Tattoos and aging

According to a Pew Research Center studyopens in new window in 2023, almost a third of all Americans have a tattoo. Among Americans age 65 and older, 13% have at least one tattoo. Some Division 20 members observed that tattoos have become increasingly visible at APA’s Annual Conventions, suggesting a change in attitudes and behavior among psychologists. The Society of Clinical Geropsychology (Division 12-2) listserv recently had an engaging discussion about tattoos and aging, prompting the writing of this essay.

Reasons behind tattoos

Tattoos may provide an avenue for identity development and exploration. The American Academy of Pediatricsopens in new window suggests some adolescents and young adults want to get tattooed because they are finding their identities, affiliations, and new ways of self-expression. The same may be true of older adults. In a small study on adults aged 19 to 50, researchers concluded that tattoos could serve as a “physical embodiment of autobiographical memories” (Klug et al., 2024). A review on body alteration (i.e., tattoos, piercings, and body decoration such as wearing jewelry) concluded that aesthetics was the primary reason behind body alteration (Weiler et al., 2025).

Tattoos may be a family affair and a representation of meaningful attachment in aging families. Memorial tattoos elicit memories of loved ones, serve as reinforcers of mindful being via a visual cue, or assist in grief reconciliation (Cadell et al., 2022). Roggenkamp and colleagues (2017) discussed how skin art might inform clinical practice, stating, “Talking to patients about their tattoos can provide a valuable window into the psyche”. Several listserv members mentioned getting their first tattoo in their 50s to honor a significant life event or relationship. Older adults may also get tattooed with younger family members or wear temporary tattoos as an “expected” part of a family event.

Tattoos and military culture

Roman soldiers were tattooed with unit markings. In indigenous American tribes, the Māori, and the Celts, tattoos were worn to intimidate foes. Tattoos have a long history in the U.S. military. During the American Revolution, sailors in the U.S. Navy wore tattoos identifying themselves as Americans, so they could not be forced into service with the Royal Navy if their ship was taken. In WWI, tattoos often served as identification in case the service member was killed or gravely injured. In WWII, the role of tattoos broadened, but their use for identification declined. Some were expressions of pride and patriotism, commonly featuring symbols of the U.S., unit or service branch insignia, and patriotic slogans. Others were metaphorical, such as the swallow worn by sailors to signify having traveled 5,000 miles at sea. Yet others depicted loved ones (often a spouse or romantic partner), or a famous person such as a movie star. They were reminders of whom the service member was fighting for, or who was waiting for them back home.

Tattoos remained popular during the Korean War and Viet Nam War, taking on additional, darker themes. Slogans like “Born to Kill” became popular. Service members also returned to using tattoos as sources of identification, including wearing tattoos of their blood type. Memorial tattoos became a form of remembrance of fallen comrades. They also memorialized locations in which the person served and fought. Especially during Viet Nam, political symbols and rebellious slogans became popular.

Taboo of tattoos

Although tattoos are often a mark of social status and protection in indigenous culturesopens in new window, there have been times in history when they were considered a mark of shame. Religiously, tattoos are sometimes prohibited (e.g., Jewish) or strongly discouraged (e.g., Muslim and some Christian denominations). Intergenerational tension may arise when younger and older generations do not share the same views about tattoos. While some may strongly discourage tattoos because they reflect traumatic historical context, others reclaim identity narratives and express resilience via tattoos (e.g., formerly enslaved women who survived sex traffickingopens in new window and Jewish people who wanted to embrace their personal and family’s history of the Holocaustopens in new window).

Tattoos and ageism

Articles in popular media on tattoos and aging have focused on health implications, potential complications such as bruising while on blood thinners (e.g., AARPopens in new window), doubting whether tattoo artists have adequate training working with aging skin, and tattoo appreciation or regret. In the US, it is illegal for minors to get tattoos in 45 states without parental permission. Although similar laws do not exist for older adults, some adult children may state disapprovalopens in new window.

All adults have the right to self-expression. Aging should not diminish one’s personal choice about their body and their money, or force them to change their beauty standards. When society discourages an older person from getting tattooed because we think it is too unconventional “for their age,” we are perpetuating ageism.

Conclusion

Tattoo art gives us an opportunity to share stories and connect with people. They are expressions of love, grief, honor, pride, rebellion, healing, and creativity. Tattoos are part of our individual and collective history. As we age, our bodies, our skin, and our tattoos change. Tattoos may fade or get distorted, but they grow with us and tell the stories of a life lived. Tattoos, like smile lines, stretch marks, and older adults themselves, are not something to hide, rather, something to embrace.

References

Bridget Gibbons. (March 25, 2025). The Legacy of WWII Tattoos: Stories of Ink, Sacrifice, and Memory. Retrieved from https://www.nationalww2museum.org/war/articles/legacy-wwii-tattoosopens in new window

Cadell, S., Reid Lambert, M., Davidson, D., Greco, C., & Macdonald, M. E. (2022). Memorial tattoos: Advancing continuing bonds theory. Death Studies, 46(1), 132-139.

Klug, K., Camia, C., & Rohrmann, S. (2024). Tattoos embody autobiographical memories. Memory, Mind & Media, 3, e9.

Roggenkamp, H., Nicholls, A., & Pierre, J. M. (2017). Tattoos as a window to the psyche: How talking about skin art can inform psychiatric practice. World Journal of Psychiatry, 7(3), 148–158. https://doi.org/10.5498/wjp.v7.i3.148opens in new window

Weiler, S. M., Mühlenbeck, C., & Jacobsen, T. (2025). Body alteration: On the mental function of body modification and body decoration. Culture & Psychology, 31(1), 181-223.

VFW Magazine. (August 17, 2016). A Short History of Military Tattoos. Retrieved from https://www.vfw.org/media-and-events/latest-releases/archives/2016/8/a-short-history-of-military-tattoosopens in new window