If you happened to be surfing the TV and came across the Learning Channel or Oprah’s NOW Network, and saw “Strange Sex: Cougars and Cubs” you may, out of curiosity, have decided to see what it was all about. There, on the screen, was an attractive, silver-haired woman, happily dating a man half her age! “Who was she?” you might have wondered. Well, it was me, Hattie, as surprised as you undoubtedly were. What’s a 75 year old woman doing featured as a Cougar on National TV? Well, my answer is that although the title seemed to indicate that I’m all about sex, and only sex, it was off the mark!. Whenever I’m filmed I think about the honor of inspiring women to honor their personal beauty AT EVERY AGE. This is what my life is dedicated to, and why I hope I helped viewers feel more positive about aging.
How did this happen?
For years I’d been trying to get my message of Holistic Anti-Aging publicized through my blogs, lectures and books (“The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Looking and Feeling Younger!” and RETROAGE: 4 Steps To A Younger YOU!) But, no matter what I did, I couldn’t get enough publicity to make a difference in people’s lives. This was so frustrating. I wanted to share my secrets for being youthful, beautiful and sexual at every age with women everywhere.
THEN CAME BIG SURPRISE!
After in a gold bathing suit alongside a young jock for a Dolce & Gabbana in VOGUE MAGAZINE, I became known as a Cougar! (That’s the word used for an older woman who date younger men)
Just as soon as that word got attached to me, the media came after me like Paparazzi! So, here I am, being publicized all over America, and in Europe too, as a sex symbol… at 75! My true message of ageless beauty is finally being heard and seen by millions. I guess it took the word “sex” to get the media to take notice.that older women are desirable.
I had always viewed aging as my enemy. But now, I’m thrilled to have become a glowing example of lifelong youth and desirability (without surgery or shots). My life’s goal to inspire people everywhere to transform aging from an inevitable deterioration into an adventure, an opportunity and a precious gift.
If it took being sexy to get that message across, so be it! Believe me, Cougar isn’t the worst thing I’ve been called! In my heart, being a living example of self-love and self-respect, is one the greatest blessings I ever received. Now, I can share my secrets and inspire women everywhere to respect and love themselves… at every age!
These days numerous commercials on TV and ads in magazines tout the so-called amazing Anti-Aging qualities of creams, hair dyes, and a plethora of products that promise to win the battle of Time.
Initially, seeing them, I was incensed. Their message is to apply this or that cream, lotion or potion and youth will be ours. After a while, rather than being upset, I decided to figure out why they are so appealing to women of all ages.
The answer lies in the fact that everyone is afraid of aging… including me! The images of aging that we’ve seen for our entire lives is certainly a discouraging and depressing one.
Does this mean that we have to accept that horrid point of view?
I say NO!
My decision to find unique ways to age so that it is an adventure in maintaining life-long youth has led me on a path that is filled with miracles. I decided that I would not be brainwashed into believing that we can create youth by using these advertised products.
Youth must flow from within. When you take aging into your own hands and are determined and dedicated, you will create a unique style of aging that is entirely your own. It will be blessed with the beauty each of us possess.
If you accept the view that aging is a downhill descent, it will be.
Time will pass. We have no choice about that.
Some wrinkles? Yes.
Less skin tone? Yes.
Less energy and fitness? Probably.
Do these comments frighten you? Sure they do.
Must they become self-fulfilling prophecies? NO, they won’t
When we decide to be the victor over Time, and not its victim, we will begin a journey that honors life… at every age.
And no cream can promise that!
It has always bothered me that aging in America is viewed as a downward spiral… and a repulsive one at that! It’s no wonder that the younger set clamored for Betty White to appear on Saturday Night Live. Her life-loving, bubbling energy, at 90, is an inspiration for men and women of every age.
Here I am, in my 70s, living proof that aging doesn’t have to take away beauty, vitality and, yes, sexuality!
Here’s how I learned that…
It all started following my divorce at 48 after being married for 25 years. Before I knew it, much younger men were pursuing me big time. That was well before the word “Cougar” was popular. At first, I must admit that it felt weird to sleep with such young guys. In my day that was called “cradle snatching.” But it wasn’t long before I began enjoying the older woman/younger man phenomenon.
Then, two years ago, out of the blue, I was cast in a Learning Channel episode: “Strange Sex: Cougars and Cubs.” Naturally I was concerned that the work “Strange” was a turn-off. But it had quite the opposite effect! Within days I was stopped on the street, and my inbox was filled with letters from people sharing that I had inspired them not to fear aging. This praise was from women… the guy’s mail was a bit different! It consisted of offers, many accompanied by photos of their “equipment!”
Now, following Betty White’s lead, I am fearlessly following my heart (and other parts of my anatomy!) and fulfilling my dreams no matter what society says.
As I say in my Hattietude:
The opposite of old isn’t young… It’s NEW!
The other day I visited Oprah’s web page to partake in what seemed to be a wonderful opportunity. One of Oprah’s exciting projects was being offered, and I wanted to be part of it.
Excitedly, I went to her page (Oprah.com), where I clicked the link, “a nifty program.” On it was the announcement “IT’S YOUR TURN TO BE ON THE COVER OF O MAGAZINE.” “Wow” I thought, “maybe they’ll choose me.”
I was in for an unpleasant surprise.
Here’s a description of that “nifty program:”
STEP ONE: I was instructed to upload a photo of myself, which I did.
STEP TWO: I then had to pick one pose from three shots of Oprah appearing on covers of her O Magazine.
STEP THREE: I was told to insert my face in the place that Oprah’s face had appeared.
After inserting my name, a mock cover with a big H appeared, with the subheading “Hattie’s Magazine” and photo of my smiling face under Oprah’s brown hairdo!
That looked totally weird, but it was fun. To complete the cover I was given the choice of several pre-written headlines or told that I could create my own. “Great! Okay, so it’s just my face with everything else being Oprah, but that’s okay, I can personalize the cover with my own headline.”
That’s when I was pulled up short.
I had entered the headline, “Sexy Senior Cougar Shares Secrets!” and then waited for it to be uploaded. It wasn’t, and I told to choose another. I typed in “Sexy At Every Age” and that too was nixed, and I was told to choose another. Reluctantly, I chose one of their suggestions, and that went through.
Apparently any headline that alluded to SEX was deemed unacceptable!
This was shocking, since Oprah is an astonishing woman who never shies away from championing freedom of expression.
I’m writing to bring this instance of censorship to the attention of Oprah’s staff, with the hope that it will be
corrected. I suspect Oprah would welcome headlines that represent unique topics that contribute to the lives of her dedicated readers.
What started as an exciting opportunity, ended with me feeling disappointed and insulted.
I’m certain this is the opposite of what Oprah intended.
The other day I visited Oprah’s web page to partake of what seemed like a wonderful opportunity. An exciting project was being offered, and I wanted to be part of it.
Excitedly, I went to Oprah’s page (Oprah.com), where I clicked the link, “a nifty program.” On it was the announcement “IT’S YOUR TURN TO BE ON THE COVER OF O MAGAZINE.”
“Wow” I thought, “maybe they’ll choose me.”
I was in for an unpleasant surprise.
Here’s a description of that “nifty program.”
STEP ONE: I was instructed to upload a photo of myself, which I did.
STEP TWO: I then had to pick one pose from three shots of Oprah appearing on covers of her O Magazine.
STEP THREE: I was told to insert my face in the place that Oprah’s face appeared.
After inserting my name, a mock cover with a big H appeared, with the subheading “Hattie’s Magazine” and photo of my smiling face under a brown hairdo on Oprah’s body!
That looked totally weird, but it was fun. To complete the cover I was given the choice of several pre-written headlines or told that I could create my own. “Great! Okay, so it’s my face with everything else being Oprah, but I can personalize the cover with my very own headline.”
That’s when I was pulled up short.
I wrote the headline, “Sexy Senior Cougar Shares Secrets!” and waited for it to be uploaded. It wasn’t. So I chose another, “Sexy At Every Age” and that too was nixed, and I was told to choose another.
Apparently any headline that alluded to SEX was deemed unacceptable!
This was shocking, since Oprah is an astonishing woman who never shies away from championing freedom of expression.
I’m writing to bring this instance of censorship to the attention of Oprah’s staff, with the hope that it is corrected. I suspect Oprah would welcome headlines that represent unique topics that contribute to the lives of her dedicated readers.
What started as an exciting opportunity, ended with me feeling disappointed and insulted.
I’m certain this is the opposite of what Oprah intended.
Kay VanHoesen, CEO of Here Women Talk, and star of the YAK SHOW just honored me with granting me a regular column on their site.
From now on, I’ll be a featured columnist at Here Women Talk, an online magazine, internet radio network, and safe and open forum where you can discuss, blog, listen and be heard. A simple registration process earns you FREE MEMBERSHIP and opens a door to a world where you can be yourself and explore your interests! Here Women Talk emphasizes creativity, beauty from inside and out, surviving, thriving and overcoming, relationships with God and others, and all aspects of women’s lives and passions.
So excited to share my insights, hindsights, and Hattietudes with you. Being part of a community of women (and some guys!) is a deeply satisfying, supportive and FUN experience. WELCOME!!!!
I’m gonna start this blog with announcing my age. I say “announcing” as opposed to revealing because telling my age up front is my way of letting you know how proud I am of being old! How’s that for a shocker?
I’m 75, and, instead of hiding it, I want to shout it from the rooftops. Why would I be so stupid when in America the very thought of a Senior Slut is not only ridiculous, but repulsive!
You heard it right… Senior Slut!
Though I’ve been criticized for using that term, I find it fun to break through stereotypes with unexpected, and sometimes even outrageous ways of expressing myself. By using the word, slut, I’m adding a tone of lightness to this often maligned title.
And yes… believe it or not, I’ve learned to love being old. My choice was either to honor and enjoy aging or become a complaining, depressed, sexless hag. What choice do you think I made? What choice are you making?
I didn’t always feel good about getting older.. In fact, I despised the prospect of aging. I was terrified that time would take away everything that made life worthwhile…. being vibrantly active – swimming, dancing, working out, making love – are delicious endeavors that define me and make me happy.
Who wouldn’t be frightened that aging would take all that away?
Divorced, and menopausal after a 25 year marriage, I faced a crisis, worrying that sexuality and beauty inevitably be denied me. Unacceptable!
Instead of discouraging me, my fears set me on a course to discover a style of aging that would insure that I would remain youthful, beautiful and sexual for my entire life.
Quite a challenge, wouldn’t ya say?
Well, what happened was amazing.
At 73, I was chosen to model in a gold bathing suit for a Dolce & Gabbana ad campaign for VOGUE, Harper’s, Vanity Fair and W. The famous photographer, Steven Klein, placed me next to a 20 something hunk, and told him to look longingly at me, which he did.
Then I was featured as a sexy older woman who sleeps with younger men in the Learning Channel,series, “Strange Sex: Cougars and Cubs.”
From then on, I became known as the Quintesential Cougar.
Now, as I walk through the streets of New York smiling proudly, people take my photograph, tell me they saw me on TV, and say I’m their inspiration. It’s thrilling for me, in my 70′s, to know I’m inspiring people, especially the young.
But I’m mostly thrilled when they greet me with “Lady GaGa” to which I proudly reply, “OLD Lady GaGa!”
I applaud the talent and pluck of this young woman who doesn’t hold back from following her heart, no matter what anyone says!
This “Old Lady GaGa” is inspired by the young Lady GaGa’s courage.
Youth and Age… a great combination!
When you watch the seductive ads on TV touting all the benefits of Activia, beware! Since so many people have digestive problems… often from taking antibiotics, Dannon picked up on this and decided it was a good hook to make more money. They created a bogus word “Bifidus Regularis”… which is not an actual probiotic. Then they show a diagram with an ACTOR, who is not a doctor points to the diagram as if what he’s saying is a scientific fact. I checked the ingredients on the label of this so-called “miracle digestive aid”. I urge you to follow my lead and check out the label for yourself. You’ll find that it isn’t even a legitimate yogurt. Real yogurt has only two ingredients… milk and probiotics. You can choose any amount of fat (I like full fat, and always from an organic source). I want to protect you from the lies that media commercials insult us with. The best companies with the most integrity don’t have millions to advertise on TV! One more important fact… the milk used in all Dannon’s yogurt products are NOT ORGANIC! Thay means that the cows aren’t free of antibiotics, hormones, etc. This is an insult to all of us who are eager to live healthy lives. Make an adventure of reading labels carefully. It’s really an education in how companies pull the wool over our eyes (or the polyester!) There are still manyhealthy and DELICIOUS products out there, produced by companies like Arrowhead Mills, Ben’s, Shiloh Farms, Fage… It’s up to us to avoid the lies, and support the good guys!
HERE’S TO HAPPY HEALTHY EATING!!!!!
Today is a very special day in the protest movement. I’ll be joining the thousands of protesters at 5:00pm at the Brooklyn Bridge to add one more body/voice to this astonishing movement.
My dad was a labor movement organizer and the president of the Hat, Cap and Millinery Worker’s Union. I’m proud that his social consciousness was passed on to me and my children.
The brave organizers and protesters are bringing justice and sanity to our country which has shamelessly violated our democracy.
The success of our movement is America’s only hope. Greed and duplicity have poisoned America’s blood stream.
It’s time to bring back the ideals that formed our nation.
The major difference between this, and protests in the past, is that because of the Internet, and the massive media coverage, it will be very difficult for the police to be brutal and violent. Just let one officer hurt a protester, and it will be blasted across the internet within moments. This is the protection we protesters have never had, and have always needed. The police will be forced to hold back from violence . When they arrest thousands, it will strengthen the movement, not weaken it. The media speaks as if this will last a day, a week, a month… NO WAY! It will last until the political parties stop overlooking the massive numbers of Americans who are standing up and expressing their discontent. Both parties had better awaken and take notice. We won’t stand for “business as usual.” We require massive change and legislation to implement it…. NOW!
AND WHEN IS OBAMA GOING TO SPEAK UP?
Check out my latest video!
