Eating disorders can happen at any age. As a society, we place an emphasis on the risk of developing an eating disorder during the pre-teen and adolescent years. But the truth is that midlife eating disorder development is on the rise.
Anorexia, bulimia, binge-eating – the most common eating disorders stem from a fixation on weight, body shape and a skewed relationship with food. And while young people are at higher risk, adults aren’t immune to the dangers of eating disorders.
And the impacts can be devastating. The heart, bones, teeth and digestive system can suffer great damage from eating disorders. During midlife, maintaining these aspects of the body is imperative for longevity and wellness that can be enjoyed into the golden years. So why are so many adults accruing even more risk with a midlife eating disorder?
Why Are Eating Disorders Common in Midlife?
Eating disorders can be triggered by genetic or social factors, often a combination of both. Here are a few specific triggers that can lead to an eating disorder in middle age.
Major Life Changes – Change can be stressful. During mid-life, it can feel like there’s a major life change around every corner. The death of a parent, loss of a job, unexpected divorce, empty nest, diagnosis of disease – adapting to these changes can leave a person desperate for some aspect of control. Initially, an eating disorder can often feel like an opportunity to exert control over one aspect of life.
Adapting to an Aging Metabolism – The body is also undergoing changes during this life stage! Muscle mass requires active maintenance. A changing body shape can cause middle-age adults to question their self-esteem.
Weight Bullying from Peers and Media – Even adults are susceptible to criticism. Heightened pressure from the media and teasing from friends and family can damage self-worth.
Increased Pressure from Unrealistic Beauty Standards – As fillers, filters and face lifts become the norm, beauty standards for aging women have changed dramatically as well, leaving many to critique the way their body looks from natural aging.
Adults with Eating Disorders Experience a Unique Form of Shame
A major difference between the adolescent and mid-life age groups is that there is more awareness and support for those suffering from eating disorders in their teens and twenties. Middle-aged adults are often written off or stigmatized, and there’s an idea that ‘you should know better’ as an adult, as if you become immune to eating disorders or mental illness as you age. Until this narrative changes, midlife mental illness can often come with extra shame and stigmatization.
How to Support Middle-Age Adults with Eating Disorders
Whether you’re seeking support or supporting a friend, here are some positive ways to help an older adult deal with an eating disorder.
- De-Stigmatize Mental Illness – Remind yourself and others that it’s okay to ask for help, regardless of your age.
- Tout Healthy Habits for Wellness, Not Looks – Emphasize how exercise can make you feel (strong!), rather than the way it makes you look.
- Encourage Healthy Body Image – Compliment the important aspects of personality, like kindness, energy and humor, and confidence will follow.
- Be a Good Listener and Friend – Don’t judge! Listen and provide support.
- Seek Professional Help – Recognize when it’s time to ask for professional guidance.
