Ladies of a Certain Age ~ for those invisible powerful, dynamic, vital women

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The Boomer Generation is defined as those born between 1946 to 1964. Most readers are of this generation, as I am. I call us Boomer Babes. Growing up, our lives were vastly different than our mothers. (And our daughters and granddaughters and great-granddaughters, I might add!) Further, women born between 1946 and 1954 experienced a different world from those born from 1955 to 1964 because of rapid technological change, medical breakthroughs, and the women’s movement.

The big thing we share at each stage of our lives, we have done the work of tearing down the stereotypes of women having no or little value to society and gaining our right of equality with men. 

“We had hoped that as we are going through or approaching retirement, we would not have to continue this work. Unfortunately, the prejudice against older women (Boomer Generation and The”Greatest Generation”)  is tremendous, and our work is not done! In our senior years, we become invisible and have no value (except for a few, such as pharmaceutical companies, etc.)

Let’s look at these two groups of Boomer women and their experiences growing up, as adults, and now as older women facing the daunting task of changing Americans’ perceptions and treatment of older women.  

A note to readers not of the Baby Boomer generation: Please keep reading. This information may help you understand more about the women in your lives today. 

A note to grammar and English language experts: I know you are not supposed to capitalize a specific generation. I choose to do so and refer to this generation’s women as Boomer Babes.  

A Brief Look Back to Years Following WWII (1946 to 1954) and How They Still Impact Our Perceptions and Behavior Today.

First, let’s stroll down memory lane so we can remember:

Many families joyfully got their first black and white television sets!  

Most moms did not work.

Mamie Doud Eisenhower, who loved the color pink, was First Lady. She grew up in Denver, Colorado, and was known as “Denver’s Darling.” Pink appliances, pink Christmas ornaments, pink poodles (yes, the dogs’ fur was dyed,) and pink-blooming crabapple trees were popular throughout the country. (A little commercial advertisement: Read  Murder and Pink Blossoms by yours truly to get more information and the recipe for Mamie’s fudge!)

“Probably there was one phone in the home, and it was on a “party line” That means several households shared the line. At our house, we got many calls in the middle of the night because a “baby doctor” shared our line. You knew when a call was for your house by the ring rhythm.

We played with baby dolls and paper dolls. Barbie, who? You might ask? 

Now, let’s identify common traits of this upbringing:

“Us Boomer Babes” follow orders”! After all, we were born right after the most significant war in our country up to that point. So, we are less likely to question anyone viewed in an authoritarian position, such as doctors, government officials, clergy, bosses, etc.”

Divorce rates are lower than the women born after 1954.

Technology is tough for us. After all, even typewriters were rarely present in our homes.

“Going on a vacation is still a”big deal.” Remember, the interstate highways were not built, and personal airline travel was unheard of.

If we play golf, we started to play later in life than younger women because women were often not allowed on golf courses! 

A Brief Look Back to Years 1955 to 1964 and How They Still Impact Our Perceptions and Behavior Today.

Let’s stroll down memory lane again so we can remember:

Those black and white televisions – well, maybe they were in the basement. Color TVs are what these Boomer Babes watched The Mickey Mouse Club on

Telephone party lines? Huh? Many households now had at least two phones. 

Families watched their favorite shows while eating those new TV dinners!

The frozen food section in grocery stores was added and filled.

Many families had two cars.

More and more women worked.

Divorce rates increased.

Now, let’s identify common traits of this upbringing:

These Boomer Babes question authority and stand up for what they believe. Some even burned their bras back then and participated in marches for civil rights.

Many are divorced.

Technology is challenging for both groups. These younger Boomer Babes were introduced to it at an earlier age. It became a part of life.

“Going on a vacation was no “big deal.” Remember, the interstate highways now zigzagged across the country, and airports mushroomed.

The Beatles, with their long hair, shocked American TV viewers like Elvis had before.

So What? Now What?

Well, guess what! The younger Boomer Babes are starting to retire or thinking about it. Men write most books about retirement and deal primarily with finances and health.  

We, as women, know there is more to any stage of life than finances and health. We know that now or very soon, we can explore creative endeavors without the commitment of employment and raising a family. We are part of one of the wealthiest segments of society. We have earned money, married it, inherited it, or all of the above. 

Throughout history, we have worked with other women, raising children, PTA assignments, work teams, etc. We work collaboratively, not competitively like men have most of their lives. 

We appreciate the work older Boomer friends have done. But there is still lots to do: After all, where are the gray-haired, wrinkled women models in the clothing industry? How about older women broadcasters and elected officials rarely seen, and why do elected female officials all seem to have dyed hair and wear high heels? 

As work and family responsibilities lessen, there will be more time to travel, drink coffee in the morning, play pickleball, etc.

But don’t be shocked when society ignores you, and you feel invisible. Life doesn’t have to be this way. We can re-evaluate the role of women by adding to the work already done by our”sisters” born shortly after World War II.

My purpose as an older Boomer Babe, now age 76, is to increase the image of ladies of a certain age – these invisible, powerful, and dynamic women. I know thousands and thousands of American women are entering this unique phase of life. Few have a clear-cut idea of what’s ahead. American society offers little support. 

“So, I say to the younger Boomer Babes, “Look out! You are becoming more and more invisible. Prepare yourself. Consider this coming autumn getting my soon-to-be-released newly revised book (paperback, hardcover, or ebook), Paths – A Primer for ladies-of-a-Certain-Age, A Workbook for the Road Ahead,  and go through it with a group of other women. As an older woman, you will not be blinded by the approaching glaring headlights on your road ahead.” 

Note: This blog is not financially supported by any company or organization.

Copyright – Elizabeth J. Wheeler, July 29, 2023