The tattoo industry is rapidly expanding, with a 2012 study revealing that 21% of Americans (approximately 45 million people) have one or more tattoos. Americans have spent a staggering $1.65 billion on tattoos, and the industry’s net worth is currently over $3 billion, expected to grow by 8% annually in the next ten years. This growth makes tattooing an increasingly lucrative career choice. However, before getting inked, it’s worth considering how tattoos may appear on the elderly.

Many of us get tattoos on a whim, during a drunken night out, or make a hasty decision when bored. This can often result in less than impressive tattoos adorning your body. That’s why you should always think about what you want as a tattoo as it will be there for life (unless you can afford to have it lasered off).

While some might think getting a tattoo while they are young is cool, some regret it when they get too old age. But there are also just as many people who look cool as fuck with tattoos when they reach middle age and don’t care what others think. While you should always take into consideration what you are getting tattooed on your body, worrying about what your body art will look like when you are old shouldn’t cross your mind. There’s more chance the tattoos will give you an edge and make your grandkids think you’re super cool.

To help put your mind at rest, we have collected some images of tattooed seniors to show you that no matter what age you are, tattoos still look great. Whether you’re an old man or an old lady, tattoos look awesome on everyone. So don’t be turned off by what you think you might look like and live in the now and go get yourself some ink.

20 Old People With Tattoos Who Still Look Great1. Tattooed Surfer

1. Tattooed Surfer

How happy does this guy look? Not only is he living his best life, but he’s got some great tatts. Also helps that he’s stacked and has a beard that would put Santa to shame. This is the perfect example of an old person with tattoos who looks fantastic.

2. Hipster Dad

This gent is a well dress hipster with awesome tattoos on his arms. The rose on this right hand is very impressive. The Cuban-inspired getup is also worth mentioning.

3. Alessandro Manfredini

Alessandro Manfredini is an Italian model and influencer who has some great ink on his body. As you can see from the image above, he has two swallows on his upper chest, a whale on his left forearm, and a tattoo around his belly button. The beard also helps give him an extra layer of coolness.

4. Tattooed Lady

Proving age is just a number, this tattooed lady is not wearing a lot and looks hot as fuck. The tattoos only add to her sexiness.

5. Tattoos and Grey Hair

This older person still looks good with his combination of awesome tattoos and grey beard. He’s another great example of what old people with tattoos look like.

6. Bikie Tattoos

Here is a group of old guys with tattoos who look like they are from a motorcycle club. Many are wearing leather and have visible tattoos on their arms. While their old tattoos might not be easily distinguishable from each other, these elderly people love rocking their ink.

7. Football Fan

It’s not hard to tell who this guy supports. He has the logo of Leeds United and the English National team tattooed on the skin across his forehead. He also has the British flag and shield on his cheeks. Then there is the tattoo design of a dragon on his neck, which must have been painful. A very patriotic Englishman.

8. European Flavor

The caption accompanying this image says; “Portrait of an attractive pensive man with a beard and tattoos is sitting on a stairway in front of an old wall.” Hard to disagree really. Despite his older skin, his tattoos are still vibrant and he has a very youthful appearance.

9. Mother and Daughter

Here is a mom and daughter together in the kitchen. While the daughter seems to be a clean skin, the mom certainly has several visible tattoos on her arms. This older adult is a good inspiration to her daughter that tattoos look good no matter how old you are.

10. Fully Covered

You wouldn’t know this tattooed person has his whole body covered in ink. Crazy how different he looks without his clothes on and his tattoos showing.

11. Tribal Face Tattoos 

When it comes to a visible tattoo, having one on your face is about as visible as it gets. This older lady from a village in Myanmar is sporting facial tattoos that are linked to her culture. While not as common in the Western world, facial tattoos play a large role in many tribal cultures.

12. Torso Covered

Holding an old war medal in his hand, this man has his torso covered in tattoos. He appears to be an old soldier, with a picture of a Russian general in the background.

13. Mature Woman

Posing elegantly, this lady has several visible tattoos on her right arm and hand. They only help enhance her beauty and are a great example of a mature person with tattoos.

14. Cheeky Fella

Enjoying a pint at his local, this cheeky fella lifts up his shirt to show his chest full of tattoos. He appears to have the Last Supper across his belly along with an angel further up his chest, so he might be religious.

15. Colorful Tattoos

This older lady looks cool as fuck with her colorful tattoos. She has a wide range of ink that still pops and is a great demonstration of how being old with tattoos isn’t a negative.

16. Owl Tattoo

Here is another middle-aged lady with some tattoos on her forearms. As you can see by her smile she is pretty happy with her artwork.

17. Stylish Gent

This guy is styling and profiling with his sleeve tattoo, hipster glasses, and silky blue shirt.

18. Betty Boop

Proving you are never too old to get a tattoo, this 87-year-old got a tatt of Betty Boop sitting atop a motorcycle. Nice work granny.

19. Put Them Up

Don’t mess with this tattooed elderly gent. He’ll knock you for six!

20. Shirtless

Few tattoos on this elderly man’s chest.