Women stop caring what others think of them at the age of 50, according to a new survey. The study of 1,000 women aged 50 and over found that 77% no longer worry much about others' opinions, while 75% said getting older made them more confident in trusting their own instincts.
This newfound freedom manifests in actions such as saying 'no' or 'I don't want to' without feeling the need to please others. More than a third of respondents reported feeling happier (37%), more confident (30%), and empowered (24%) once they stopped caring. Other indicators include wearing clothes that suit them rather than following fashion, speaking their mind even on unpopular opinions, and embracing grey hair.
The research, conducted by OnePoll for Menopace, also found that 32% of women became more comfortable in themselves due to menopause, with 37% saying it marked a shift in how they view themselves. Melissa Cohen, head of nutrition for Menopace, 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.'
Many women worry less after growing in confidence (38%), placing higher value on health and wellness (29%), or reaching a milestone age (16%). Now, 60% say they are more likely to say no and mean it than when younger, and 61% are less likely to do something they don't want to just to be polite. Overall, 67% feel more empowered as they age, and 51% put themselves first more often.
