Isn't physical appearance a major driver of confidence?

‌I personally think so.
It feels even more significant than any other specification or credential.
How should I put it... it serves as a sort of fundamental and primal driver of confidence.
That's why, even as one gets older, maintaining one's appearance and health seems to instill a constant sense of great confidence.
On the other hand, looking in the mirror and seeing oneself become changed and shabby with age must cause a considerable sense of loss.
I don't think we necessarily have to accept the idea that becoming shabby and unsightly as we age is inevitable.
While we may not be as vibrant and smooth as we were in our teens or 20s, if we manage ourselves as we age, we can still be cool and beautiful in a way that suits our age.
That's just what I observe around me.