Tuesday, August 8, 2017

THE AGING STIGMATA

I think the media has taken an insulting stance of stereotyping "old" people. When I see an ad for assisted living ... the people look about 50 at most (although with grey or white hair).  Dressed nicely, slim and fit, with accessories as well.

And the Help, I've Fallen and I Can't Get Up ad for instance.

I guess maybe they are hitting below the belt to get us youngsters in their midst?  Could be.  She just looks so youthful ... great (ironed) outfit, perfect hair, fabulous makeup and just a touch of jewelry.  This MIGHT be me....  if I were on my way to a wedding!

Maybe I'm just being crabby.  I don't watch much live TV (because I hate commercials) so when I do happen to see a commercial for a pharmaceutical company's wares for elders ... it is just so noticeable that the Grandma and Grandpa are way too young for that product.  Now that we baby boomers are tipping the count for age brackets, I would be more apt to buy something if I saw people my age using it.  Especially clothing!  I want to look 65 not 45.  I don't wear heels so please make snazzy shoes that reflect how I really live!

To be fair, when you advertise to "old" people, insert people in the 60's, 70's, 80's, 90's and each decade thereafter.  Old people are always at least 20 years older than me!  And that's a moving target!!

10 comments:

  1. Oh, yes, the famous moving target. Sometimes at the senior hall I'll say to myself, "Gosh, these people look so old! Then I'll remember that I really don't look any different than they are. LOL

    Older people are always claiming things '70 is the new 50' or '60 is the new 40,' so if the advertisers buy into that when they cast commercials, can be blame them?

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    Replies
    1. I know. I do that myself ... remembering my Mom at my age. She was WAY older than I am.

      And then we have Betty White, stylish and looks her age!

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  2. I got a call today offering me a free Medic Alert necklace. I told the young lady, "No thank you," twice before I realized it was just a recording I was talking too and I had to hit a button if I wanted to receive the necklace. I hit a button all right--the "off" button on my phone!!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Ah ha ha ha ha!! Maybe it is more engaging to talk to a recording!!!!

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  3. What does any age look like? Old is a range of ages, but advertisers really need to rotate their actors through the ages. Their criteria usually includes individuals with classic facial attractiveness features, too - often not ordinary looking folks.

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    Replies
    1. I think that's why I enjoy British TV. Their actors/actresses look like ordinary people! Warts and all.

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  4. LOL If they'd portrayed the woman in mismatched pajamas with bed head and no makeup, it would be more realistic for me. :) Or braless.

    I think the lady in your photo is wearing false eyelashes. My eyelashes have gotten so thin I can hardly see them. Of course, I don't see all that well, so maybe they're as thick as caterpillars and I just don't know it. LOL

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I wish I would put on a bit of makeup every day ... people always compliment when I do. And all of my clothes are comfy casual ... almost sweats or pajamas. Maybe I will add a scarf or hat or big jewelry every other month when I sit in front with the Board for a meeting .... IF elected. Sounds like since all five spots are open and only two people have their name on the ballot, the other three will just get to walk on! Stay tuned!

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    2. Bella Rum, PJs, braless, no make-up, hair not even combed through! This an exactly me. I know I look better with make up on, minus 15 lbs. I've gained I have to sit more. I guess I never thought 68 was that old. Hah! Mama was younger than me at 96!

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  5. When I started falling last January, I learned that for the most part, it was my blood pressure dropping, as well as me dropping. I fractured my tailbone twice and did a lot of damage to my back. 6 months later I had a pulmonary embolism, which nearly killed me, and has weakened me a lot. If my husband hadn't been here to help me when I fell, I would have needed one of those alerts.
    I know what it's like to need one of those medical alerts I used to laugh at that said, "Help! I've fallen and I can't get up!"
    Well--I'm not laughing now. There were times that for weeks I could not get to the bathroom alone. I still have a limp and use a cane even after physical therapy. I'll be 68 in November, and when I start to get up out of the chair, I automatically think I can just get up and go as I always did! Uh-Uh. I wish. I wish I had not taken what good health I had when I had it! What.do they say--that youth is wasted on the young? Maybe not wasted, but they don't realize how fortunate they are to be able to "just get up and go"! And we can't tell them!
    Enjoying your computer now, Judy?

    ReplyDelete

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