When we survey our readers every two years more than 60 per cent feel they are not respected by mainstream media.
It’s a substantial number of people and it’s an issue that I personally feel does not make for a well-rounded society, but is that now changing?
Have a Go News spoke to Channel 9’s The Golden Bachelor host Samantha Armytage. She believes that this show will change how people over 50 are seen in society.
People in this show have ages ranging from 51 to 66. There are no stereotypical older people in this show. The Golden Bachelor is rewriting the way people (not older people) are perceived particularly on free to air television.
Samantha says that she is thrilled that Channel 9 took a leap of faith with The Golden Bachelor and she has not only hosted the show; she was deeply involved in the vetting of participants.
“I think 50 plus people have been ignored by television and society for far too long. I am really proud Channel 9 has picked up this heritage brand of the Bachelor. It’s really reflective of what’s actually going on in society at the moment,” she said.
“I think we are setting a trend here and this is a section of the population that we can’t continue to ignore, and I don’t think television networks and advertisers will keep ignoring them as they are too integral to society.”
The Golden Bachelor runs on the same format as other Bachelor shows, one person is looking for love – this time its 61-year-old Bear whose wife tragically died about 15 years ago leaving him to raise his three children alone.
His children are now adults, and he felt it was time to look for love again and he approached Samantha for some help.
Sam says it’s more of a social experiment rather than a dating show with 20 women keen to find love too.
Ageing has changed – 60 is the new 40; 80 is the new 60 – the whole perception of ageing is different and shows like this can demonstrate these shifts.
“We found these women and in general a lot of people in the 50s, 60s and older; their lives haven’t turned out the way they thought or planned and they find themselves on their own and like all of us, want love.”
“I feel like the show has been really well put together – they are all very different women and Bear has an extraordinary story to tell. On set nobody spoke about age and Bear at no point asked about ages.”
“Since we launched the show, I have hardly read anything in the press about the ages of the participants.”
Interestingly since the show aired, the younger demographic have loved it.
“Younger people are hard to attract to free-to-air television these days but the ratings for the younger demographic has been incredible,” said Sam.
Sam says that The Golden Bachelor is ripping through the ageist stereotypes – she feels that it is going to help reset society and she hopes everyone gets behind it.
“I think most people who believe in love will think this is wonderful – you are not going to believe what happens – Bear really did follow his heart – I am dying to give it away and I can’t wait for Australia to see the result.
“Isn’t that what love is all about – you take an unexpected path, one that is unpredictable?”
Will we see a second season of The Golden Bachelor?
“Watch this space, but I think it’s looking pretty good.”
Sam’s message to Have a Go News readers…
“I say to all your readers be proud of yourself and be the best person you can be. We are here for you and we are giving older people a face on television.
“And that’s often where societal changes begin, on television… so here we go!”
The Golden Bachelor airs on Sunday at 7pm, and Monday at 7.30pm on Channel 9 and 9Now.
