This is despite the fact that discriminating against someone for their age is illegal. Here’s how to create the best CV and avoid being judged on your age when you’re over 50.

According to the Office for National Statistics, Britain’s unemployment rate climbed to 4.7 % in the three months to May 2025, leaving about 1.67 million people without work. 

Over the same period, the number of job vacancies fell by 56,000 (a 5.8 % drop), reducing the total to around 718,000 open roles.

It’s tough out there.

Remove non-essential information

Under the Equality Act of 2010 it’s illegal to discriminate against someone based on age, so you don’t have to state your age if you don’t want to. Employers should choose the individual best suited to a role, so allow your skills, experience and passion to take centre stage instead.

Your specific address (general location is fine), personal circumstances and photos can also be removed. These don’t explain why someone should hire you. Instead, fill valuable space with detail that will show off your skills. Speaking of which…

Restrict CVs to two pages – absolute maximum

Job searching is extremely competitive. At best, recruiters spend around seven seconds to scan a CV; increasingly it’s more likely they’ll use AI to do it for them. So applicants need to stand out as quickly and clearly as possible. Highlighting your skills, experiences, and interests in a concise manner is more likely to maintain interest.

Buzzwords and templates

Don’t waffle, or fill your CV with buzzwords and nonsense. Even if you work in marketing. Also, CVs should be tailored to each job, using only the relevant skills for the application. Research each vacancy beforehand to handpick the best skills to target and jumpstart you higher up in the list.

Emphasise experience over age

Experience is often preferred to education. Showing you have years of developed skills is better than a list of qualifications or degree in something less relevant. Strike a positive tone and list key abilities before academic qualifications on your resume for the recruiter to see this first.

Include a professional summary

An even better way to grab attention from the get-go is to start with a professional summary: a concise (no waffle!) overview of you and your talents. The benefit of this is the hirer has everything they need in a tightly worded package. They can explore further once you’ve grabbed their attention.

Enjoying this article? More of an entrepreneur? Maybe you’d like this piece about raising investment for your own business

Sell your technical skills

Employers need to know that you’re as technically proficient as someone 20 years younger. Prove that you’re up to date with the latest tools and platforms by including them in your CV. This includes skills you’ve learned in lockdown – research shows it can take as little as 10 days to learn a new technical skill. Both Google and LinkedIn offer free courses, but a search on the web will turn up plenty of learning opportunity.

Just remember to avoid unnecessary jargon or ‘inside lingo’ that some hirers may not understand, and break up technical content with softer skills to add a human feel.

Network, network, network!

Most job applications are now online which, depending on your expertise, may not be ideal. But that doesn’t mean it’s what you must rely on. Also referred to as the Hidden Job Market, some research suggests as many as 70 per cent of jobs aren’t even posted online or shared publicly. If you’re used to the word-of-mouth approach to secure a job then keep practicing this alongside online applications.

If content is King, then design is its Queen

How a CV appears is just as important as the information it provides, so a good visual balance will mean the reader focuses on what matters the most: your qualifications. Keep your CV polished by incorporating bullet points, short summaries, and a mix of formats for clarity. Make it visually pleasing but avoid overly elaborate designs.

And finally, should you use AI to write your CV?

There’s no reason why you can’t get Chat etc to help you get started, or make drafts or suggestions. But don’t just hand the whole job over. Edit your CV, make sure it has your tone of voice. Employers can spot AI, and many might not be keen if they think you can’t be bothered to even write your own resume. But yes, AI is a great tool in your CV building arsenal, used well.

Thanks to the experts at Resume.io for this advice on resume building

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The post Beat the ageism game. How to create a great CV when you’re over 50 appeared first on Silver Magazine.

Are children really using anti-ageing products? Our children fear hitting 30, let alone 50. And it has become increasingly apparent that anti-ageing products and plastic surgery is rife amongst Gen Z and Alpha.

A quick look at TikTok will horrify you on this score. Many young people and even children touting and posting the use of anti-ageing products. But with all the positive ageing messaging we have now, why are our kids terrified of ageing? What is going on?

We’ve faced our fair share of beauty standards across the decades. And we know that some days it’s easier than others to embrace the fine lines and love the wrinkles. But we also know ageing has its own beauty. The tales of laughter, late nights talking, and a life well-enjoyed are in every laughter line. We are increasingly able to celebrate the evidence of a life well lived.

Even mainstream media figures are saying a big eff-you to outdated beauty messages

Over the past decade or so, our acceptance of the ageing process has powered a pro-ageing movement. And this is particularly evident in the beauty industry. Products now support maturing skin with a pro-ageing message, rather than shaming it with ‘anti-ageing’ ranges.

Even mainstream media figures are saying a big eff-you to outdated beauty messages, and the idea that women become past it once they hit a certain look or age. Check out Nicole Kidman in 2022’s Vanity Fair cover, or And Just Like That normalising women over 50 wearing bold prints and trendy items and unashamed grey hair. We’re – thankfully – getting miles away from the phrase ‘dress your age.’ And hey, Pamela Anderson, I’m looking at you, with your fresh-faced confidence… you go girl!

So why is it, that with a generation of older women – older people in fact – to look up to, who are openly embracing maturity and challenging the idea that beauty is reserved for the young, we’re seeing under 30s getting Botox and plastic surgery? Meanwhile, even more worrying, under 18s are so afraid of a single fine line, they’re putting anti-ageing skincare on their Christmas wish lists.

Packing plastic

People are cutting and injecting themselves for cosmetic purpose more than ever before. Plastic surgery procedures increased by 102 per cent in 2022. With breast augmentation, tummy tucks, and liposuction being the most popular among women, who made up 93 per cent.

Nose jobs, chest reductions, and eyelid adjustments were top dog among the men who went under the knife. Under 34s are the highest demographic undergoing breast augmentation procedures.

The number of young people investing in preventative Botox has also increased, with many in their mid-twenties getting the injections to keep wrinkles at bay.

‘Preventative Botox’ has become a hot topic online. The hashtag for Botox has over one million videos on TikTok, with the top videos amassing 2-4 million views.

Over two-thirds of TikTok’s usership is made up of 18-34-year-olds. Young people are engaging in content which positions Botox and other cosmetic procedures as standard, common even. When you’re seeing countless people sharing their experience or recommendations for fillers, it’s gradually going to become as trivial as trying the latest viral foundation. Perhaps it’s just a way to try and get a face that looks like it’s filtered in real life?

Attainable attraction

In the eighties and nineties, you’d really only see augmented beauty in magazines, or posters. These days, Gen Z and Alpha open their phones and are confronted with endless images of influencers and celebrities. Many of these faces are supporting plumped lips, refined noses, and sculpted jaws. Never mind the filters that give you flawless skin, or even a full face of makeup. With this pressure from infinitely tweaked faces, it seems young people have become afraid of their natural, asymmetrical beauty, warping what is considered attractive.

Once considered an exclusive and unattainable way to update appearances, treatments are far more accessible to the wider population

The invention of silicon and cosmetic technologies in the sixties led to the rich and famous adjusting their appearance through cosmetic surgery. Once considered an exclusive and unattainable way to update appearances, treatments are far more accessible to the wider population. Botox injections can set you back by as little as £100 in the UK (essentially the price of a new coat, or a pair of trainers). Plus, medical tourism offers cheaper prices for these procedures, making for an appealing option – after all, you get a built-in holiday too.

Over the last decade, we’ve seen the discussions around medical beauty treatments everywhere. The Kardashians discussing their lip fillers, surgeons online breaking down a celebrity’s latest cosmetic work, and Love Island contestants sharing what they’ve had done. When you feel like everyone’s doing it, it’s understandable more people will gravitate towards it. Attitudes change, as cosmetic surgery has gone from being perceived as exclusive to something everyone can do.

Alpha’s anti-ageing frenzy

Although these treatments are illegal to perform on under 18s, that hasn’t stopped Gen Alpha from getting involved with anti-ageing effects. Earlier this year, dermatologists spoke out about the dangers of parents buying their children skincare products with highly active ingredients.

This comes from the recent boom of tweens pining after expensive retinol and vitamin C serums. Online trends where young women share their ‘get unready with me’ (GRWM) routines are packed with colourfully packaged products with fun names, like Watermelon Glow Serum, which contains hyaluronic acid. These products aren’t necessary for young skin, and can damage their sensitive faces.

Whilst part of Gen Alpha’s motivation may be to assimilate with the online community of women sharing their routines, the attraction to ‘anti-ageing’ results is worrying. Children shouldn’t be worrying about signs of ageing; in fact no one should be worried about it. For far too long youth has been equated with beauty and worth, and it’s causing anxiety and harm to our children and grandchildren.

I can’t help but wonder, with existing concerns of social media impacting mental health and self-worth on the young now, will that intensify as they do age and develop a tapestry of life experience on their skin? I can’t believe children are already using anti-ageing products I’m only in my 20s and I feel the pressure. It’s everywhere.

Impacts on ageism

Fears of ageing shouldn’t be intensifying, but lessening. I’d hoped that the next generation would learn from the OGs here. After all, maturity should be championed and seen as a blessing, rather than something to slap plaster on. And certainly not something to be avoided by pumping chemicals into your face before you’re barely in double figures.

Young people’s desperation to take up whatever’s available to slow ageing is a disheartening sight.  We know that ageing skin isn’t a curse, but our young people might not reach acceptance of that fact until the damage is done.

Perhaps we need more untouched and mature faces online to counteract young people’s perceptions of what normal is. I don’t think it’s the entire responsibility of over 50s to resolve this issue. However, there could be a positive influence made by sharing the beauty and comfort of silver skin and drowning out the noise of filtered faces and altered bodies. The fight against ageism continues, and we’re going to keep on flying the flag. Whatever our age. We never thought we’d see children using anti-ageing products, but here we are.

Lana Hall

Lana can usually be found spinning her collection of records, or writing odd poems in her phone notes. Her mixer of choice is a ginger beer, and you’ll never find her away from the sea for more than a few weeks.

The post Why are school children using anti-ageing skincare products appeared first on Silver Magazine.

No? Well, we’re not sure we believe you!

Of course we think you should take care of and love your pets when they reach ‘golden oldie’ status. But honestly, we don’t think they’re too offended about being called old!

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The post How to stand against ageism in pets appeared first on Silver Magazine.

Whilst Instagram silver influencers might seem a frivolous choice to interview about bias, we wanted to reach out to women who had built an audience. Women of a certain age, who are winning in what can be a really judgmental game.

We asked them about their inspiration, about how they tackled bias – not just sexist bias, but ageism too – and what advice they’d give to younger women.

Here’s what they had to say…

@rachelperu1

 

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A post shared by Rachelperu1 (@rachelperu1)

Rachel Peru is an influencer who is promoting both silver haired and curvier ladies as a mature model. She has been making strides promoting body positivity and self-love in older women, and has been inspiring and listening to other older ladies stories on her weekly podcast ‘Out of the Bubble’.

I never imagined I’d be modelling lingerie and swimwear at 51

“I am constantly inspired hearing about other women that are stepping out of their comfort zones and trying new things later in life.” She says. “And I have an amazing group of women in my Step Out of the Bubble Facebook group that genuinely bring me joy every day with their support for one another. That feeling of sisterhood inspires me.

“I never imagined I’d be modelling lingerie and swimwear at 51. Also I think that’s an important part of breaking down the sexist bias, that women’s bodies are something to hide away after we reach a certain age which all adds to that fear around ageing.

“I love being able to show that yes, my body may be changing as we get older. But we can still feel good, and enjoy our bodies without the fear of judgement at any age. Being my authentic self and showing other women that we don’t have to be ashamed of our grey hair and mature bodies is something I feel really strongly about.”

“If I could give younger women advice? Remember that you are good enough just as you are right now. Fill your life and social media feeds with diversity so you remind yourself that we are all different and all have our unique talents to bring to the world.”

@midlifechic

 

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A post shared by Midlifechic (@midlifechic)

Nikki Garnett is a blogger writing about her experiences as a mature lady and gives an insight into #agelessstyle. Her blog, midlifechic is well worth a read.

Throughout my career I’ve found that a sharp mixture of intelligence and humour has been the most useful weapon

“I’m inspired by the freedom that working for myself gives me. It can be scary but looking back and knowing that everything I’ve achieved over the last 21 years has been self-driven means that I’m always keen to find out what’s coming next.

“Throughout my career I’ve found that a sharp mixture of intelligence and humour has been the most useful weapon for shooting down sexism whenever I’ve come across it.

“As for young women: work hard and build expertise in your chosen field as fast as you can. For me, building a really strong CV in my twenties enabled me to balance career and family on my own terms from my mid-thirties onwards. It gave me the proof I needed to be able to pick and choose the projects that I wanted to work on.”

@msorrig

 

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A post shared by Mette (@msorrig)

Mette Sorrig is a fashion and lifestyle influencer from Copenhagen, Denmark. She’s built a reputation as a fashion forward fifty-plus, who also offers fashion styling for both personal and business wear.

…pursue your dreams even if the position does not exist yet. You might be the first to do it

“I get inspired everyday by my surrounding, by what I read and see in the streets of Copenhagen or in here. And I also keep records of things I like to go back and see.

“I have experienced sexist bias both being too young or too old. I think that the place where we see it very clearly is in the income difference between men and women. It has been like that for many years, but is gradually moving in the right direction both because women move up in leadership positions.

“My advice would be always to pursue your dreams even if the position does not exist yet. You might be the first to do it and break the barriers.”

Like this? Check out the Fifty-Plus Fashionistas

Lili Lowe

Lili works across all the channels; writing articles, taking photographs, creating content, and designing eye-capturing imagery. She’s an animal-lover who cries just seeing a picture of a baby sloth.

The post Silver influencers making their voices heard appeared first on Silver Magazine.

Judi flying the silver flag
Photo Todd Jacobucci

Over lockdown I have worn my hair in a ponytail the whole time. And slowly but surely a new, braver me is emerging. At 56 it’s one I’m beginning to accept, and it seems I’m not alone.

A quick search of Instagram reveals the hashtag #greyhair has over two million posts. And there’s a proliferation of similar accounts, positively promoting women with platinum, grey, or silver hair colour.

Celebrities including Emma Thompson, Cate Blanchett, Helen Mirren, and Dame Judi Dench have undoubtedly helped this trend. As have articles saturating national media, and hashtags (like one of our own favourites, #SilverIsTheNewBlack). And stars like Lady Gaga are making silver hair a positive choice for even younger women.

It’s hip to be grey

Caroline Gray

Where it was once associated with images of old crones and witches, it’s now become positively trendy to grow out the grey hair. And finally women are feeling like they can be silver tops, and wear it with pride.

Former model turned jewellery designer, Caroline Gray, 52, says, ‘’My hair really started to turn in my mid-40s. The first time the grey conversation happened with my now husband was when I was about 47, just before marrying. We were in the cinema when he said, ‘when are you going to start dyeing your hair?’

Pippa Best

“The look on his face was priceless when I said I wasn’t. Of course I care about my appearance, but I’m also a great believer in being true to yourself. And it’s your body, so your choice.’’

Script editor Pippa Best, 47, went grey at 35 after becoming a mum. She says whilst initially unsure, she now gets so many compliments on her long silver hair that she has grown to love it.

Inspiring others

Sarah Laker

For others, changing colour was not such a surprise. Sarah Laker, 50, who runs Marple Stationery in Stockport, says her grandma went white in her thirties and she followed the same path: “I started dyeing in my 20s, but then when I was 34 I was off work with vertigo. I couldn’t bear my hair being touched so I had it cut really short. Then when I was well and it was time to go back to work I actually liked the grey! So I was grey before it was a trendy thing to do.”

Friends have dubbed her their ‘ginspiration’ and many have also stopped colouring, but she hasn’t been without her critics. Sarah was annoyed to be told by a customer that she could look 10 years younger if she dyed her hair. She says: ’Why would I want to look 10 years younger? I’m completely happy with myself and my life; I have a lovely husband of nearly 28 years, two beautiful daughters, and my own business.’’

Why do people judge the grey?

…we have to fight the fear of ageing from a very early age. Ageism is an implicit bias

Behavioural psychologist Prof Carolyn Mair PhD, author of The Psychology of Fashion, says such comments happen because there is still a preoccupation with eternal youth.

‘’Women, and increasingly men, are socialised into believing that to be successful in any aspect of life, they have to be beautiful. And as being beautiful is equated with being young, we have to fight the fear of ageing from a very early age. Ageism is an implicit bias.

“Since Lady Gaga dyed her hair silver, it has been a trend for younger women too. But this is different to naturally greying hair, which is an explicit sign of ageing and which has been seen negatively.’’

Want to boost the feel-good endophins in your brain naturally?

Is it different for men?

Historically, men have never really had to deal with such judgement when they grow out the grey. Older men are often tagged as distinguished ‘silver foxes’. Think George Clooney, Jeff Goldblum, Pierce Brosnan and many more.

Michael Facherty, 69, says he was ‘salt and pepper’ in his 40s, and grey by his 50s, but welcomed the change. “I used to be ginger, and I bless the day that my hair and beard turned white. There is a lot of demand for a Father Christmas/ Santa with a real white beard! Also, not being called Ginge is good too.’’

Former BBC Midlands Today newsreader Richard Uridge, 59, says going grey was never issue for him. “I honestly can’t remember, it was so long ago. I probably started going grey 20 years ago but it was so incremental I barely noticed it happening. And even now I only realise I’m fully silver (well, let’s be honest, white) when I look back at pictures of the young raven-haired me.”

Richard Uridge before and after

He acknowledges women have a harder time than men in the ageing process adding ‘’I think men are partly (possibly largely) to blame for that inequality. Personally I have no problem with grey-haired women. My mum went grey prematurely – as they used to say – so I had a positive role model for the natural look.’’

Time for rebrand?!

Award-winning celebrity hairdresser, Phil Smith, believes whilst things are changing, ageing is still an issue. He says, “After 30 years of being a hairstylist, going grey is definitely a recurring concern for clients. It seems to me the fear isn’t about going grey or having grey hair, but the idea that it is associated with getting older and the fear of ageing.

“Despite grey hair being sported by influential celebs and the fashion industry’s finest – take Sarah Harris, Stacey London, and Tennille Murphy as examples – the fear of going grey is deep rooted. I try to encourage my clients to see the beauty in their greys, showing and explaining options on how it could enhance their look. But ultimately the decision is theirs.’’

A trip to the hairdressers can help ease the transition, and he recommends highlights or lowlights as blending through the roots and coloured ends will allow the grey not to be so obvious.

Growing out the shades of grey

Author Annemarie Flanagan

Grey is not a favourable word and is often still used in a negative sense; ‘what a grey day’, ‘you’re looking a bit grey – are you ill?’, so I prefer to say my hair is turning ‘silver’ and rather than feel defeated I’m welcoming this new stage.

As Prof Mair says, “Many women have decided to embrace the natural signs of ageing and not dye their hair. This can be empowering as it enables them to be authentic and not simply conform to societal norms and ageist prejudices.

“We all age, and as we do, we are likely to become more confident, more tolerant and more certain about what matters.’’

Lockdown has brought many positive developments; cleaner air, less traffic, shopping locally, getting to know your neighbours and letting nature take its course. Finally ditching the dye is one such silver lining.

THINKING OF GROWING OUT THE GREY?

• For a slow transition talk to your hairdresser consider highlights/lowlights
• Alternatively, go bold and get a shorter cut, start afresh! Grow out the grey hair without having to colour it
• The texture of grey hair is different as it loses colour and melanin. Swap out your usual shampoo and conditioner for silver-specific products
• Hair will also feel more wiry, so invest in some good hair masks and treat yourself
• Grey hair can yellow, so try a purple shampoo once a week this is aimed at enhancing the silver tones in your new natural colour
• Consider your natural colours and clothing too. Having different hair will affect how your clothes look on you
• Also revisit your makeup – it might be that you need a more dramatic look, or to tone down a bit

Annemarie Flanagan

The post Silver linings – lockdown meant I could finally grow out my grey appeared first on Silver Magazine.