Eating Disorders in Older Women
Eating disorders are irrespective of age. Though often thought to be reserved for the adolescent and young adult populations, eating disorders are becoming increasingly prevalent in older women. While the symptoms are relatively identical between early and late-onset eating disorders, there are different barriers, side-effects, and physical complications associated with older age groups. The damaging age-related stereotypes surrounding eating disorders prevent many older individuals from seeking and receiving the treatment that they need.
by: Sadie Grant
Did you know that on average a woman is most dissatisfied with her body at the age of 54?
Or that 79% of women over the age of 50 may feel that body weight/shape plays a moderate to extreme role in self-perception?
These statistics (derived from a large study by Gagne et al., 2012) are shocking because eating disorder stereotypes often shape how we think about disordered eating. Stereotypically, the individual with an eating disorder is female, conventionally attractive, and young. But people of any gender, body type, and age can experience body dissatisfaction and disordered eating. Today, we will discuss eating disorders in older women (ages 35+). We will delve into some of the unique challenges and common types of eating disorders that older women experience, then explore options for treatment.
For many of us, it’s pretty easy to imagine why a younger individual might struggle with body dissatisfaction. Adolescents and young adults experience a myriad of stressors and pressures from social media, peer and family relationships, and different cultural contexts that can make them more susceptible to developing an eating disorder. Do these stressors just go away during middle age?
No. They don’t. While factors such as media, relationships, and cultural expectations may change with age, they can still be enormous sources of stress and contribute to body dissatisfaction and disordered eating. Furthermore, most middle-aged women experience changes in their bodies, such as weight gain or skin sagging. Consequently, many older women struggle with disordered eating, whether they had an eating disorder during their younger years or developed one later in life.
What are some of the unique pressures, changes, and major life events that can affect body image and eating behavior among older women?
The aging body (metabolic changes, skin changes, changes in fat distribution) in a society that idealizes youthfulness and thinness
The societal expectation that older women will take care of others before taking care of themselves (spiritually, emotionally, physically, etc.)
Divorce/separation and the fear of being alone, while messages from the media tell women that being thin is the road to love and success
The empty nest (when children leave the home) and the struggle to redefine one’s identity; when no longer in the clearly defined role of “mother”, women may turn to health or appearance to create a new sense of identity
The death of a parent and the struggle to manage grief, shock, and new responsibilities
Unexpected or chronic illnesses and changes in the body that can impair body image
What types of eating disorders do older women experience?
Like younger women, older women can experience a whole range of disordered eating patterns, from behaviors such as counting calories or overexercising, to diagnosed eating disorders such as anorexia, bulimia, or binge eating disorder. Common forms of disordered eating and eating disorders among older women include:
Rigid/restricted eating
Chronic dieting
Counting calories
Compulsive exercising
Binge eating
Using laxatives or self-induced vomiting
Obsession with plastic surgery
What are the treatment options for older women with eating disorders?
Many middle-aged and older women may be ambivalent or unsure about seeking help due to stigmas around eating disorders that occur later in life. But recovery is always possible, especially in a treatment program that addresses the specific needs and challenges that older women face.
Treatment for eating disorders among middle-aged and older women usually involves nutrition and psychotherapy, with an emphasis on psychoeducation and acceptance. In therapy, women learn about the process of aging, such as the metabolic changes that occur throughout their lifetime. Therapy also supports women to identify the source of the eating disorder and redirect attention toward inner growth. Inner growth may be achieved through learning to practice self-care and identifying positive achievements, such as good friendships and inner beauty. Ultimately, therapy for eating disorders in older women aims to foster a deep sense of acceptance for the changes that occur to the body throughout life.
If you are or know a woman over the age of 35 who is experiencing body dissatisfaction or disordered eating, our Women’s Group could be a step toward recovery. In our Women's Group, we create a safe space for women over the age of 35 to explore ambivalence and barriers to treatment. The group focuses on recovery motivation, cognitive distortions, family dynamics, and the experience of the changing and aging body. Our admissions team would be happy to answer any questions you may have about our Women’s Group. Please click below to contact us or read more about our philosophy here.
This post was written by BALANCE Blog Intern, Sadie Grant.
Sadie is a recent graduate of Oberlin College with a B.A. in psychology. After recovering from disordered eating, Sadie became passionate about eating disorder awareness, body neutrality, and destabilizing beauty standards that are established by social and cultural norms. While earning her Bachelor’s degree, Sadie conducted quantitative research, worked with populations experiencing barriers to essential services, and studied Spanish. Sadie hopes to use her developing research and interpersonal skills to work in the field of eating disorders and address the way in which expectations around eating and beauty vary across different populations.
References
Eating Disorders in Older Women: What Are The Risks. (2019, April 17). Retrieved June 23, 2020, from https://www.eatingdisorderhope.com/treatment-for-eating-disorders/special-issues/older-women
Gagne DA, Von Holle A, Brownley KA, et al. (2012). Eating disorder symptoms and weight and shape concerns in a large web-based convenience sample of women ages 50 and above: results of the Gender and Body Image (GABI) study. Int J Eat Disord.
McCallum, K. (2014, August 08). Older Women Eating Disorders Treatment Strategies. Retrieved June 23, 2020, from https://www.eatingdisorderhope.com/treatment-for-eating-disorders/special-issues/older-women/treatments-strategies
McConville, S. (2017, August 11). Middle-Aged Women and Body Image. Retrieved June 23, 2020, from https://www.eatingdisorderhope.com/treatment-for-eating-disorders/special-issues/older-women/body-image