A new survey reveals that a woman’s confidence grows with age, with nearly half of women over 35 reporting feeling more self-assured now compared to their younger years.
Key Survey Findings
The survey of 2,000 women aged 35 and older found that 64% feel more confident today than they did in their youth.
The boost in poise is especially pronounced among women living on the East and West Coasts of the U.S. Specifically, 75% of women surveyed in the Northeast said they feel more self-assured now, along with 66% of those on the West Coast.
Looking ahead, 46% of respondents anticipate feeling even more confident and authentic in the next five years. This indicates that for many women, self-assurance continues to increase well into middle age and beyond.
Reasons For Greater Confidence
The survey, conducted by OnePoll on behalf of Zotos Professional’s AGEbeautiful line, revealed factors that contributed to this surge in confidence among mature women.
29% of women said their teen years were when they felt furthest from their true selves, often conforming to expectations. Another 21% named their college years, from ages 19-23, as being the most difficult in establishing their identity.
This implies that for many, it took until their late 30s or longer to fully embrace their authentic selves. With age comes life experience and wisdom that allow women to care less about others’ opinions and stay true to who they are.
How Women Are Boosting Self-Assurance
Along with the passage of time, women are taking proactive steps to increase confidence in all areas of life.
- 54% want to be more self-assured in social situations
- 49% aim to boost confidence in their physical appearance
- 45% seek greater confidence in their careers
- 41% want more poise in pursuing personal hobbies/interests
To cultivate self-assurance, women reported practices like:
- Spending quality time with loved ones (49%)
- Sharing laughter with friends/family (43%)
- Trying a new hairstyle (31%)
The Power of Reinvention
The survey showed women are embracing reinvention as they age, specifically through experimenting with different hairstyles, hair color, and fashion choices.
Over the past decade, women have tried:
- 3 different hairstyles on average, with 27% sampling 5+ styles
- 2 various hair colors on average
- 3 distinct wardrobe styles on average, with 23% venturing into 6+ looks
Vice President of Marketing at Zotos Professional Michelle Ryan commented: “Women are rewriting the narrative on aging. By trying new looks, they are stepping into the next empowered chapter of their lives.”
Feel-Good Transformation
It’s not just about appearance – changing up one’s style also has emotional benefits.
- 36% reported feeling uplifted on good hair days
- 25% appreciate compliments from loved ones
- 25% gain confidence from positive feedback on social media
To break out of their comfort zone, women have:
- Changed up their wardrobe (39%)
- Experimented with different hair colors (37%)
- Tested new hairstyles (34%)
Spokesperson Christopher Naselli added: “When women celebrate their unique beauty, it unlocks a new confidence that radiates from within.”
Positive Outlook on Aging
Overall, the survey found women have a hopeful perspective on the aging process. A significant 61% said they have a positive view of getting older.
Rather than fighting the passage of time, women are choosing to embrace it. As Naselli stated, “It’s not about defying aging, but rather celebrating it with style and confidence.”
Conclusion
In summary, this new study reveals women experience a boost in confidence in their late 30s and beyond. No longer conforming to others’ expectations, they feel more comfortable in their own skin.
This self-assurance continues to grow with age as women reinvent themselves through fashion, beauty, and lifestyle choices that reflect their authentic selves. With resilience and optimism, women are authoring their own narratives around aging.
