A man with milk-white skin and deer-like eyes is known as a 'pretty boy', while a man with bulging biceps exuding overwhelming masculinity is referred to as a 'muscle man'. Women may prefer these types of men when they are young, but interesting research results indicate that their preferences change significantly as they age and enter menopause.
A research team from the Medical University of Wroclaw in Poland conducted a study involving 122 women aged 19 to 70 to evaluate the attractiveness of men, which was published in the December issue of the international journal 《Adaptive Human Behavior and Physiology》. The team used digital technology to manipulate various aspects of male models' faces (masculinity and femininity), beard length, and muscle mass, asking participants to evaluate their attractiveness.
To help readers understand the variables used in this study, we can compare them to the styles of well-known domestic actors, which can be categorized into three types. The first is the 'Pretty Boy Type (Feminized face)'. This type has flawless white skin, a soft jawline, and attractive facial features.
The second is the 'Muscular Body Type (Muscularity)'. This type boasts broad shoulders and muscular backs, often referred to as the 'V-shaped' physique, showcasing strong genetics.
The third is the 'Bearded & Slim Type'. This type is not a typical handsome man, but has a bushy beard and a lean physique, exuding a free-spirited yet mature atmosphere.
"Menopausal Women Prefer Men with Bushy Beards and Slim Faces"
According to the research results, the types of men preferred by women showed interesting differences based on their life stages. Young women of childbearing age prefer pretty boy faces or toned bodies, which aligns with existing notions and evolutionary psychology studies. This is interpreted as a biological desire to find a mate with healthy genes to produce offspring.
However, the perspectives of older women who have experienced various life challenges and post-menopausal women were different. They showed indifference to the 'pretty faces' and excessive 'muscular bodies' that young women admire. Instead, they preferred styles with bushy beards and slim faces.
According to the research team's analysis, older women rated bearded men as more attractive, and menopausal women showed less preference for V-shaped muscular bodies. Experts interpret this result by stating, "For older women, a beard is not just hair, but a symbol of 'maturity' that signifies the ability to acquire social status and resources."
This connects to the 'Grandmother Hypothesis' in evolutionary psychology. Women who are no longer bound by the obligations of pregnancy and childbirth no longer obsess over reproductive capabilities (muscles) or appearance. Instead, they prefer partners who provide 'trust' and 'stability' to care for grandchildren and protect the family, which is reflected in the image of a lean, bearded man. The research team concluded that the attractiveness of men as perceived by women is not fixed but changes due to various factors such as age and life stages.
[Frequently Asked Questions]
(※ The following content is based on the results of this study, interpreted from an evolutionary psychology perspective.)
Q1. Why do women prefer men with bushy beards and slim faces as they age instead of pretty boys?
A1. This is due to the evolutionary psychological instinct known as the 'Grandmother Hypothesis'. During their childbearing years, women are attracted to flashy appearances and muscles to bear offspring with superior genes, but after menopause, they seek stable partners who can help protect the family and care for grandchildren rather than directly giving birth. At this time, beards and lean physiques are recognized as signals of 'trust' and 'maturity'.
Q2. Why do young women prefer men without beards less?
A2. For young women, a thick beard can be perceived as a sign of 'aggressiveness' or intimidation. In contrast, for menopausal women who have experienced various life challenges, a beard is interpreted not as aggression but as a symbol of 'ability' to acquire resources and social status. Thus, the same appearance can be interpreted completely differently depending on the life stage of the woman.
Q3. Why is a muscular body less attractive to menopausal women?
A3. Excessive muscles (V-shaped body) signal high levels of male hormones, which may be welcomed as a sign of 'strong reproductive capability' in youth, but in older age, it may be unconsciously associated with aggressive tendencies or a pursuit of short-term relationships. Menopausal women feel greater comfort and stability in lean physiques rather than intimidating muscle men.
