Most people who develop eating disorders are female. As many as
90%. These illnesses are typically seen during adolescence and
young adulthood. But eating disorders also affect older women.
That includes women in their 60s and beyond.Aging may bring on
an eating disorder. Clinicians specializing in these issues
report that theyre seeing more older women. Rates of strict
dieting, fasting, binge eating and purging are up significantly.
Many report being preoccupied with food or feeling guilty about
eating. Some of these women have struggled with disordered
eating for decades. For others, the problem is new. Grief over
losing a loved one can lead to an appetite change. Marriage
breakups can spur a woman to view her body unfavorably.
Comparisons to other singles or an ex-spouses new girlfriend can
make it worse. Restricting food or purging can be a way to deal
with distressing feelings. Many people, no matter their age,
want to look younger. Botox and plastic surgery have fueled
fantasies of stopping the clock. O