‘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.

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