Why Soviet women in their 40s looked older than 50-year-olds do now

The modern consumer society and the production society of the USSR have brought up different people. And it is not only about values and character, but also about appearance. This is especially striking when we compare photos of women of the Union and their peers today. Why did Soviet women in their 40s look older than their 50s? Let's deal with it. "Site"



Society of consumption and society of production Fashion for appearance has always existed. At different times, female appearance was determined by genetics, lifestyle, skin care and clothing preferences. Why did women age earlier in the USSR?

In many ways, this was a problem of survival. Today, we can flexibly maneuver between our aspirations and interests. Combine health, career, children and self-development. It is easier for a modern woman to grab a minute to run to a manicurist or make a bubble mask.

Search for food, care for grandchildren, children, husband and household – all this fell on the shoulders of the weaker sex in the USSR. There was little time to take care of appearance. So many 50-year-old Union ladies looked like grandmothers.



Social networks motivate women of the XXI century to change faces and figures to the standards of beauty bloggers and models. There is a dark side to this race for the ideal: serious neuroses and depressions. Public opinion hangs over every girl and woman like a sword of Damocles. Therefore, cosmetology offices and beauty salons are never empty.

At the same time, we know more about proper nutrition, healthy lifestyle and fitness than our grandmothers. We have access to new anti-aging technologies and procedures. Whereas in the USSR, only public people resorted to cosmetology. Ordinary citizens learned to take care of themselves through newspapers, books, television and word of mouth. At this point, the consumer society and the production society clashed in a desperate struggle.



But did Soviet women suffer from early wrinkles and gray hair? Or did their self-esteem keep something else afloat?

In the era of the USSR, men valued qualities in women inspired by Soviet ideology and culture. Some of them stood an order of magnitude higher than a cute face and a nice figure.

In Soviet society, collectivism and labor were of great importance. A woman who worked hard and actively built communism had more to her than pretty ladies. She was primarily a mother, wife and worker. A thinking person.

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In the songs and movies sang educated, loyal and reliable colleagues. Activists and athletes who can take responsibility. Ladies of the Union got a profession and learned to cope with problems without assistance. Strong, independent and proud women were able to overcome any difficulties. After all, what good is a pampered cutie, if she is a white-handed? That was the beauty of the Soviet Union.

But hard times did not eradicate the feminine in Soviet ladies. They wanted to watch themselves as best they could, dress up and dress up. Cleanliness and neatness were valued higher than fashionable style or expensive fabric dresses.



Consumption society and production society: utility and naturalness. Charming were considered girls with soft features of faces: round ruddy cheeks, neat mouth and large open eyes. Pointed cheekbones, slicked proportions and a relief press were not respected. Even Soviet amateur athletes did not strive for excessive thinness. They lived quietly, not shy of rounded hips and soft tummy.



Soviet women tried to be useful to society, their families and children. They were not chasing gloss, they were simple and natural. They were content with what they had. They were real. The hardships of the working years left an imprint on their faces and bodies, but they felt the meaning of their days. It's worth learning from them.

Why do you think Union women looked older at 40 than we did at 50? Share your opinion in the comments.