This Is How Middle-Aged People Are Perceived

Regardless of gender, this is not our reality. They can move along.

Photo by Andrea Piacquadio via Pexels

In case you missed it, a little company called BetterMe Health Coaching put out an ad campaign this week promoting a walking program for women over the age of 45 and oh, sweet baby Jesus in the manger…

First, this company is not a fly-by-night, snake oil selling, unknown entity. They have 5.3 million followers on Facebook. They have a website, apps, plans, videos, everything but even a remote bit of shame, sense of reality, or anyone doing copyediting that was alive when Clinton was in the White House.

Second, I freaking love midlife and truly think it should be celebrated heartily. It is why I started this Substack. I’ve just gotten to the point where nothing surprises me about how people perceive middle age. This, though. I didn’t know whether to laugh or cry.

When I saw the ad for women, I was still grappling with the fact that Leonardo DiCaprio has never dated a woman over 25. Ever. Seriously, he dumps every woman when she turns 25. It’s bizarre, and I would like to commission someone to write a dissertation on this. I will edit that for free.

Then, I saw the ad the company made targeting men and what kind of program they should be on after 45. I experienced 25 emotions in the span of 47 seconds. It was straight out that Willy Wonky tunnel scene.

Clearly, there is a difference in the perception of middle age based on gender. But they are both total bullshit. Let’s dissect the lessons for middle-aged people that can be found in these ads.