Blog #8

I believe there is much that can be done to change societal images of menopause, aging, and older women. Many of our thoughts, feelings, and prejudices of a particular product, ethnic group, culture, or words such as "menopause" and "old age" are formed by the media and subliminal marketing. What we see often leaves an impression of the way we will ultimately think about a subject.

The Internet, television, magazines, and radio are powerful forms of media that have a tremendous impact on our thoughts and images, and even the decisions we make. The influence of the media could positively change the way our youth obsessed society views subjects such as menopause and aging by portraying accurate and factual information, alleviating misconceptions and fears.

Rather than focusing on the negative aspects of these issues by highlighting the negatives such as the inability to do certain activities as a person ages, the media could portray women as still being youthful, active, and enjoying life. For many women there is a sense of liberation as she ages so to speak. Most likely children are grown and having familes of their own, career goals have been met, and there is a certain amount of freedom knowing one can still have an enjoyable and satisfying sex life without the fear of becoming pregnant.
I believe there is a certain amount of fear when a persons body goes through changes whether it is adolescence or menopause. I would like to see more ads showing women doing everything they always do. Just because a woman ages and goes through menopause doesn't mean she has to give up the life she is accustomed to or still envisions to have. Aging and menopause are natural progressions of life not be feared, but rather embraced. I have included a short but informative video clip on some basic facts of menopause. Being in tune to one's body as well as taking a pro-active approach to life's challenges empowers a person to accept changes with a healthy perspective.

Michelle Dukes