Tattoos now a sign of a mid-life crisis

IT WAS once a badge of youthful rebellion. These days, however, sporting a tattoo is just as likely to be an indelible sign of a mid-life crisis. A survey reveals they are now more prevalent among the older generation – with almost a quarter of 40- to 59-year-olds sporting ink, compared to fewer than one in six of those aged between 18 and 24.

Middle-aged tattoo fans include Samantha Cameron, 44, who has a dolphin on her ankle, and 69year-old Dame Helen Mirren, who has a symbol that stands for “love thy neighbour” at the top of her left thumb. The poll also showed that one person in five has at least one tattoo, and that women are more likely than men to have one.

Tattoo artist Louis Molloy, 52, said this figure did not surprise him, but added that it represented a huge shift over the past few decades.

He said: “I had my first tattoo done when I was a teenager, and the ratio then was probably about one woman for every 50 men – tattoos were very, very taboo.” According to the YouGov poll of 1 785 people, the most popular locations for a tattoo are on the arm, followed by the back and shoulder.

Even Dame Judi Dench has claimed she is tempted by the idea. Talking to Good Housekeeping magazine, the actress said: “I am tempted to have a tattoo. There’s an Indian symbol I like which supposedly represents life and love and everything.”

Prime Minister David Cameron said while he “loved” his wife’s tattoo, he would “be a square dad” and advise his children not to get one. – Daily Mail