Women feel most body confident at this age

It's likely only going to get better

(Getty Images/iStockphoto)

In a society that values youth - especially for women - many of us fear ageing.

We’re told that wrinkles, sagging skin and an extra layer of insulation are undesirable, so if you're struggling with body confidence when young, the prospect of getting older can be worrying.

But fear not, as a new study has revealed that body confidence actually peaks in your late 60s.

Fashion brand M&Co asked 1,300 women aged between 18 and 80 how they felt in their swimwear, and found that those aged 65-74 were most confident, with an average score of six out of 10.

Across the generations, the average was five out of 10, showing that not many of us feel positive about being in swimsuits, which is a shame.

However it seems that as you age, you simply care less: 51 per cent of 65-74 year olds say they have more important things to worry about than having the “dream bikini body.”

Just last year, a global study by Dove found that women’s body confidence was at an all-time low and had reached “critical level.”

And British women were revealed to be some of the least happy with their appearances, with just 20 per cent saying they liked their bodies.

A 2014 study even concluded that women’s lack of body confidence is stopping them exercising, going to job interviews and having fulfilling relationships.

However the body positivity movement is growing, with more and more women of all ages being inspired by influencers such as Megan Crabbe (bodyposipanda), Milly Smith (selfloveclubb) and Kenzie Brenna (omgkenzieee).

Society’s fixation on looks can make it difficult, but each of us only gets one body and one life, so we might as well try as hard as we can to love the skin we’re in.

And if you’re struggling while young, don't worry - the chances are how you feel about your body is only going to improve as you get older.