Seeing ”Be Independent Forever!” in the subject line of a recent email, of course, caused me to open it right up. Anything appealing to my “You’re not the boss of me!” streak gets my full attention every time.
But lately, as I continue to see them more and more often, it has made me just plain mad. These emails promising independence are just ads…for…are you ready?….motorized wheelchairs. Still others, are for those spiffy little carts that allow you to shop with a basket on your motorized “indpendence device”.
Clearly, they have me confused with someone else.
Or, are they just confused altogether about the market they are going after? Believe it or not, someone over 50, might still possess the capacity to walk upright. And, maybe even be able to think for themselves without drooling.
As some of you know, I have been interviewing women, approaching and over fifty, who have made the decision to be ever-evolving with their lives, who have created completely new chapters…..novels, even…..about what’s next and next and next for them and their families and friends. They are on the move, inspired and energetic, resourceful and resilient, and ready for anything. Their very nature screams “INDEPENDENT!” They are fully functioning without battery packs or motorized anythings.
I don’t know about you but sometimes a good dose of $#*&% fires up my engines. So, any one of you who is motivated even just a smidge, by anger, may find these email/wheelchair ads just the stuff for your next independent leap off a tall building. Shall I forward them to you?
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i use a combo of shea butter and aloe vera moisturizer. Works great. I use shea butter on my lips, around my eyes and nose (dry areas), My father swears by vasoline.
p.s. I dropped your name on Gina's post, Barb. ;)
Peggy,
That was very funny. I think I may be a little different than most women because the age thing has never been much a part of my conscientiousness. I’ve always been independent and have always lived my life as I saw fit. I recently divorced but never thought to myself, I’m 57 and should think about this some more. However, that motorized chair does seem slightly attractive since I need both knees replaced and can’t do it for a year or two. So yes, please forward those ads to me!
Not long ago, I was watching American Idol when Ryan Secrest, the host, was taking call-ins from viewers. The host sees who is calling on a teleprompter screen that the rest of us don’t see—-the surprise in his voice was palpable as he said, “Wow, we have Mary calling in from Des Moines and SHE is 57!!!” Shock of all shocks! Calling in about something current AND speaking in complete sentences!
Don’t you dare — and — further to that — tell those folks to piss off and stop slowing you or anyone down from walking, talking and being human until death do us part!!! Hate advertising and the subtle inuendos that can convince us we need ‘help’. As a 78 year old with knees — I abhor these fast talkers and greedy ‘helpers’. If we do not use what we have — we lose what we have!!! An old and tried and true axiom.
Stay mad!!
Peggy….I recently sent an e-mail to BonTon stores because they have Wednesday as their senior citizen discount day (at age 55 mind you)….and every ad in the flyer was for orthopedic ugly shoes, tan, tan and more tan clothing, all of it Koret or one of those, women who were dowdy looking, and just the worst looking clothes……I asked them if they thought people lost their sense of style when they turned 55…..because I don’t want to double my age with the clothing they are selling even if it was 15% off or whatever….I got no response….
Here’s one thing I figured out, having been in the advertising world….a thousand years ago. The people creating the ads are usually no more than 30. When I was 23, I thought anyone who was 50 was ancient. I guess we are dealing with the same scenario….only now at warp speed! They have no clue who we are or what we want. Time to tell ‘em!
Amen! I’m going to be celebrating a very significant birthday this fall and am feeling fine, fit, flirty and much more active than any my three kids. They have no – absolutely no – clue. And trying to tell them is like talking to a wall. My friends all know, especially the single ones. Most of us have lost our mates – but not our zest for life, laughter and lovin’.
The, “May I help you with that, Ma’am?” from a twenty-something grocery clerk irritates me beyond belief. I saddle my own horse, drive my own truck………..and can danged well carry my own quart of milk out of the store! Respect? I suspect more like clueless.
Thank heaven for a bevy of great friends – and a fine lover who is smart enough to go to his own house after two or three days at mine.
Kate2
Kate! You have it ‘wired’. Perhaps you could give the rest of us some classes! I hate being “m’amed to death” too, by the way!
……….is there a problem with being polite???? If I don’t need help then I just say ‘No thanks’. And I certainly am not going to be rude or bad mouth someone for trying to be nice or polite or for being twenty-something. I’m over 50 and am very fortunate to be in good health and am very independant and active. And apparently I am also very fortunate in that I can go to the grocery store and not be offended by a nice young person who offers to carry my groceries.
It is in how they say it…..
I agree with DVR. Obviously many of these women are blessed with excellent genes and great health. Some women even younger then 50 are disabled due to no fault of there own. I think it is ownderful when a young person in the grocery store asks me if I need help. Most people would give anything to be able to be as healthy and independent as Kate…however not all are. You want young people to be polite and have respect. We expect young people to work. But we dare to complain that they just dont have the right tone in there voice when asking if you need help. Get over it people. There will be a day when you will all need some help. I hope you are not so independent and stubborn that you can not put a smile on your face and be appreciative and happy that a young person is at least trying to do what is right.
I run an adventure travel business for women and I find it a sad commentary on our socieyu that women often write or say something to the affect of “I’m 55 but I’m really fit”. I quickly reassure them that 1) I’m 58 and I guide many of the trips; 2) the average age of women on our trips is 54 and women as old as 87 have joined us; and 3) age is irrelevant, fitness is important. And I have often noted that fit women over 50 do much better than younger less fit women. I shre your disgust with advertising that assumes over 50 means life is over.
I am in my late 50′s with a 17 year old daughter living at home. And I don’t feel old, I don’t have any pain and I definitely don’t need an ‘independent device’. Us baby boomers are experiencing many different life situations and I reckon we are coping very well. The young ad guys certainly don’t ‘get us’!