Age progression is the method involved with changing a photo of an individual to show the impact of maturing on their appearance. Computerized image processing is the most widely recognized procedure, in spite of the fact that craftsmen's drawings are frequently used. Age progression is most frequently utilized as a forensic tool by law enforcement officers to show the likely current appearance of a missing individual anticipated from a photo that might be years old. ^[1]

There are two significant kinds of age progression in the criminal field. Juvenile age progression is utilized to assist with locating abducted and missing children. A face changes significantly between childhood and adulthood. Age progression images have shown to be exceptionally helpful in the recovery of these children. Adult age progression is utilized while attempting to find adult criminals who have evaded law enforcement for an extensive period of time. Both the terms “adult age progression” and “fugitive update” are used, depending on the status of the target individual. ^[2] Although a lot of work goes into creating an age progression, the level of accuracy can depend on a lot of factors. The age the person was when a photo was last taken of them, and a good timeline of photographs of the person throughout their lives to show how their facial features were changing are several main factors. To try to get an accurate progression, the artist will require photographs of other relatives to perceive how their faces have changed as the years progressed, alongside knowing family characteristics such as when other relatives began losing their hair, on the off chance that the missing individual had any identifying features that would stand out. ^[3] The way people age is often inherited. Therefore, a close look at pictures of a brother or sister, a mom or a dad, or even a person’s grandparents will give the artist valuable clues about whether to add a double chin or take away half of the person’s hair. ^[4] It requires years of practice and studying to be a certified specialist creating these photographs, and every illustration can take numerous hours or even days, relying upon the circumstances and the amount of data the artist receives to work with. ^[5]

Age progression is an occasional theme in anime/manga, motion pictures, cartoons and comics, literature, and stage performances. One of the earliest mentions is the Athena origin legend, who leaped from Zeus' skull fully grown. The protagonist of the Vietnamese Giong legend grew up rapidly.^{[citation needed]}

• Forensic science
• Missing person