‘Beauty For Life’ Survey Analyzes Beauty Perceptions of Different Generations
Monday, August 10th, 2009
Is there a particular area of your body that you believe is most important? Is there a part of your lifestyle – an activity perhaps – that greatly contributes to your appearance? Why go to great lengths just to look good?
Questions similar to these were asked by researchers during the Beauty for Life survey, a collaborative effort by two of the largest American plastic surgery organizations. ASAPS President Renato Saltz says the questionnaires were intended to help physicians “understand what patients are most concerned about at different stages of their lives.”
Survey respondents were divided into age groups to determine each generation’s values differences regarding physical appearance of the self and physical appearance of ones partner.
Respondents in their 20s, 30s, and 40s indicated that a “fit, well proportioned body” was what they found most appealing in another person. But when it came to their own physical characteristics, the same group was most concerned about their own faces. The abdomen and hips were said to be areas of significant concern (especially in the 30s), but across the board, patients said they were most conscious of their facial appearance.
Reasons given for maintaining an attractive physical appearance included the following:
- Boost self confidence
- Make friends
- Attract partners
- Increase job opportunities
In all age groups, cosmetic procedures ranked fairly high, alongside diet, exercise, and skin care. Through the link below you can easily view the results (in a pdf file) of the Beauty for Life survey.
