Exploring the complexities of body image experiences in middle age and older adult women within an exercise context: The simultaneous existence of negative and positive body images

•Unconditional acceptance and support were fundamental to positive body image.•Negative, neutral, and positive body images were experienced simultaneously.•Appearance and weight remain very important to older adult women's body image.•Consistent body image experiences were found with younger female samples.

Despite many body changes that accompany the aging process, the extant research is limited on middle age and older adults’ body image experiences. The purpose of the present study was to explore how body image is represented for middle age and older adult women. Using thematic analysis, 10 women over the age of 55 were interviewed within an exercise context. The following themes were found: body dissatisfaction, body satisfaction despite ageist stereotypes, neutral body image within cohort, and positive body image characteristics. Negative and positive body images were experienced simultaneously, with neutral experiences expressed as low levels of dissatisfaction. This supports the contention that negative and positive body images exist on separate continuums and neutral body image is likely on the same continuum as negative body image. Programs that foster a social support network to reduce negative body image and improve positive body image in older female populations are needed.