The marginalization of women over 50 years of age is collapsing
as the number of boomer women speedily increases. They are a potent force in
all facets of life throughout the world in terms of their numbers, talent, experience
and dollars they influence. As this generation has in the past, this determined
group of women will redesign opportunities and break current barriers for future
generations of women. They are brushing off old dreams as their children leave
the nest, and may be starting second careers in completely new areas or starting
their own businesses, as they become discouraged with the political environment
within corporations, and as they develop the need to contribute to a larger
good. They are joining gyms, signing on with life/career coaches, breaking through
comfort zones, and returning to school to pursue other interests and career
directions. Many are well educated already and many are affluent.
50+ is a very transitional time in a woman’s life and we want
women to be excited about it. We also want to give them the tools and information
necessary to make profound changes in their own lives and those they influence.
50+Fabulous is a sophisticated website that educates, inspires,
and motivates women to be the best they can be and to go after and achieve their
dreams. It gives women 50 years of age and above access to information that
relates to their lives and lifestyles via the internet at www.50Fabulous.com.
Why did you launch this project?
When we moved to California’s wine country, I was able to take
a breather for the first time in many years. As I got out into our world, whether
through the media or just a visit to the local mall, I recognized that my generation
of women (50+) had been dropped as a target market. And, those that were targeting
us at all were barraging us with messages about how we were falling apart, and
how each advertiser had a way to keep at bay, cure, or enhance the general disintegration
of our minds and bodies.
And I thought to myself…what planet are these business giants
on? Are my friends not rocketing down hills on skis, rafting white water, kayaking
all over the world, bicycling through the wine country? Are they not getting
married in their 50s+? Are they not working, paying kids college bills or maybe
their own? Are they not caring for aging parents? Are they not taking fabulous
trips? Are they not starting their own businesses? Are they not volunteering
their time to wonderful causes? Are they not intricately involved in every aspect
of their busy lives? And, not only that, are we not the single largest demographic
in history? Does our age group not control most of the wealth of the nation?
And as I wasn’t finding any information available anywhere,
not even on the internet, it shocked me into action. I researched and gathered
an incredible group of professional women who shared my passion to reach out
to the 50+ woman with motivational and inspiration messages, as well as, pertinent
information tailored to the 50+ audience, and www.50Fabulous.com was launched
in July of 2006. And, 50+ means “over the age of 50” not just 50-60. I have
interviewed women that are well into their 80s and living extraordinary lives!
Could you present us with the 50+Fabulous Award
The Mature Market is already on the list of potential 50+Fabulous
Company™ award recipients for 2008, due to your groundbreaking work focusing
on the 50+ market. The awards are given based on the following criteria: promoting
positive images of 50+ women; tailoring products or services to the needs of
50+ women; and recognizing and promoting the value of 50+ women in the workplace
and beyond.
Do you think that the 50+ women’s image is enough valued
in the media?
No, but I believe that is changing and a new trend is beginning.
I’ve seen large strides in just the last year, and because 50+ women will not
allow the media to render them invisible, I believe this trend will continue
as our numbers continue to skyrocket. We have the Oscars this year that we can
point to, with Meryl Streep, Helen Mirren, and Judi Dench up for best actress
awards. We can also point to high profile fashion and beauty houses that have
chosen 50+ women to promote their products who include Raquel Welch (65), Jane
Fonda (69), Diane Keaton (61), Kim Bassinger (53), Christie Brinkley (53), and
Susan Sarandon (60). And, happily, we are popping up all over on the internet!
Could you speak about one successful project?
One of the most popular areas of 50Fabulous.com is “50+Fabulous
Women,” which profiles 50+, 60+, 70+ and 80+ women who have made successful
transitions and are really enjoying their lives. Women are hungry for positive
role models of mature women. And, I don’t mean celebrities. I think women love
reading about women who could be living next door, around the corner, or across
the globe…who could be THEM!
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