Why today’s older adults look younger than ever before

When he was a regular on Saturday Night Live in the 1980’s, Billy Crystal played a recurring Spanish character whose catch-phrase was “You look maaaarvolous!” At age 77, the same might be said about Crystal himself and many of his baby boomer peers.

When you compare photos of 70-year-olds from the 1970s to those of the same age today, the difference is often striking. Today’s older adults are healthier, more active, and more youthful in appearance than ever before — and science backs it up.

One of the most significant factors in this generational glow-up is the adoption of physically active lifestyles. According to a 2023 report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, over 60% of adults over 65 now engage in regular physical activity, compared to just 30% in 1985.

The normalization of fitness routines, from gym memberships to yoga and pickleball, has helped older adults maintain muscle mass, cardiovascular health, and balance.

Preventive health

Another major contributor is access to preventive care and modern medicine. Compared to previous generations, older adults today are far more likely to undergo routine screenings, manage chronic conditions effectively, and benefit from medications that prevent the visible toll of diseases.

Vaccinations, blood pressure regulation, and cholesterol-lowering drugs are now commonplace, reducing the incidence of strokes and heart attacks, events that often aged individuals prematurely. The American Heart Association credits early intervention with adding as much as five to seven years of high-quality life for many seniors.

Dietary changes also play a big role. The once-dominant Standard American Diet, heavy in processed foods, has gradually given way to a more health-conscious public. Older adults today are more likely to follow Mediterranean, plant-based, or low-sugar diets.

A 2022 meta-analysis in The Lancet showed that older adults who maintained diets rich in whole grains, nuts, fruits, and lean protein exhibited fewer physical signs of aging, such as skin sagging, joint stiffness, and cognitive decline.

Yeah, some people have had work done

It would be remiss not to mention the cosmetic edge. The stigma around procedures like Botox, dermal fillers, and facelifts has faded. According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, cosmetic procedures among those aged 55+ increased by 42% from 2010 to 2022.

Additionally, the skincare boom — with anti-aging serums, retinoids, and sunscreen becoming mainstream — means today’s adults are better equipped to preserve their skin.

Another huge factor – baby boomers were the first generation to stop smoking – or never start. A British survey found that 45% of adults in the UK smoked in 1974. Now, it’s just about 10%.