‘You’re part of something bigger’: interpersonal relationships and older Canadian men’s body image

Abstract

Objective

We examined older men’s body image, with a focus on the role of interpersonal relationships in shaping their psychological adaptation to age-related body changes to appearance, function, and health.

Design

Qualitative narrative constructionist study.

Main outcome measures

We conducted semi-structured interviews with 29 men aged 65–83. Data were analysed using thematic narrative analysis; we identified and interpreted patterns in and across the men’s stories about their aging bodies.

Results

Narratives of purpose through meaningful engagement and belonging through connection permeated the men’s accounts. Participants mitigated body-related changes and challenges through pleasurable physical, leisure, and community activities. They derived purpose from these activities as they kept them physically, cognitively, and socially engaged and thus relevant with advancing age, particularly post retirement. The men derived a sense of belonging through social connections. Relationships with family, friends, and community members shaped their capacity for meaningful engagement and associated psychological adjustment to age-related body changes.

Conclusion

The findings point to the imperative need to consider how men negotiate their constantly changing, aging bodies within the context of interpersonal relationships, and highlight the role that later life belonging and purpose play in shaping how men experience their bodies as they grow older.

Keywords:

• Body image
• psychological adaptation
• aging
• men
• narrative analysis

Acknowledgements

We are indebted to and extend sincerest thanks to the men who shared with us their stories, insight, and time.

Author note

Erica Bennett, Laura Hurd, Elizabeth Pritchard, and Peter Crocker are with the School of Kinesiology, The University of British Columbia. Tayler Colton is with the Department of Educational and Counselling Psychology, and Special Education, The University of British Columbia.

Data availability statement

Due to the nature of this research, participants of this study did not agree for their data to be shared publicly, so supporting data is not available.

Disclosure of statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Additional information

Funding

Funding for this research was provided by the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada (SSHRC 430-2016-00058).