6 Women Reveal Their Reasons for Getting Tattoos in Midlife

In the not-so-distant past, tattoos were the domain of sailors and rock stars. Think: blurry heart-shaped tats dedicated to moms and lovers. But these days, tattoos are much more variable, artistic, and ubiquitous. In the mall, in the street, on the beach, today’s tattoos have wide-ranging appeal, are available in a variety of different styles, and can bring just about anything to life, from a favorite quote to a beloved pet.

If you’re considering going under the needle, take some inspiration and advice from these women. Here, they share why they decided to get a tattoo in midlife and what it meant to them emotionally.