To want a tattoo

This is mine on my shoulder and it didn't hurt a bit

Whilst sitting in a bar on holiday this year one of my friends in her 50's jumped up from her seat. She then went off and got a tattoo on her thigh. Just like that!! It actually looked quite nice. She had no regrets the next day.

My tattoo, a botanical drawing of 3 tulips, representing my 3 sons, was my present to myself for my 70th birthday
All 3 responded differently, but ultimately were 'honoured. Go for it. I love mine placed on the outside of my right calf. To those that say what happens when you get old and wrinkly? Nothing, as I am already!!

I have 4. Done a good few years ago when I was younger but discreet and I think pretty. Nobody can see them when I'm fully clothed. I don't regret any of them as they all mean something to me, from a very important time of my life. I still dither from time to time about getting a very tiny one on my wrist or even behind my ear. I do think that very heavy and very visible tatts aren't particularly feminine but each to their own. How about a really tiny one that could be added to at a later date if you feel so inclined? But basically do what the hell you want and sod the rest of them! Isn't that what being mature is all about? Pleasing yourself at last and not doing stuff to please everyone else! X

As I said , I would like a tattoo but not where it shows, When we were on holiday we went to a grandish dinner. All the ladies wore lovely ball gowns. One young woman looked lovely until she turned around and the low cut back of her dress was filled by a tattoo of an eagle wrestling with a snake
It might have had significance for her but it was not a pretty sight

I got a tattoo when I was about 53, a small blue bird with a red rose in its beak. We were walking past the shop and I just went in on impulse. I like the fact that no one can see it unless I take my clothes off.
However, I hate to see them on other people, the full sleeves are horrible e.g..David Beckham.
It's your body, do what you want to, ignore what anyone else thinks.

At the age of 60 I had a small discreet tattoo on the inside of my wrist, my daughters initial, traced from her actual writing, and it makes me smile every time I look at it. We lost her to breast cancer at the age of 33, and I remember when she wanted one done at the age of 18 and I wasn't keen! How she'd be laughing with me now!

I've been thinking I'd like one for a while too. New studio opened near me, and I keep looking in the window ..... don't know what though ....

Go ahead,its your body!! I had a small tattoo at 64 and have never regretted it (its a puffin for the Puffin Books I loved as a child). My friends and daughter were impressed and a couple of friends have now done the same. Just make sure you go to a reputable tattoo parlour.

I would like a small one on the inside of my wrist but have quite skinny arms and the veins look close to the surface.... worried it might be a painful area?

It's your body but personally I'm not keen on tattoos. They are so permanent and I sometimes feel that we're programmed to go off the things which we once loved. This is what the fashion industry relies on - though I have to say that there are some things which I loved when I was young, some of them I may still like but others not so much. Is it a regret waiting to happen? Only you can say.

They are beyond dreadful and don’t make anyone look better.

Well my opinion is, if you really want one - do it! It has nothing to do with anybody else. So what if they tut-tut at you? You are a person with your own thoughts, feelings and opinions and you were that person before you were a wife and mother. If people disapprove it's up to them. It would be nice if they supported you but once it's done it's done. It's not like you want to have SATAN tattooed across your knuckles or anything is it but even if you did, would it really affect anybody else's life?

Yes of course, do it if you want! I have had the occasional hanker... When my first DGS was born I thought about getting a discreet little footprint with his initial(s) or DOB inside on my wrist. Three years down the line I’d have had to have 4 of them, and who knows how many I’d eventually have ended up with marching up my arm?!

I'm 66 and have a tattoo of my twin grandsons names on one wrist and their date of birth on the other! I had one done on my shoulder many years ago before they became 'fashionable'. Go for it, life is far too short, enjoy!

I had one done, for my 50th birthday, on my leg just above my ankle...flowers, vines and tiny hearts. It is around 6 inches long. Most people do not notice it.

We are a tattoo-less family! I warned my twin- Gd's (19) going off to Malia with friends this year that if they came back with a tattoo I would disown them. Thankfully, their reply was "Eeeuuuwww!
Grandma, no way"!

I did. A little red heart on my shoulder. My girls had little black heart. We feel connected.

Tattoos are something of the last taboo and rebellion in some families. I was horrified to find 17 year old youngest ironing in her undies, to see a collection of tiny stars just above the knicker line on her back. I survived the shock, still loved her, didn't disown her either.
Slightly older daughter came home from her first university term with a tattoo on her back. I ranted about the cost but she pointed out she paid out of her part time job,
I came home from town with a Unicorn on my upper arm a couple of months later. Talk about censorious, what have you done mum they cried in stereo, totally outraged. I let them think it was a permanent tattoo until the henna wore off - double standards eh

Age is immaterial. However, I think they look unsightly on women. So in one respect I agree with your daughters.

I don’t have any, and thinking about it, don’t know anybody who has had one done ( I will now be quizzing all and sundry about it,)
It’s entirely your own choice, but if you have got to this age without wanting one, I do wonder why now?
I also wonder about pink hair etc and any other thing that women only seem to contemplate in retirement.

Go for it

Kacee, I had my first (and only) tattoo early this year. I'm 63, too. My kids and my friends were a bit shocked, but I'm so happy with it! I was worried about the pain, but it was just like a cat scratch. It's a small one, on my wrist. Go for it!!!

Just do it! DD and I have just had matching tats, and while browsing I found several more thst I would like - I disciplined myself to only have two little ones extra. I’m 66 and had the first one at 47. Beware, though that when you have one it’s bound to make you want more!

Those who think they don't know anybody with a tattoo might be surprised if they knew the people that have secret ones.