Women over 50 cease caring what others suppose and really feel extra assured, examine finds
Research shows the majority of women aged 50 and above no longer worry about others’ opinions – feeling more confident and empowered as a result.
Women stop caring what other people think of them at the age of 50, according to research. A survey of 1,000 women aged 50 and above found a staggering 77% have reached a point where they no longer worry so much about the opinions of others, instead 75% said getting older made them feel more confident when it comes to trusting their own instincts.
This newfound freedom manifests in straightforward actions, like saying ‘no’ or ‘I don’t want to’, without feeling the need to appease others. More than a third of these women felt happier (37%), more confident (30%), and empowered (24%) once they chose not to care.
Other key indicators women are no longer seeking approval from others include wearing clothes that suit them rather than what’s in fashion, speaking their mind even if it’s an unpopular opinion, and embracing their grey hairs.
According to the study, 32% of women became more comfortable in themselves because of the menopause, as 37% believe it marked a shift in how they view themselves.
Melissa Cohen, head of nutrition for Menopace , which commissioned the research, said: “With age often comes an understanding of who you are and what you want. This can give you a confidence in your decisions that you don’t always have when you are younger.
“After years of saying and doing things that you may not really truly believe in but feel it is what is expected of you, it can be liberating to really ‘do you’.
“Whether it is eating what you want, when you want, or going the other way and cutting out alcohol to lead a healthier lifestyle regardless of what others may think, doing what you really want can make a real turning point.”
Many women worry less about others opinions after growing in confidence (38%), placing a higher value on their health and wellness (29%) and reaching a milestone age (16%).
Now, 60% say they are more likely to say no and mean it than when they were younger. And 61% are less likely to do something they don’t want to for the sake of being polite.
The research, carried out via OnePoll, also found 67% feel they have become more empowered as they have got older, while 51% reckon they put themselves first more often now than they used to.
Melissa Cohen, head of nutrition, Menopace added: “The menopause is a big milestone for many women, but it can mark a real turning point in how they feel about themselves.
“It can be a great time for a reset and allow you to put your health and wellbeing first, without worrying about the opinions of others so often.”
THE TOP 25 SIGNS A WOMAN NO LONGER CARES WHAT OTHER PEOPLE THINK OF THEM:
- Simply saying ‘No’ or ‘I don’t want to’
- Wearing what suits them rather than what is fashionable
- Speaking their mind even though it might not be popular
- Saying no to plans simply because they don’t feel like it
- Not feeling the need to explain their choices
- Wearing what they want rather than following a dress code
- Only keeping meaningful friends rather than ones they feel obligated to stay in touch with
- Not agreeing with others just to avoid offending them
- No longer ‘quietly’ putting up with someone else’s annoying habits
- Embracing their grey hairs
- Leaving an event early without feeling guilty
- Answering back to someone rather than staying quiet to keep the peace
- Saying what they really think in a workplace meeting rather than what they think you should say
- Turning down a social invitation without making an excuse
- No longer faking interest in ‘boring’ conversations
- Eating what they want, when they want
- Stopping a sales pitch rather than listening to the end to be polite
- Not tidying their house ‘just’ because they guests coming around
- Being honest with family and friends about how they are feeling
- Standing up for a colleague at work rather than sitting back and watching something happen
- Not reading the latest book or watching the latest TV show just because everyone else is
- Following a health and fitness regime because it’s right for them, not just because its the latest fad
- Wearing make-up because they want to, rather than to look nice for others
- Embracing stretch marks and blemishes
- Wearing flats instead of heels to a formal event
