Who’s Afraid of a Sexy Octogenarian?

As a lifelong fan of reality TV, I can’t help but feel a tad disappointed with the current direction of “The Golden Bachelor.” While Gerry Turner and Theresa Nist, our original golden couple, gave us hope for a show that truly embraced the spirit of senior dating, it seems we’ve taken a step back with the introduction of Joan Vassos and her younger suitors.

The initial presentation of the long-awaited spinoff for the The Bachelor franchise, titled “Golden Bachelor,” featured Gerry Turner, a 71-year-old widower from Indianapolis who enjoyed pickleball, as its lead character. He appeared to be in great shape, relaxed, and eager to find love – a pursuit that led him to marry Theresa Nist, a lively 70-year-old grandmother fond of board games, Hula-Hoops, and romance novels, for several months at least. Despite their fitness-enthusiast appearance, suggesting they could outrun most people in their 40s, both Turner and Nist were senior citizens; when they were born, Dwight D. Eisenhower was the President of the United States, and color TV was yet to become commonplace.

Despite the title “Golden Bachelorette” suggesting an older, perhaps more mature woman, the chosen contestant, Joan Vassos, doesn’t seem to fit that stereotype. At 61, she might be a grandmother, but her appearance and lifestyle are quite modern and vibrant. If you told me she was a fresh face on “Million Dollar Listing Los Angeles,” I wouldn’t be surprised. Similarly, the men vying for her affection this season are all relatively young, even by the standards of the original Bachelor, Gerry. Just two seasons into the show that promises to feature senior citizens, we find it leaning more towards middle-aged professionals and recent divorcees.

The suggestion is to expand the concept of conventional reality-TV shows like “The Bachelor” or “The Bachelorette” to include participants in their prime midlife years, rather than focusing solely on younger contestants. The argument is that these older individuals are dating similarly to their 20-something counterparts but with the added benefit of emotional maturity. By introducing a show like “Golden Bachelor,” it could capture the unique appeal of seeing two elderly individuals finding love again, as opposed to just watching two 60-year-olds do the same thing. The author also suggests that if ABC markets this show as being about finding a partner for the sunset years of life, then every participant should be eligible for Social Security (which is typically received at age 66 or 67). Additionally, the author proposes setting a season in a retirement community, allowing contestants to navigate their significant others’ middle-aged children and even grandchildren. The goal is to create a cast of vibrant, interesting 80-somethings who are capable of participating in activities like golf and yoga. The author argues that these older individuals deserve the chance at love just as much as anyone else, regardless of their age.

At its most idealistic, “The Golden Bachelor” could become a unique dating show that appeals to an audience intrigued by retirement-home compatibility tests and feisty grandparents discussing their love lives openly. It’s evident from various sources that the public appreciates heartwarming narratives about people in this life stage, whether they’re sharing homes or gaining social media influence. Such a genuine love story featuring senior citizens would offer emotionally rewarding, uplifting television, a rarity in today’s world where we often learn more about scams than romantic endeavors among seniors. It’s important to note that elderly individuals are indeed still active sexually. Numerous studies suggest that many octogenarians and beyond continue to engage in sexual activities regularly. In fact, some report enjoying their sex lives more than ever before, with AARP findings indicating it’s not unusual for women to experience their first truly satisfying sexual experiences in their 80s, either when they learn to express their desires or when their less-than-skilled partners have passed away.

Here’s a possible way to rephrase the original text: “Some might wonder if it’s appropriate for elderly individuals to engage in romantic interactions like flirting in hot tubs on reality shows. Could senior citizens go on hiking dates or take helicopter rides? I argue that all potential contestants on these spin-off shows should undergo a thorough fitness evaluation as part of the screening process. However, it’s also important to note that these new shows don’t necessarily have to mimic the physical activity level of their predecessors. Instead, I prefer watching senior citizens participating in activities like ice cream sundae making or miniature golf, which are more relatable and offer a fresh take compared to the traditional activities of young couples like parasailing or playing touch football. As viewers, we’ve already seen plenty of that, and it’s time for something different.

If the casting process for “The Golden Bachelor/ette” were a bit more selective, it could populate its contestants with individuals who aren’t just physically fit but who also possess rich life experiences that allow them to grasp their identities and desires in both life and love. Unlike the thrill of watching a 61-year-old administrator flirting with an equally aged finance professional, witnessing two elderly individuals, say 84 years old, hold hands for the first time provides a unique sense of joy or satisfaction. This version of “The Golden Bachelorette” is what I yearn to see, subtitles on, while I enjoy my early dinner at 4:30 p.m.

2024-09-17 21:54

Who’s Afraid of a Sexy Octogenarian?

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