I doubt that is their intent. The glut of products sold to "reduce aging" along with the surge in plastic surgery seesm to suggest differntly. As far as women who "let themselves go", i think it is more of a case of fatigue, not trying as hard to keep up in the looks arms race and being too busy with real life issues rather than an intentional attempt to be unattractive. Sadly, in our culture, women are judged far more than men when it comes to looks and most women spend a good chunk of their lives fighting to be "more attractive".

*LOL* yes. Of course - middle aged women are going to go out of their way to deliberately look unattractive! No , wait! that is men!!!!

You are looking at the wrong women.

My key word here is "SOME". Many, even most, are very careful about their appearance. There are some that are well groomed and obviously clean, but wear their hair and dress totally without regard to the message that it sends. Men, for the most part, just do what they can or have to. I don't see a particular age difference in the care males show in grooming. Some is good, some not so good, but it looks to be evenly divided along the age groups. Who knows, maybe I am looking at the wrong women.

1) Even if some look sexually unattractive, I doubt that many are attempting to be that. But many are probably believing to be unattractive, and because of this, some also give themselves up. 2) "A psychotherapist at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City, Ransohoff examines the status of older womenwho are sometimes considered sexually unattractive, and may think of themselves that way. The author argues persuasively that American women over 40 often accept rejection, thereby helping perpetuate the myth that men desire only young females. Case histories and copious quotes from various publications illustrate the sorry results of such entrenched attitudes. There are stories from lonely, unsatisfied women and from older men who come to regret deserting their wives for younger mates, once the appeal to male ego diminishes." Source and further information: Review of "Venus After Forty: Sexual Myths, Men's Fantasies, and Truths About Middle-Aged Women" http://www.amazon.com/Venus-After-Forty-Fantasies-Middle-Aged/dp/0882820648 3) "Medical professionals may now promote the importance of continued sexual activity for women throughout life. However, the powerful cultural connection between a woman's sexual desirability and a youthful appearance persists undaunted in the media. The popular media's resistance to challenging this link is apparent in the virtual absence of images of middle-aged women as sexually vital and vibrant human beings." Source and further information: "Women's Sexuality Across the Life Span By Judith C. Daniluk" http://books.google.com/books?id=3_05ZKQQA9YC&pg=PA319&lpg=PA319&dq="middle+aged+women"+sexually+unattractive&source=bl&ots=iTZh2Eqz81&sig=_Ce1UI1xfnmOyd8KhjMA2o-kOfc&hl=en&ei=zoOYSa_-GZe80AXhoMG7Ag&sa=X&oi=book_result&resnum=5&ct=result

I think you are right, BUT this only found in some countries who still practice religion, family value and traditional life. The mature they get, they become more wise and try not to reaveal sexuality. To give good role model for their daughters.