What is Growing Bolder? Who Hangs Out Here?

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Added: Thu. Jun 25, 2009 11:50am

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We’re excited about the response to our Rachel video and while we welcome the attention, we want to make sure all of the other great characters on GB aren’t lost in the excitement. Equally important, we want to make sure that the true message of Growing Bolder isn’t overshadowed and the nature of our community isn’t misrepresented.  

From day one, it’s been our goal to create a vibrant community for people of all ages. Sure, our sweet spot is 40-60 but we welcome those younger and older. Read the comments below the Rachel video. You’ll see that she has inspired men and women decades younger. Without doing anything other than being herself, she’s demonstrating that you can still have a powerful voice, you can still lead an exciting life, and you can still be independent and explore the world, even in your 90s.

It’s impossible to overstate the importance of that example. It helps a 20-year-old develop respect for the elderly. It leads a 40-year-old to realize that it truly is never too late. It allows a 50 or 60-year-old to consider the possibilities of decades more of active life. It proves to everyone that life doesn’t have to be a downward spiral after a certain age and that passion leads not just to a longer life but also to a better life.

Who wants to be old given the definition that our culture has created and our media has reinforced? Yes, Rachel is remarkable but she’s not alone. What we’ve learned very quickly is that there is no shortage of amazing men and women in their 70s, 80s, 90s and beyond. They’re everywhere. For too long, the media has misrepresented or ignored what‘s possible. Now that you know the truth, you can dread growing older or you can start Growing Bolder and embrace not just the challenges of aging but also the opportunities.

So no, we’re not about old people. We’re about all people. We’re about learning from anyone who has something worthwhile to share – no matter what his or her age is. Our community includes college kids, rock stars, corporate leaders, Olympic athletes, masters athletes, and ordinary people leading extraordinary lives. It includes people who are searching for ways to live a life of significance. It includes people who want nothing more than to see interesting stories on normal people. And yes, it even includes some little old ladies. How cool is that?