The average age at many nudist parks is surprisingly high (40+). This is radical in a youth-obsessed culture. Seeing confident, wrinkled, joyful older bodies teaches young people that the body has a long, beautiful lifespan beyond its 20s.
"In a naturist setting," Dr. Ellison explains, "the anxiety of hiding is gone. Within 15 minutes of a nude hike or swim, the brain stops receiving the 'danger' signal. You realize the world didn't end. This is for self-consciousness."
"I don't have the 'right' body for this." The Reality: That is exactly the voice naturism silences. There is no dress code because there is no dress. You cannot fail at having a body. You simply have one.
For a growing number of people, the answer isn't a mantra in front of a mirror. It is removing the mirror entirely.
Body positivity often focuses on "flaws." Naturism focuses on sensation : the sun on your lower back, the wind on your stomach, the water against your thighs. It shifts the paradigm from looking to feeling .