Am I too old for a tattoo? And where would I put it if I did get one? HELP!
By wotfpatty
@wotfpatty (2065)
United States
September 14, 2007 5:15am CST
For a very long time I have been in love with hummingbirds. They are the tiniest birds and they are incredibly beautiful but what attracted me to them is that they flap their wings so very fast just to stay in one place.
I relate. I find that I am flapping my wings like crazy just to stay where I am. I just always related to the plight of the hummingbird who can never be still and has to work like crazy just to stay in one spot. I have been working like crazy just to keep my head above water and to keep my world together forever.
Anyway, I have wanted a hummingbird tattoo for years. I just feel that connection and really want one. But I am now 43 and old. My question to you is two fold:
Is 43 just ridiculously old to have a tattoo and also, if you say no it isn't, where on my body would I get it? I want it small, nothing crazy. Just a little purple bird with a flower or something but his wings needs to show they are flapping. ANYWAY...I have to remember that I am aging and my body won't be tight for long. Soon I will sag and the tat would look silly. Where would be a place to put it where it could be seen yet not end up stretched out and looking terrible in 10 years? I am NOT getting it on the lower back I want to see it and I want it seen - at least sometimes.
Or should I just forget the whole thing and write it off as a late age crisis? I'm torn. Your honest opinions are so welcome.
10 people like this
28 responses
@Se7enth (170)
• United States
14 Sep 07
I didn't know that you were still deciding on doing this. 43 is not too old to get some ink. If you would have got one done when you were in your 20s, it would still be a part of you today. You have plenty of thought into this and have picked out the perfect piece that really fits you. It always has. That's much better than just walking in off the street and getting something out of one of the books.
So the big question is the placement. Since you don't want to do the lower back( I hear thats a bit painful anyhow), how about the lower leg. You could show it off to others depending on the type of jeans you wear. You wouldn't have to worry about "sagging" in that area and you could still see it whenever you wanted too.
Remind me later to send you a link to my friend, Bev's page. She has plenty of tats and just put out a calendar this year. Maybe you can get an idea on where you want it.
me
5 people like this
@wotfpatty (2065)
• United States
17 Sep 07
Yeah, I am going through another mid/late life crisis. I want one darn it. But every time I think of where, I am stumped.
I saw the pics but that is not at all what I am interested in. I want just one little tat that looks cute and is discrete but not hidden. Tough call...
1 person likes this
@raychill (6525)
• United States
14 Sep 07
I don't think anyone is ever too old for a tattoo and if you want it, then you shouldn't think you are too old either so that you can get it.
As for where you should get it, no one can answer that question for you. When you get a tattoo all of the answers should only be answered by you because you're the one who is going to have it permanently attached to your body.
I would make the suggestion though, that your ankle may be a good place to have a tattoo because even in old age (my mom is 53 and she has a tattoo on her ankle from when she was 30) your ankle doesn't necessarily sag. The other place I would suggest is your shoulder, but you may not necessarily be able to see that.
I don't think you should forget it at all.
Go for it. You only live once right?
4 people like this
@wotfpatty (2065)
• United States
17 Sep 07
I am considering the ankle and the shoulder. Both are decent places to put a little tat. I thought about inside my wrist then thought about needles inside my wrist and nixed that. lol.
Thanks for the reply!
2 people like this
@raijin (10345)
• Philippines
14 Sep 07
I think 43 is not that old for a person to a get a tattoo, this sure depends on our individual preferrences!;) As I believe that in other places (country), tattoos are works of art and that it somehow symbolizes their life.
I think the best part of the body to get a tattoo would be your back, any place where you want to. I believe that the skins on our back do not sag that much, if that really concerns you!;)
The only thing that you have to worry is, be sure that you are really prepared emotionally.
@wotfpatty (2065)
• United States
17 Sep 07
I am prepared emotionally. I have been thinking about this for years. I don't know if my husband is prepared but that's his problem. Heh. It isn't like I am getting a huge one all over my body. Just a little tasteful hummingbird. I think the ankle is going to win but maybe the shoulder blade. I will probably move on and forget it again for a year. Haha.
Thanks for the reply.
1 person likes this
@xfahctor (14118)
• Lancaster, New Hampshire
14 Sep 07
Heck, my mother got her first tatoo at almost 60 so I don't see why not. She always reasoned that she wanted one on her ankle. But she said, she didnt want to get one on her ankle at a young age. Because by the time she hit 60, it would be on the bottom of her foot. lol.
4 people like this
@wotfpatty (2065)
• United States
17 Sep 07
Hahaha! I think getting a tat will force me to stay tight and strong and not let myself sag. It's a motivator!
I am going with ankle or shoulder I think.
Thanks for the reply!
1 person likes this
@wotfpatty (2065)
• United States
17 Sep 07
Oh yeah, I have seen that. I would do the hip but no one would ever see it. If I am going to suffer, I want people to see my pretty hummingbird!
Maybe the back of the neck so it only shows when I wear my hair up. Much thinking to do.
Thanks for replying.
1 person likes this
@Waves1971 (22)
• United States
14 Sep 07
First, no you're not too old. Placement wise, I say on your chest close to your cleavage line. Or your inner thigh......;)
4 people like this
@Stiletto (4579)
•
14 Sep 07
If you want a tattoo, get a tattoo. Age has nothing to do with it (well, assuming you're old enough of course lol!). I got my tattoo for my fortieth birthday. It's the chinese symbol for fire. I like it - I just wanted something quite simple and just the one colour (black) so it suits me fine. I got it on my back at my shoulder. That way I can cover it easily and it's also easy to show it off if I wear a strappy top or something like that. Of course I can't see it unless I look in the mirror but generally I like it where it is. I plan on getting my second tattoo on my fiftieth birthday - or maybe before then if I feel the urge!
2 people like this
@wotfpatty (2065)
• United States
17 Sep 07
I wanted to get mine for my 40th too but it passed and I put it off. My husband is less than enthusiastic about it although I don't know why. It wouldn't be tacky or crazy looking. Small and discrete is all.
I want to do it this time and not push it aside. It has been something I wanted to do for so long. Life is short. Why NOT do what you want (within limits)?
I am thinking of the shoulder or the lower leg/ankle although I kind f want it on the inside of my wrist. But that is a tender spot and the bird would be upside down depending on how I move my arm and we can't have that!
Thanks for the encouragement!
1 person likes this
@webeishere (36313)
• United States
14 Sep 07
First off no-one is ever to old to do what they wish to do. It's your decision in the end. A hummingbird would be cool looking on an ankle maybe. Most tat artists are very gifted and could draw the bird just right and along the lines you ask for. Now as far as stretching and sagging skin...Ewwwww! I am 53 and don't even want to think about that. I have a lot of friends that are in their 50s and heavily tatted without sagging and tats geting stretched out so I say go for it if thats what you wish for.
HAPPY POSTINGS FROM GRANDPA BOB !!~
2 people like this
@wotfpatty (2065)
• United States
17 Sep 07
LOL. I don't want to think of sagging skin either! But as a woman, I think we do think about that stuff. So far I am in good shape and hope to stay that way for a while. My older sister if almost 60 and is in great shape so I take solace in that.
I am going to check out a tat place and see what the deal is and get a feel for it all. I really want it on the inside of my wrist but that could be super painful, I imagine.
Thanks for the reply!
1 person likes this
@recycledgoth (9894)
•
14 Sep 07
I am almost 56 years old and had my first tattoo when I was 45. I have four now, each one my own artwork. You are never too old to have a tattoo, mine are on my upper arms so I can see them and they are seen too. I would suggest you speak to a local tattooist and ask them, have a look through their design books, pick the one you want and go for it
@webeishere (36313)
• United States
14 Sep 07
Actaull most tattoists are artists in their own rights and will
draw what one asks for if they don't find it in their books.
2 people like this
@wotfpatty (2065)
• United States
17 Sep 07
Thank you both for the replies. I think a hummingbird would be pretty simple but I want it to be mostly purple and have wings in motion which could be tough to do.
I will go to the tat place and look around, watch one being done, get a feel for it all and then decide.
Thanks!
1 person likes this
@craftcatcher (3699)
• United States
14 Sep 07
I think it's a great idea. You have a design in mind and it means something to you. Those are the main pre-tattoo hurdles to get past. As far as age goes, if you were 103 I might say that it probably isn't a good idea... na!
I was 30 when I got my first tattoos. They are a memorial to my father and symbolize my strengths in dealing with lifes good and bad times.
Actually I've been thinking about getting another one recently. My husband has no tattoos yet but has been bugging me for two years about wanting to get one, he's 53 yrs old.
Here's a neat hummingbird tattoo I found, it's on an ankle, good (but painful) place to get one. It can be hidden or shown easily. http://tattoo.about.com/cs/tatart/l/blhummingbird.htm
I say go for it, just please be sure to go to a reputable shop that is fanatical about CLEAN equipment. Don't be afraid to ask questions and check out an artists work first.
I wanna see a pic when you're done!! :D
3 people like this
@wotfpatty (2065)
• United States
17 Sep 07
I like that tat! I am inching closer to the ankle area or possibly the shoulder. I have been wanting one for years but I keep stopping myself. Now I feel ready to go do it. I would definitely check the place out and ask people where to go. My brother in law has several and he knows where I could go. Then again, he got one from a guy in a truck once...
I better ask someone else. Ha!
Thanks for the reply!
1 person likes this
@LilyoftheThorns (12918)
• United States
14 Sep 07
I don't think you are too old to get a tatto, if it's a tasteful, cutsey one. And I think a hummingbird would be very appropriate. Hmm...where to get it...maybe on your ankle. Or....maybe your hand? I don't know! lol. Wherever you feel comfortable having it put on.
@wotfpatty (2065)
• United States
17 Sep 07
I thought about my hand or wrist but then I realized the bird would be upside down no matter what I do at least half the time so I guess it is ankle or shoulder. Or maybe I'll just streak my hair blue. Haha I am going through a rebellious streak!
Thanks for the reply.
1 person likes this
@Buggheart (445)
• United States
14 Sep 07
OK, for starters, you're NOT old! So knock that crap off! ;) You look great and age is just a number and also a state of mind, so if you keep telling yourself that you're old, you will be. You take really good care of your body and the way you watch what you eat and exercise, I have no doubt that your body will be tight for a looooooong time.
Anyway 43 is definitely not too old to get a tattoo. If it's something you really want then I say go for it! My Aunt Annie got her first tatto when she was 70 years old! She had a Betty Boop right over her left knee and she loved showing it off.
I love the hummingbird idea. It's something I've not seen in the past but would look really cool, especially since when you really look at a hummingbird (which is hard cuz they're so spastic) they have that multi-colored, irridescent quality to their feathers that is so beautiful. I love the hummingbird idea.
Hmm.... so where to place it. That I'm not sure of. I agree about not the lower back. I can't imagine not being able to see my own tattoo unless I was looking in the mirror backwards. What about on the upper abdomen? Like just above the hip. That way it would be hidden most of the time unless you wore a short top or a swimsuit. I think if I ever got one that's where I'd put it.
3 people like this
@wotfpatty (2065)
• United States
17 Sep 07
I AM old!! But accept it. Kinda.
I hate my stomach. It is the area that I can't seem to make pay attention to me about staying in shape. I want a 6 pack and it looks like I drank one instead. Ha!
The spastic part of the hummingbird is what reminds me of me. I am totally spastic all the time which is what always drew me to them. They are constantly in motion yet never go anywhere. Their wings flap like crazy just to stay where they are. That is ME!
Anyway, I thought of ankle, lower leg, shoulder, even arm but a little hummingbird on the arm? Sounds weird. I really want it on the inside of my wrist but I imagine THAT would hurt a lot. I also worry about infection. Oh jeeze, I am talking myself out it again! lol.
Thanks for the reply!
1 person likes this
@bizmom (515)
• United States
14 Sep 07
OH no never too old!!
i go tmy first at 30!! the way i see it! atleast u ahve it thought out and well planned when ur younger most time u regert it :( sadly :(
or u have *life changes* weight gains, loses, pegnancy... on an on that can change ur body as much as ur tatoo -- look at all the men in the 50s that got a bulldog or panther and now all look like green blobs lol lol
this stage of ur life a WONDERFUL time... u KNOW what u want!!
PROVE it and go for it!! :)XX
Enjoy !!
P.S. I have three now!! :) and not done yet lol
@wotfpatty (2065)
• United States
17 Sep 07
It is true. Getting a tattoo when you are older is probably a better idea than getting one when you are real young.
Thanks for the encouragement!
1 person likes this
@ShepherdSpy (8544)
• Omagh, Northern Ireland
28 Apr 08
My Brother's Mother in law got one for her 50th birthday,so,no,You're not too old for one! On position...depends if you want to see it yourself,or just have it seen by others..on the back,by the shoulder seems to be a popular choice for a discreet tat,and it shouldn't "age" much there...Good luck with your decision!
@dalhousiesteve (568)
• Canada
14 Sep 07
you are not too old for tattos, if you want one then i would suggest on your ankle or lower leg,because the tissue is stronger and it will be seen by people.just make sure your tattoist is one with a good reputation and is clean.once you get your tatto you can only take showers for 2 weeks.you cant let the tattoo be submerged in water because the dye will come out
@wotfpatty (2065)
• United States
17 Sep 07
Oh, I didn't know that about baths. Thanks for that info.
I thought it took ages to heal but I saw someone get one and it was looking great that day.
The lower leg/ankle is probably the best place. I'll just have to wear skirts and carpris a lot. lol.
Thanks!
1 person likes this
@jhanna (334)
• Philippines
14 Sep 07
If you really want to have a tattoo, go ahead. Just make sure it suits your age and status. If you work in the office, don't overdo it.
It would also be wise to consult your kids or your husband or any of your family members and ask them what they think about it.
A small tattoo somewhere hidden is okay. You can put it on chest, lower back, tummy or navel or upper thigh. Be sure it is not visible when you wear something sexy.
2 people like this
@wotfpatty (2065)
• United States
17 Sep 07
I work in my own office and from home. I don't have any co workers in person. I am a writer and it's all electronic although I wouldn't care if people saw it. The one I have in mind is very small and a simple hummingbird, nothing tacky or anything.
And I want people to see it! Maybe not all the time but when I wear something sexy is when I want the pretty little hummingbird to show. It is like a body decoration to me. I have no status, so I don't have to worry about that and my kids don't care (They are 21 and 17 and they are cool with whatever I am cool with). My husband rolls his eyes but doesn't care. He knows I have a little wild streak and he accepts it.
But I have been thinking about this for years and never did it. Chances are I won't again!
Thanks for the reply.
1 person likes this
@erickrubio (624)
• Philippines
14 Sep 07
Wotfpatty, just do whatever you think will make you happy!
2 people like this
@wotfpatty (2065)
• United States
17 Sep 07
Oh I wish I knew exactly what that was! I am thinking hard about it and probably will just end up scrapping the idea and finding something else to do that makes me feel rebellious. lol.
Thanks for replying.
1 person likes this
@alamode (3071)
• United States
14 Sep 07
I have 16 years on you, but I'm getting one! I know people think that kanji is 'over', but I want my family on my wrist... parents, Hun, kids AND grandkids... and the Asian symbols are easier than their full names!LOL!
I have so many scars and other marks that I don't like seeing... I want something that makes me happy!
And honey, it ALL sags given enough time... the calf is a good spot, it stays toned for longer.
@wotfpatty (2065)
• United States
17 Sep 07
Very cool! I thought about having my sons names on me but they would hate it I think. Maybe in symbol form. The calf is starting to win out but the shoulder is also a thought. I think I will talk to the tat place and just see what they think and what they can do. I have no idea how much these cost but I want to be sure I get clean instruments and no infections!
Thanks for the reply and good luck to you!
