Getting a tattoo in midlife is a personal decision. Whether you’ve wanted a tattoo your entire life, or if it’s something new that you started to consider in midlife, it’s a decision that should be completely and fully your own.
When getting a tattoo, age shouldn’t be a factor.
But there may be a few things worth considering now than when you were younger, especially if you are over 50. Still, if the idea of a tattoo makes your soul happy, keep reading to find out whether getting a tattoo is right for you.
Deciding to get a tattoo in midlife
As an older adult, you have the benefit of knowing yourself well and being able to fully discern whether the lifelong commitment of a tattoo is the right decision for you, probably more so than your younger counterparts.
If your heart is saying yes, you should go for it.
You’ve lived long enough to know what you like and what’s important to you, so it’s highly unlikely you would choose a tattoo design that you’ll regret down the line.
Also, you probably have more freedom now that you’re older. I bet you’re a lot less concerned about the opinions of family members and friends than you once might have been.
Plus, tattoos are much more widely accepted than they were a few decades ago.
According to a 2017 survey, about 40 percent of adults in America have at least one tattoo — so you won’t have to worry as much about any stigma that may have stopped you from getting tattooed earlier in life.
Oh, and you’re also more likely to have a solid reputation in an established career so something like a tattoo likely won’t have much effect, if any, on that area of your life.
Is it safe to get a tattoo as an older adult?
While many things in life become riskier as you age, the consensus regarding tattoos is that barring any pre-existing health issues, the risk is no higher for older adults than it is for anyone else.
Of course, if you have any conditions that slow healing like diabetes or you are taking blood thinners, etc. you may want to check with your doctor first.
But keep in mind that some physicians may inject their personal opinions into their advice, so be sure to sort it from fact.
The best place to tattoo an older woman
Placement is always a key factor in the tattooing process, but in midlife, you may already have some wrinkles and loose skin that you want to avoid tattooing for aesthetic reasons.
Talk with your tattoo artist about what areas of the body may take longer to show signs of aging and will hold up better over time.
You might even consider seeking out a tattoo artist who has experience tattooing older skin or perhaps is older so that she can tell you firsthand what you might expect as you continue to age.
How badly do tattoos hurt older skin?
Everyone has different pain thresholds. And the kind of tattoo you get and where you get your tattoo is going to make a difference in how much it hurts. Being over 50 does not make things any different.
Places with thin skin or that are closer to nerves or bones are usually the most painful regardless of your age. The face, hands, feet, elbows, and knees, are generally more painful than, say, the outside of your arms and legs, back, and shoulders.
The complexity of the design and filling large areas with color will also affect the level of pain you might experience.
Choosing the right tattoo for you
Think carefully about the design you want, what you want it to look like, and where you think is the best place for the tattoo.
Small, simple designs in the right place can be very attractive, such as a Chinese symbol, a word, or a tribal-like design.
Also, think of images that align with your own philosophy of life or represent something important to you. Plants and animals can be very colorful, but what does it mean for you?
It’s also important to choose the right artist, who will take into consideration your age and your taste.
Study the different drawing styles of the tattoo artists in your area and follow the ones you like on Instagram.
Once you narrow them down to just two or three, talk to them about what you’d like. It’s not just about picking an artist whose style you love. It’s also about feeling comfortable with that person.
Also read: 7 Inspiring and funny quotes about midlife and aging
