fucking tough for everyone for slightly different reasons.

I would say that I don’t, but in mid 50s, I’ve still got a full head of hair and very little grey (though I like my grey) and I don’t care about lines or wrinkles.

What I do care about is physical deterioration, for want of a better word; less stamina, and things are definitely patchy, sexually. While I wouldn’t want to be 18 again, there are things about being young that I miss.

DH cares. He's keeps his weight down etc.

Some probably do but many more I suspect (& I include me here) worry about hair loss. Ugly I can live with but bald...........

I’m female. I’ve embraced the silver. I don’t really give much of a stuff whether people Think I look older. I am older. It’s better than the alternative.

In fact some men may want to look older for example my DH has recently been made a company director and feels people don't take him seriously because he looks too young. Is in his 40's looks like he is in his 30's.

I think men have a longer phase of being older AND still considered desirable. For women it seems to taper off late 30's but for men closer to 50. I don't buy into that view myself. And obviously it greatly depends on a person's wish to be 'desirable'.

In my experience (I have a DP, 2 brothers, lots of male friends and I work in a very male environment) most men absolutely hate going bald, particularly the poor sods whose hair starts receding in their 20s. Those who claim they don’t are putting a brave face on it.

As for weight, men are generally more straightforward about it. If they have put on weight, their mates will take the piss. Men generally don’t get upset by this as a woman might, or if they do they laugh it off. They are more likely to go out and spend £1000 on a shiny new bike & some Lycra.

Of course I’m generalising here....

When it comes to aging, they’re more concerned about their perceived life (professional) success, rather than their looks. Men aren’t primarily valued for their looks.

I think they do actually, yes. Especially ‘younger’ men in their 30s who have been part of the ‘meterosexual’ generation.

I agree that male pattern baldness upsets many men. Particularly early onset.
I also think the last 20 years have seen a massive increase in the pressure on men to have and retain “hot bods” . With a few exceptions, when a Hollywood male lead stripped to his vest or went bare chested in a film role 40 years ago, he was slim but didn’t have much muscle definition. Now, even middle aged actors are usually “ripped” and I think lots of men are very conscious of their bodies and work hard to live up to the ideal.