How can a man look good at 60? A Complete Guide to Healthy Aging with Style

According to the CDC, over 150 minutes of moderate exercise per week for seniors is recommended, but looking your best at any age is about much more than fitness. For men, a combination of sharp grooming, a confident mindset, and smart style choices are the keys to answering the question, 'How can a man look good at 60?'

Quick Summary

Achieving a distinguished look at 60 is a holistic process, blending meticulous grooming with a well-curated wardrobe, consistent exercise, and a vibrant, confident attitude that reflects a life well-lived.

Key Points

• Prioritize Skincare: A simple daily regimen of cleansing, moisturizing, and SPF application is fundamental for a healthy complexion.

• Embrace Modern, Classic Style: Focus on well-fitting, high-quality clothing in neutral tones, tailoring where necessary to look sharp and sophisticated, not trendy.

• Maintain a Trim Figure and Good Posture: Regular exercise and a balanced diet are crucial for keeping weight in check and standing tall with confidence.

• Groom Your Hair and Facial Hair Meticulously: Whether clean-shaven or with a beard, a neat, purposeful style is key. Regular haircuts and eyebrow/ear/nose hair trimming make a big difference.

• Focus on Health from the Inside Out: Staying hydrated, getting enough sleep, and managing stress are vital for looking and feeling your best, as stress visibly ages you.

• Cultivate Confidence: A positive attitude and an engaged mind are your most powerful assets. Embrace your experience and project assurance through your stance and actions.

A Fresh Start: Master Your Grooming Routine

Your appearance starts with the basics: your grooming habits. After 60, small, consistent efforts yield significant results. It’s not about looking younger, but about looking healthy, well-maintained, and polished.

Skincare: Beyond Just Washing Your Face

Men's skin changes with age, becoming drier and more susceptible to sun damage. A simple, consistent routine is all you need.

• Cleanse Daily: Wash your face every morning and night to remove pollutants and grime. Use a gentle, hydrating cleanser, not harsh bar soap, which can strip natural oils.
• Moisturize Twice a Day: After cleansing, apply a good moisturizer. Look for one with ingredients like hyaluronic acid to plump the skin and reduce the appearance of fine lines.
• Never Skip SPF: The single most important step for preserving your skin is daily use of a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30+. Apply it to your face, neck, and the backs of your hands, regardless of the weather.
• Eye Cream: The skin around your eyes is thin and shows fatigue easily. A dab of eye cream can reduce puffiness and dark circles.

Hair and Facial Hair: A Polished Presence

Your hair is one of your most visible features. It's not about hiding baldness or gray hair, but managing it smartly.

1. Get a Great Haircut: Find a skilled barber who can give you a clean, modern cut that works with your hair type and texture. For thinning hair, a shorter, well-styled cut is more confident than a comb-over.
2. Embrace Your Gray: Gray hair can be incredibly distinguished. If you want to color it, choose a subtle dye and avoid solid, unnatural-looking tones.
3. Manage Facial Hair: A well-groomed beard or mustache can add structure to your face. However, a patchy or unruly beard can look disheveled. Keep it neatly trimmed or opt for a clean-shaven look if it's not full.
4. Tame Wild Hairs: As you age, rogue hairs can appear in your ears and nose. Keep these trimmed regularly. Your barber can do this for you, or you can use a quality personal trimmer.

The Power of Posture and a Purposeful Body

How you carry yourself is as important as what you wear. Good posture and a healthy body exude confidence and vitality.

Fitness: Staying Active and Strong

Regular physical activity is vital for maintaining muscle mass, weight, and overall energy levels.

• Strength Training: Incorporate weight training or bodyweight exercises at least twice a week. This helps combat age-related muscle loss and improves posture.
• Aerobic Exercise: Brisk walking, swimming, or cycling for 150 minutes per week improves heart health and endurance.
• Flexibility and Balance: Activities like yoga or tai chi can enhance flexibility and prevent falls.

A Nutritious Diet

A healthy diet fuels your body and reflects in your skin, hair, and energy.

• Eat more lean proteins, fruits, and vegetables.
• Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water throughout the day.
• Limit processed foods, sugar, and excess sodium.

Dressing with Intent: Quality Over Quantity

Your wardrobe at 60 should be a collection of timeless, well-made pieces that fit your body, not fleeting trends. Here’s a comparison of outdated versus modern style choices.

Feature	Outdated Choice	Modern Choice
Trousers	Baggy, ill-fitting, or low-rise jeans	Straight-leg, well-fitted chinos or dark-wash jeans
Shirts	Loud, patterned Hawaiian shirts	Classic button-downs, polo shirts, or quality sweaters
Footwear	Worn-out running shoes for all occasions	Minimalist sneakers, loafers, or chukka boots
Fit	Loose and shapeless clothing	Tailored and perfectly fitted pieces
Accessories	Overly flashy jewelry or gadgets	A classic watch, a high-quality leather belt, or stylish eyewear

Cultivating Confidence and Presence

Confidence isn't just about how you look; it's how you feel. A positive mindset is the ultimate accessory for looking great at 60.

The Smile and the Stance

Your smile is one of your most attractive features. Regular dental checkups and proper cleaning can keep your teeth looking their best. Just as important is your posture—stand and sit up straight to look taller and more assertive.

The Mindset of a Modern Man

• Stay Engaged: Don't retire your mind. Keep learning new skills, reading, and staying curious. A sharp mind is always attractive.
• Seek Connections: Maintain strong social connections with family and friends. Social activity boosts emotional well-being and prevents isolation.
• Embrace Your Experience: Your age comes with a lifetime of experience. Embrace it. Don't try to be something you're not; your authentic self is the most impressive version.

Conclusion: A Complete Blueprint

Looking good at 60 is not about fighting the passage of time, but about respecting it. By adopting a solid grooming routine, prioritizing health and fitness, refining your wardrobe with intentional choices, and cultivating a confident mindset, any man can look not just good, but distinguished. It’s a holistic approach that celebrates the maturity and wisdom that comes with age, allowing you to present your best self to the world every single day. For more comprehensive guides on maintaining your health as you age, the AARP offers a wealth of valuable information.

Summary of Strategies

This blueprint for looking good at 60 can be summarized as follows:

• Grooming: A simple, effective skincare regimen is non-negotiable. Manage your hair and facial hair with neat, modern styles, embracing gray for a touch of distinction. Don't forget the small details, like trimming nose and ear hair.
• Health: Prioritize regular exercise, including strength training, aerobics, and flexibility. Combine this with a balanced, nutritious diet to maintain a healthy weight and boost overall vitality.
• Style: Upgrade your wardrobe by focusing on quality fabrics and perfect fit. Choose classic, timeless pieces over trendy ones, and use neutral colors with subtle accents to create a sophisticated look.
• Mindset: Cultivate a positive, confident attitude. Maintain good posture, keep your mind engaged, and embrace the wisdom and experience that come with your age.

By following these steps, you can ensure that your appearance reflects the confident, experienced, and vital man you are, making 60 look and feel like a new, exciting chapter.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the single most important grooming habit for men over 60?

Using a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30+ every single day is the most important habit. It protects your skin from sun damage, which is a primary cause of age spots, wrinkles, and other signs of aging.

Should a man dye his gray hair at 60?

It is a personal choice. Many men look distinguished with gray hair. If you choose to color it, it's best to opt for a subtle, professional coloring job that doesn't create a solid, unnatural look.

How can a man over 60 update his wardrobe without chasing trends?

Focus on investing in a few quality, classic pieces that fit well. Think tailored blazers, dark-wash jeans, and simple, high-quality sweaters. A good tailor can make even off-the-rack clothes look custom-fitted.

What's the best exercise routine for a 60-year-old man?

A well-rounded routine includes a mix of strength training (using weights or bodyweight), moderate aerobic activity like walking or swimming, and flexibility/balance exercises such as yoga or tai chi.

Can diet really help a man look better in his 60s?

Absolutely. A diet rich in lean protein, healthy fats, fruits, and vegetables provides the nutrients for healthy skin, hair, and nails. It also helps manage weight, which improves overall health and appearance.

How can a man improve his posture?

Practice sitting and standing up straight, with your shoulders back and core engaged. Regular strength training, especially for the back, can help reinforce good posture over time.

Is it better to have a beard or be clean-shaven at 60?

Both can work, as long as they are well-maintained. A clean shave can rejuvenate the face, while a neatly trimmed beard can add structure. It depends on what suits your facial features and style best.