Emma Gray, a journalist known for her takes on The Bachelor, and Nan Bauer-Maglin, a retired professor and author, dive into the unexpected charm of The Golden Bachelor. They explore how the show features vibrant contestants aged 60 to 75, challenging stereotypes about aging. Their candid discussions touch on navigating love after loss and the nuances of dating in later life. With insights on identity theft and online safety, they highlight the importance of genuine connections, painting a relatable picture of romance beyond the age of 60.
The Golden Bachelor breaks conventional stereotypes by showcasing a positive image of aging and love after 60.
The show challenges ageist assumptions by openly discussing the importance of sex and showcasing the vitality of desire in older age.
The Golden Bachelor season revolutionizes the portrayal of aging women, celebrating their stories, friendships, and wisdom, and highlighting the vibrant and desirable aspects of aging.
Deep dives
The Bachelor Goes Golden with Age-Appropriate Dates
The latest season of The Bachelor introduces Gary Turner as the Golden Bachelor, bringing a fresh twist to the show. The age-appropriate dates and the lively, funny contestants have revitalized a tired franchise, presenting a positive image of aging that challenges conventional stereotypes. Despite the show's conservative values and its focus on heterosexuality and traditional marriage, viewers are still drawn to the captivating love stories and the comforting idea that a formula exists to find love.
Vibrant and Diverse Contestants Breathe Life into the Golden Season
The Golden Bachelor showcased an unexpected cast of women aged between 60 and 75. While predominantly conventionally beautiful, vibrant, and thin, these contestants showcased a variety of approaches to aging and embraced their lived experiences. Noteworthy contestants include Joan, a widow who had to leave the show due to her daughter's postpartum depression, Kathy, who added some drama without crossing boundaries, and Sandra, a 75-year-old with remarkable athletic prowess.
Breaking Barriers: Embracing Sexuality and Desire in Older Age
Contrary to the expectation that discussions around sex would be sidelined, the show handled the topic commendably. It portrayed the importance of sex in relationships, with the contestants openly expressing their desires and engaging in passionate moments with the Golden Bachelor, challenging the notion that older adults lack sexual vitality. By showcasing the joy and fulfillment experienced by older individuals in sexual relationships, the show challenges ageist stereotypes and emphasizes the vitality of desire in older age.
The Revolutionary Representation of Aging Women
The Golden Bachelor season offers a revolutionary portrayal of aging women, presenting them as legitimate objects of desire and multifaceted individuals with bright futures ahead. By giving visibility to older women, the show challenges the narrative that suggests women retreat into invisibility as they age. It offers a subversive perspective, celebrating their stories, friendships, and wisdom, and highlighting the vibrant, attractive, and desirable aspects of aging. The season may not be entirely realistic, but it succeeds in pushing back against ageist assumptions and showcasing the rich lives of older adults.
Real-Life Grey Love Stories: A Glimpse into Dating After 60
Nan Bauer Maglin, author of 'Grey Love Stories About Dating and New Relationships After 60,' shares her experience with dating in her 70s after being widowed. She emphasizes the challenges of online dating for older individuals, the importance of maintaining an open and adventurous attitude, and the value of finding companionship and friendship even if the ideal love is not found. Maglin also highlights the unique perspective and awareness that comes with dating at an older age, including the acceptance of finite time and the ghosts of past relationships. Her personal journey illustrates the possibilities and complexities of dating in later life.
72-year-old Gerry Turner has handed out his final rose on ABC’s The Golden Bachelor. In a season full of gendered tropes about love and marriage (like most of the Bachelor franchise), it also brought the audience a new and earnest appreciation for love after 60.
This episode was produced by Haleema Shah, edited by Amina Al-Sadi, fact-checked by Laura Bullard and Matt Collette, engineered by David Herman, and hosted by Noel King.
