"Robert Hardy looked a much older 53 than Sam West does, don't you think."
Maybe, although 53 30yrs ago maybe was different?
Also when SW is in character he might look older?
Idk, I'm the same age now as my MIL was when I first met her 25yrs ago, I whilst I'm not as grey as her, which is just the luck of the draw, she had very short, unflattering layered hair & would wear a long tweed skirt, twin set & flat shoes.
All quite aging, but perhaps not that unusual.
I tend to be in jeans & chelsea boots.
Mind you, in 25yrs I will probably look very old for mid 50s!