The age-old discussion of “to-ink” or “not-to-ink” has been around for decades. Some people love to tattoo, attributing it to their personal identity or ‘scene’ or ‘culture’. Some people hate it and consider it vandalism to our bodies. But whether you love it or hate it, we all have an opinion on it.

We were talking about tattoos in the Starts at 60 office this week. Kate shared that her 32-year-old friends who got tattoos like dolphins, starts, butterflies or hearts in their late teens were now undergoing laser surgery to remove them.

A 21-year-old intern told us that she is the only one in a circle of about 12 close friends that hasn’t had the ink. And is under pressure from her friends to do so.

One of our own lovely writers got a small tattoo on her back when she turned 70… And loves it! Figuring that she was no longer seeking employment and that it wasn’t offensive or often seen, she went for the ink.

After our discussion on whether to ink or not, we decided that the one thing that made a tattoo ok or not, was what it is.  Does your tattoo have meaning and purpose or none at all?

Back in the 60s and 70s, the rebellious ones got tattoos of things that meant something to them. They were true signs of passion and were a true testament to their identity. Even the over 60s who decide to get inked have had… well, over 60 years to decide if it is the right thing to do or not!

But it seems so many of the young ones today do it as a status symbol to look ‘cool’ or fit the ‘scene’.

We’ve found some of the best and worst tattoos online and thought we’d share them with you. We want you to tell us what you think about tattoos… Are they ok? Are they not ok? What makes them good or bad? Do you have one? Or maybe, do you want one? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below…