Call Me A “Senior”
By: Sherry Mcguinn
Tags: Self Esteem, Sex, Society, Aging, Authenticity

Because I worked in advertising, an industry where youth is revered, age became an even bigger deal, as I saw more seasoned individuals get shit-canned just for being older. Talented, inspiring individuals who were given boxes to pack up their stuff and escorted out of the building. Like criminals.

When I was laid-off (over the phone), in February of 2018, after fourteen years at the same company, I wasn’t even allowed to retrieve my things. My nimrod of a Creative Director, who used phrases she didn’t understand, like “case and point,” packed me up and shipped my shit in boxes that were falling apart.

What the hell is wrong with this picture? How about, everything?

Guys, I can’t speak from your point of view, but I suspect you feel the same frustrations as we women do. Note the word, “suspect.” Because, when it comes to sexuality, especially, and how you are perceived as older sexual beings, I don’t believe you face the same challenges. More about this in a minute.

Source: Flickr.Com

When I finally took a good, hard look around me and witnessed how aging is perceived in our society, I was bummed the fuck out. There’s no other way to say it.

I’ve always hated the “senior citizen” moniker. It’s like being put into a box. A box that’s frayed and ready for the recycle bin.

There are so many odd expectations related to aging in our culture that I find troubling and infuriating. For example:

Why, after a certain age, do so many women chop off their hair? I’m not talking about those women who get, like a Joan Jett crop because it’s chic and sexy. Or, women who have serious issues with thinning, and shorter hair, in their case, is healthier hair.

I’m talking about the “Granny Do.” The “I just turned 60 and now I have to cut this shit off, do.”

The fact that a woman feels she has to conform to a certain way of thinking because of societal standards is terribly sad to me.

I’ve worn my hair long practically my entire life. Except for a brief period when I succumbed to a chin-length bob, which I liked — but long hair is my jam. And, I don’t give a fart in hell what anyone thinks about it. Like my red lips, it’s who I am.

Again — if that what makes you feel good, awesome! It’s about choice, not perception. So, if you’re of a certain age, and want to wear your hair down to your butt crack, go for it!

Muumuus, shifts and other shapeless attire: Why? Do our aging bodies look that bad? Should we turn away in revulsion when an older woman dresses in a way that says, “Look at me. I’m proud of who I am?” Wrinkles and all?

Got “bat wings” for arms and it’s 95 degrees in the shade? Let them fly, baby! Wear your tank top, proudly.

Has your ass gone south? Who cares? It’s an ass.

There’s a lot of talk about body confidence these days so I’m going to segue for a minute and say that I’m a big proponent of exercise. I work out daily. Cardio. Strength training. I’m a believer. It’s done great things for my body, overall health, and my self esteem. And, it keeps my anxiety in check. IMHO, exercise is an affordable, effective “fountain of youth.” That may sound hypocritical, but don’t we all want to look and feel as good as we can, for as long as we can?