Physical attractiveness and its contribution to successful aging

Abstract

The aim of this study was to demonstrate whether individuals who felt more attractive throughout their lives considered that this helped them to age better. The sample was collected in Porto between December 2011 and April 2012 and consists of 200 participants. Three scales were applied, the Body Attractiveness Scale (BAS), the Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS) and the Loneliness Scale (ULS-6), as well as a Sociodemographic Questionnaire. This is the first study in Portugal to apply the BAS, with innovative aspects such as the application of the BAS and the SWLS at three different time points. One of the conclusions indicates the existence of a correlation between physical attractiveness and lower feelings of loneliness