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A Timeless Outline of Tattoos for Old People With Pre-Requisites and Aftercare Tips

By Sona ElizabethLast Updated: Aug 29, 2024
tattoo for old ppl
Tattoos-for-Old-People

Tattoos are a fantastic way to express who you are. And there’s no limit to what you can get if you’ve got a skilled tattoo artist right by your side.

While tattoos are a cult favorite, more and more older people are getting glued to the trend and getting themselves inked. Undeterred by needles and the permanence of the ink, senior citizens are eagerly jumping into the tattoo trend.

If you’re a senior citizen reading this guide and willing to put on a tattoo soon, we’ve got some amazing tattoo ideas worth exploring. 

Tattoos for Old People: Understanding Skin and Its Nuances as You Age

Old-People-Tattooed

As you consider tattoos and old age, it’s important to recognize the differences in your skin now compared to when you were young. 

With age, the dermis, the skin’s surface layer, thins and loses elasticity, making it more delicate and slower to heal. These changes can affect the tattooing process, potentially leading to complications. 

To ensure a smoother experience, it’s crucial to choose an experienced tattoo artist familiar with working on mature skin, opt for designs with clear lines and less intricate details, and follow aftercare instructions carefully to support proper healing.

Quick Tips for Selecting Tattoos for Mature Skin

Selecting tattoo designs and application techniques that take into account the distinct qualities of aging skin is crucial while getting inked. Key elements to think about are as follows:

  1. Tight Lines: Instead of fine lines that may become blurry with age, choose bold, well-defined lines that will remain clear with time.
  2. Simplified Designs: Select geometric or minimalistic patterns with less detailed elements to guarantee that the tattoo stays distinct and crisp even when the skin tone changes.
  3. High Contrast: To make the tattoo last longer and stand out more on mature skin, use darker ink or colors with strong contrast.
  4. Placement Strategy: Look for parts of the body, like the upper arms, shoulders, or calves, where the skin is less likely to undergo major alterations.
  5. Professional Expertise: Choose a tattoo artist who has worked with older skin types before, as they will know how to modify the depth and pressure of the needles to fit the state of your skin.

Prerequisites for Getting a Tattoo as an Older Adult

Getting a tattoo at your golden age requires special consideration due to changes in skin and overall health. Preparing properly ensures a smoother tattooing process and better healing outcomes.

Old-People-With-Tattoo

Review prescriptions; avoid caffeine and alcohol

Bleeding is common during tattooing, as it involves creating a wound. Avoid anything that thins the blood, such as alcohol and caffeine, to minimize bruising. Refrain from these for 48 hours before your tattoo session. Always consult your doctor before skipping any prescription medications.

Apply a cold compress

As skin ages, it becomes more prone to bruising and color bleeding. To help preserve your tattoo, ask your artist to apply a cold compress or damp cloth to the tattooed area. This reduces blood flow, minimizes bruising, and helps manage pain.

Stay hydrated

Drink plenty of water in the days leading up to your tattoo appointment. Well-hydrated skin is more supple and can better withstand the tattooing process.

Eat a healthy meal beforehand

Make sure to eat a balanced meal before your session. Having stable blood sugar levels can help you feel more comfortable and reduce the risk of feeling faint during the tattooing process.

Wear comfortable clothing

Choose clothing that gives easy access to the area where you’re getting tattooed. Loose, breathable fabrics will help you stay comfortable during the session and prevent irritation afterward.

Guide to Choosing the Best Tattoos for Old People

Old people tattooed

Selecting a tattoo for yourself as an older adult involves unique considerations to ensure it suits your skin’s condition and personal preferences.

Quick, simple design

Bolder lines and less detail allow your skin to heal faster. Older people may find it more difficult to draw detailed, fine-line designs due to their diminishing skin. Naturally, if you want a more complex design, you only need to be prepared for more sessions.

Choosing the right tattoo artist is just as important as choosing the perfect tattoo design for you. You should pick a reputable tattoo shop and artist, preferably one who has done senior citizen inking before. They will have experience tattooing people with thin skin and will be able to give you knowledgeable aftercare guidance. By using the internet, you may find the perfect tattoo artist in your area. 

Design that is easy to understand

The success of a tattoo on mature skin primarily depends on the choice of design. When selecting a design, select designs with bolder lines over ones with a lot of fine line detail. While useful, this is not as fashionable.

Thickener lines are usually the most forgiving and promote the best healing. because older skin is more likely to be sensitive, prone to bruising, and prone to color bleeding. You could wish to request that your artist create a design with the fewest possible lines.  

Select an Area with Thick Skin

Even though everyone has a distinct threshold for pain, people with tattoos generally agree that some parts hurt more than others. How do you pick a comfortable spot? Pick an area with more cushioning, less bone, and more fat or muscle.

These comprise, among other muscles, the calf, outside arm, and outer thigh. To help stop more pain, keep your hands and feet—areas with thin skin—covered and off-limits.  

Keep the tattooed area elevated above the heart

Biology has provided an all-natural method that eliminates the need for medication or a tourniquet to lower blood flow to a specific location. Elevate the affected part above your heart to reduce the amount of bleeding and bruises.

For instance, lie down and elevate your arm above your head if you are getting a senior with tattoos on your arm. Gravity will naturally lessen the volume of blood flowing that way once the area is raised.  

Tattoo Aftercare

Tattoos-in-old-people

As any tattooed person will attest, taking care of yourself after getting inked is crucial to avoiding infection. You can preserve the health of your skin and show off your new tattoo as soon as possible if you take proper care of it. Take note of these recommendations to help your tattoo heal:

  • Use water and a mild soap to cleanse the skin.
  • Keep water from hitting the tattoo right away.
  • Dry fully with a pat.
  • Moisturize the tattoo with a cream.
  • Keep the tattoo out of the direct sunlight.
  • Steer clear of swimming while your tattoo is healing.
  • Do not pick at the ink.
  • Your skin could need to heal for about two weeks. 

Reasons Older Adults Should Consider Getting a Tattoo?

Adopting a tattoo is a deeply personal and expressive decision, and age shouldn’t be a deterrent. Tattoos can be a significant way for older individuals to commemorate life events, pay tribute to loved ones, or just add a personal touch to their journey.

Having a tattoo later in life might be gratifying for the following reasons:

  • Celebrate Milestones: Get a tattoo that represents an important life event, accomplishment, or personal development to mark these occasions.
  • Express Your Identity: Getting inked allows you to permanently and uniquely display your personality, values, or passions. Tattoos are a powerful tool for self-expression.
  • Respect Your Loved Ones: Many senior citizens get tattoos as a way to remember loved ones or to commemorate their relationships with family and friends. 
  • Accept Change: As you get older, your outlook on life changes. Embracing and honoring the transformations you’ve gone through, your tattoos can be a way to represent your journey.
  • Boost Confidence: A well-chosen tattoo may remind you of your strength, resiliency, and uniqueness while also improving your perception of yourself.
  • Make Durable Art: One way to create wearable art is through tattoos. Having one later in life lets you tote around a work of art that is meaningful to you and tells your narrative. 

Final Thoughts

Getting inked as an older adult can be a meaningful and rewarding experience. 

Even though aging skin has unique challenges, like less suppleness and slower healing, they may be addressed and overcome with the correct care. Working with a talented tattoo artist, selecting designs that enhance your skin tone, and carefully following aftercare guidelines can all result in a stunning and long-lasting result.

Remember that getting inked is a timeless form of self-expression. Accept your adventure with confidence, knowing that your new ink may highlight your timeless beauty and tell your unique narrative.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is 70 too old for a tattoo?

Not at all! There is no age limit for expressing yourself through body art. Just make sure to choose the best spot for your tattoo and take care of your skin properly post-tattoo so that it heals well. 

Did people get tattoos in the 1970S?

Yes, people got tattoos in the 1970s. Tattoos have been around for centuries. Tattoo styles and trends were different in the 70s, just like the fashion and music of that time. 

Do tattoos get wrinkly with age?

Tattoos change with age, just like our skin does. Skin naturally loses elasticity and may develop wrinkles. Such changes affect the look of the tattoo. 

Do tattoo hurts more when you get older?

The pain varies from person to person, regardless of age. If you are considering getting a tattoo and are concerned about pain, it’s better to discuss it with your tattoo artist. They can guide you on how to manage pain and discomfort during the process. 

Sona Elizabeth
Sona Elizabeth

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Psychotherapist, Elder Care Specialist and Writer

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