Most over-50s think they look younger than other men and women the same age as them, study finds

Most over-50s believe they look younger than other men and women of the same age, a study has revealed.

Six out of ten rate themselves as younger, with only six per cent believing they look older.

Looking younger than their peers may be an anti-ageist defensive strategy to push back against the prejudices and discrimination associated with old age.

'It may be a way of not accepting that some might discriminate against them due to their age,' researchers from the University of Oklahoma said. 

The study, published in Psychology And Ageing, analysed data from 2,048 men and women aged 50 and over.

Most over-50s believe they look younger than other men and women of the same age, a new study has revealed (Stock image)

Education, income level and employment were associated with higher rates of appearing younger according to the study, published in Psychology And Ageing (Stock image)

Results showed that 59 per cent thought they looked younger than their peers – 61.9 per cent of women and 55.9 per cent of men.

Around 34 per cent thought they looked the same age, while the rest believed they looked older.

Education, income level and employment were associated with higher rates of appearing younger.

Looking younger was also linked to a positive experience of ageing and was found to be related to better physical and mental health.