Thank goodness media conglomerates-magazine publishers, television programmers, radio hosts, etc.-are now targeting the concerns of the over-40 woman. They realize, of course, the power of this demographic-did I mention "purchasing power" also? I can’t imagine dealing with the issues of diet, illnesses, menopause, empty nest, and life balance without a little coaching from friends. Having been part of the first group of women who practiced "natural" childbirth in the early 1970s, meaning absolutely no drugs-just concentrated breathing and relaxation techniques with encouragement from a coach-I continue to practice "mind over matter" control when encountering "speed" bumps along life’s journey.
Several new national magazines are now targeting and celebrating the lives and lifestyles of women aged 40 to 60, and they’ve been successful. Lucky for me, I’m one of the Baby Boomer women-some 38 million of us born between 1946 and 1964-who are in that demographic. According to analysts, we’re the first group of women to be valued for our experience-not our looks or fertility. We’ve earned our power and often have discretionary income. Quoting a favorite line from Kathy Bates in the movie, Fried Green Tomatoes, "Face it; I’m older, and I have more insurance!" as she fights a young woman for a parking space. A bit extreme in that instance, of course, but we can relate to her competitiveness.
We’re not getting quieter, contemplating retirement, and passing the baton, but rather searching for that second or third career, beginning a new business, or training for an adventure vacation. We want to look and feel good, and we pay attention to our health. A fellow Baby Boomer summed it up nicely: "It’s not that I no longer care what other people think. I do care. It’s simply that I finally care more what I think, or want to do, or feel comfortable in…"
I agree, age does have its privileges:
Several new national magazines are now targeting and celebrating the lives and lifestyles of women aged 40 to 60, and they’ve been successful. Lucky for me, I’m one of the Baby Boomer women-some 38 million of us born between 1946 and 1964-who are in that demographic. According to analysts, we’re the first group of women to be valued for our experience-not our looks or fertility. We’ve earned our power and often have discretionary income. Quoting a favorite line from Kathy Bates in the movie, Fried Green Tomatoes, "Face it; I’m older, and I have more insurance!" as she fights a young woman for a parking space. A bit extreme in that instance, of course, but we can relate to her competitiveness.
We’re not getting quieter, contemplating retirement, and passing the baton, but rather searching for that second or third career, beginning a new business, or training for an adventure vacation. We want to look and feel good, and we pay attention to our health. A fellow Baby Boomer summed it up nicely: "It’s not that I no longer care what other people think. I do care. It’s simply that I finally care more what I think, or want to do, or feel comfortable in…"
I agree, age does have its privileges:
- I usually speak up now. When asked to make a choice, I will. I won’t say, "I don’t care," if I do care.
- I see things very clearly most of the time. Unfortunately, I see colors of gray-frequently. The world isn’t just black and white.
- I don’t go anywhere now without my bifocals, and I’m not afraid to ask someone to read me the dinner menu in a candle-lit restaurant. I also buy needle threaders. Whatever it takes to get the job done.
- I only go where I want to go, unless I’m compromising for a reason I think is worthwhile. I’m not, however, afraid to say "no" anymore.
- I don’t have to solve the problems of the world, or my children’s, or even my own. I’m not afraid to say, "I don’t have the answer."
Most importantly, I don’t make excuses for an imperfect me. TPW