19/05/2026
“But what will it look like when you’re old?”
Probably like a tattoo on someone who’s lived a life. ♥️
Tattoos changing over time are often framed as something negative. But when we really get to the root of the problem, much of it comes back to societal discomfort with visible ageing itself.
People rarely fear the tattoo itself. What they often fear is what it will look like with age…
Tattoos are treated like they only belong on younger bodies, with self-expression, creativity and visibility becoming less acceptable with age. And the idea of ageing skin being something to be ashamed of.
But tattoos on older skin tell a story, which is beauty in itself. And can also hold so much more than aesthetics alone: from identity and heritage to humour, rebellion, grief and lived experience. Tattoos can carry deeply personal meaning.
Ultimately, we believe ageing as a reason to become less expressive, less visible, or less yourself. Whether someone gets tattooed at 18 or 80, that choice should belong to them.
So no one should feel they can’t have them, at any age or stage of life (as long as you’re 18+ !).
And, as outlined in our manifesto under ‘Choice’, we believe ending ageism means being empowered to choose how you wish to age - without judgement or pressure.
Have you ever been told you’d regret a tattoo because of ageing, or noticed how differently tattoos are viewed once people get older?
And if you have tattoos yourself, have your feelings towards them changed over time? Or are you considering getting your very first one?
We’d love to hear your thoughts and experiences below.
Thank you to and for tagging us and inspiring this post - see slide 3 for their beautiful work - along with and and
And to and for the stunning editorial of All Whang-Od that continues to inspire
