This is despite the fact that discriminating against someone for their age is illegal. Here’s how to create the best CV and avoid being judged on your age when you’re over 50.

According to the Office for National Statistics, Britain’s unemployment rate climbed to 4.7 % in the three months to May 2025, leaving about 1.67 million people without work. 

Over the same period, the number of job vacancies fell by 56,000 (a 5.8 % drop), reducing the total to around 718,000 open roles.

It’s tough out there.

Remove non-essential information

Under the Equality Act of 2010 it’s illegal to discriminate against someone based on age, so you don’t have to state your age if you don’t want to. Employers should choose the individual best suited to a role, so allow your skills, experience and passion to take centre stage instead.

Your specific address (general location is fine), personal circumstances and photos can also be removed. These don’t explain why someone should hire you. Instead, fill valuable space with detail that will show off your skills. Speaking of which…

Restrict CVs to two pages – absolute maximum

Job searching is extremely competitive. At best, recruiters spend around seven seconds to scan a CV; increasingly it’s more likely they’ll use AI to do it for them. So applicants need to stand out as quickly and clearly as possible. Highlighting your skills, experiences, and interests in a concise manner is more likely to maintain interest.

Buzzwords and templates

Don’t waffle, or fill your CV with buzzwords and nonsense. Even if you work in marketing. Also, CVs should be tailored to each job, using only the relevant skills for the application. Research each vacancy beforehand to handpick the best skills to target and jumpstart you higher up in the list.

Emphasise experience over age

Experience is often preferred to education. Showing you have years of developed skills is better than a list of qualifications or degree in something less relevant. Strike a positive tone and list key abilities before academic qualifications on your resume for the recruiter to see this first.

Include a professional summary

An even better way to grab attention from the get-go is to start with a professional summary: a concise (no waffle!) overview of you and your talents. The benefit of this is the hirer has everything they need in a tightly worded package. They can explore further once you’ve grabbed their attention.

Enjoying this article? More of an entrepreneur? Maybe you’d like this piece about raising investment for your own business

Sell your technical skills

Employers need to know that you’re as technically proficient as someone 20 years younger. Prove that you’re up to date with the latest tools and platforms by including them in your CV. This includes skills you’ve learned in lockdown – research shows it can take as little as 10 days to learn a new technical skill. Both Google and LinkedIn offer free courses, but a search on the web will turn up plenty of learning opportunity.

Just remember to avoid unnecessary jargon or ‘inside lingo’ that some hirers may not understand, and break up technical content with softer skills to add a human feel.

Network, network, network!

Most job applications are now online which, depending on your expertise, may not be ideal. But that doesn’t mean it’s what you must rely on. Also referred to as the Hidden Job Market, some research suggests as many as 70 per cent of jobs aren’t even posted online or shared publicly. If you’re used to the word-of-mouth approach to secure a job then keep practicing this alongside online applications.

If content is King, then design is its Queen

How a CV appears is just as important as the information it provides, so a good visual balance will mean the reader focuses on what matters the most: your qualifications. Keep your CV polished by incorporating bullet points, short summaries, and a mix of formats for clarity. Make it visually pleasing but avoid overly elaborate designs.

And finally, should you use AI to write your CV?

There’s no reason why you can’t get Chat etc to help you get started, or make drafts or suggestions. But don’t just hand the whole job over. Edit your CV, make sure it has your tone of voice. Employers can spot AI, and many might not be keen if they think you can’t be bothered to even write your own resume. But yes, AI is a great tool in your CV building arsenal, used well.

Thanks to the experts at Resume.io for this advice on resume building

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If you thought we’d come a long way since burning bras, think again. A new survey commissioned by the Women’s Institute (WI) reveals that depressingly, nearly two-thirds of adults (64%) in the UK believe misogyny is a significant issue, with almost a third considering it a really serious problem.

Conducted by Opinium ahead of International Women’s Day 2025, the poll underscores the everyday challenges women face, highlighting a troubling reality that women, particularly younger ones, experience misogyny in deeply personal and practical ways.

The personal impact on women’s lives

The survey found that women aged 18-34 are particularly affected by misogyny, sadly often adjusting their daily behaviour to enhance their sense of safety. In the past year:

• 41% of young women avoided eye contact or limited interactions with strangers.
• 37% shared their live location with friends or family while travelling alone.
• 42% pretended to be on a phone call when walking by themselves.
• 27% clutched a bunch of keys between their fingers as a makeshift weapon.

By contrast, men in the same age group reported far lower rates of similar behaviours: only 14% used a phone as a prop, 18% shared their location, and just 10% carried keys in their fist.

Melissa Green, CEO of the WI, emphasized the need for urgent action. “Our polling makes for depressing reading at a time when women and girls’ rights are being challenged on every front.

“For women to feel that the UK is a far less safe place for them is unacceptable and deeply concerning – and needs to be tackled through social prevention, as well as political deterrence, and in allyship with men.”

Read more: Late diagnoses of ADHD and autism in women – the hidden cost

A worsening trend?

The WI’s findings align with last year’s Girls’ Attitudes report from Girl Guiding, which revealed that sexism (used interchangeably with misogyny in their report) has risen in the last ten years. In that survey:

• 47% of 11-21-year-olds feel less safe because of sexism and misogyny, a significant rise from 17% 10 years ago.
• 69% believed they were expected to act differently because of their gender.

While it is difficult to compare directly across years, these statistics suggest that concerns over misogyny are not improving but may be intensifying. If more women are adapting their behaviour out of fear and reporting a decline in their sense of safety, the issue requires urgent social and legislative attention.

Challenging misogyny: steps forward

It’s not all bad news. Despite the alarming figures, the survey also found that adults are taking action to challenge misogyny in their daily interactions:

• 37% of adults have had conversations about gender equality with men.
• 17% have walked a female friend to her car or home to ensure her safety.
• 16% have refused to participate in misogynistic conversations.
• 13% have called out sexist language in conversations.
• 8% have intervened when witnessing a woman being harassed.

Encouragingly, the proportion of men and women challenging misogyny is relatively balanced (28% of men vs. 31% of women), suggesting a growing awareness across genders. However, there is still much work to be done.

How to combat misogyny

Tackling misogyny requires collective effort from individuals, communities, and policymakers. Here are some ways everyone can help challenge and reduce its impact:

• Call out sexist behaviour. If you hear misogynistic jokes or comments, challenge them.
• Listen to women’s experiences. Understanding their concerns fosters empathy and action.
• Be an active witness. Intervene safely when witnessing harassment.
• Support gender equality initiatives. Advocate for policies and practices that promote fairness.
• Educate yourself and others. Learn about misogyny’s impact and encourage discussions in your circles.
• Speak up when safe to do so. Challenge misogynistic behaviour when possible.
• Support other women. Offer solidarity and assistance to those experiencing misogyny.
• Educate young people. Encourage conversations about gender equality from an early age.
• Engage in activism. Support or join movements advocating for women’s rights.
• Encourage male allies. Help men understand how they can contribute to positive change.

The WI’s report paints a concerning picture of how misogyny continues to shape the everyday experiences of women in Britain. However, the growing willingness to challenge it signals hope for a future where gender equality becomes the norm rather than the exception.

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‘Tis the season where people make oft-ridiculous commitments to self-improvement. Yes, I’m talking about the good old new year resolutions. I can see people left, right, and centre vowing to do more gym, eat better, do Dry January – you know the drill. I’ve decided to take a different tack this year. I don’t know about anyone else, but my 2024 has been a bit shit. More than a bit. So instead of heaping yet more pressure on myself to be better, and do better, I’m going to head in the opposite direction. It’s time for the fuck-it list.

I think we’re all big enough and ugly enough now to let go of the concept that having juvenile fun in your middle years is a bad idea

We talk a lot about the midlife ‘coming of age’ here at Silver. Those wonderful, pivotal moments that grace your middle age that used to be called a midlife crisis. I think we’re all big enough and ugly enough now to let go of the concept that having juvenile fun in your middle years is a bad idea. Actually, it’s the best time of your life, in many ways.

Many of the items on the fuck-it list come with the wisdom that age brings you. The joy of letting stuff go. Of not giving a monkey’s what people think of you; living in a permanent state of ‘wearing purple’, if you will.

I’ve been doing a lot of these things already, really. But for posterity, and perhaps to inspire other readers to go “fuck it, I’m not doing that anymore either,” here’s my list.

Dry January

Straight into the sea with this. As if January wasn’t grim enough already.

Not listening to my gut

Ooo a couple of times this year I’ve ignored my gut – one of which was an EXTRAORDINARY tale, which I’ll tell separately another time. But I should have known better, on both counts. I knew what was going on didn’t feel right. Less impulsivity and more listening to my gut instinct.

Poncy food, poor food, stupid diets

Pub Sunday roasts. They genuinely are NEVER as good as the homemade ones. Also restaurants with tiny portions, foams or whispers of things. Didn’t we have enough of this nonsense in the ’80s? No wonder people do cocaine at restaurants. They’d be starving otherwise.

Also faddy diets, which see a lot of action in January. I mean, I’d like to be less fat, but I do also love to eat and drink. So as long as my health isn’t too shabby, let’s eat, drink, and be merry. Especially in January.

Endless TV shows or series

Good grief, Dr Who. I watched the very underwhelming Christmas special and was appalled by its mediocrity. It’s not even scary anymore. Well, not in the way I was hoping for. Also box sets, or really long things – I just never finish them, so I should probably stop trying. Breaking Bad; saw about three episodes. Ripley with Andrew Scott; I literally thought I was going to die of boredom. And I LOVE Andrew Scott. AND Highsmith.

Chasing material things

I never had myself down as someone who was bothered about money, but it turns out I am. I like nice things, and I like to be successful. But over the past few years, the pursuit of these things hasn’t always made me wildly happy – or healthy. If I’m making any kind of resolution this year, it’s to start doing more of the stuff I love, and less of the stuff that is just a means to an end.

I’m not as financially rich as I’d like, but there are more important things in life. I’ve learned that the hard way over the past few years, as people who I loved deeply have died. None of that material stuff matters. It really doesn’t. That thing you hear about people on their deathbeds never saying they wished they’d worked harder? Yeah.

Settling

Settling on work I don’t want to do, giving in to clients’ demands, settling on dates, agreeing to things I don’t like or don’t want. For someone with a big opinion of herself, I can be a terrible people pleaser. I’ve noticed it’s worst when I’m feeling low, so. Keeping an eye out for that.

Letting PRs overrun my inbox

A job-specific fuck-it here, but one I suspect many other editors and journalists will relate to. Blocking/unsubscribing from lazy ‘spray and pray’ PRs who send me press releases that aren’t relevant. Or those who ‘circle back’ the same fucking release to bump it to the top of my inbox, often more than once. If it was interesting in the first place, we’d have picked it up. Leave me the hell alone. My inbox gives me way too much anxiety and this is a big part of the problem.

Heels, bras, tight clothing, things I want to rip off my body in a rage

I’m absolutely done with this shit. I don’t think this is even an ageing thing – we all got used to working in our pyjamas over lockdown, right? I don’t want to wear proper clothes ever again. I’ve also got piles of clothes I never wear – jeans from the ’90s I’ll never get into again, skimpy tops that would show more underboob than midriff these days…

Heels have mentally been the hardest thing to say goodbye to, and I love the way they make my legs look. But I’m so out of practice wearing them, it’s TORTURE to put them on for any length of time. So off with tight things, pinchy things, anything that makes me itch, or struggle to breathe, or walk, hurts my knees or back, makes me end up with red creases in my skin, or blisters… really when you say it like that, it sounds utterly insane, doesn’t it.

Letting stuff go

Life is short, and this is an ongoing practice for me, but more letting go of ‘stuff’. Including the grief around what I might have achieved if I’d had an earlier ADHD diagnosis. That’s been a biggie.

Also in this bracket is forgiving people who have wronged me, without expecting the same in return. The freedom that forgiveness brings is utterly lifechanging. I don’t really hold grudges, but it’s hard not to feel aggrieved about some things that happened in the past. I’m choosing to let those go.

And in the spirit of letting go of things that I feel bad about myself, I’m making amends where I can. I’m also forgiving myself for stupid shit I’ve done in the past. That was then, and this is now. Fuck looking backwards.

Fuck Facebook, and fuck the news on social media

Having looked at the amount of time I spent on it on a daily basis, I’ve deleted the Facebook app off my phone. The fact that I felt uncomfortable doing that, like a junky, tells me all I need to know. Social media generally is also the hotbed for comparison, which truly is the thief of joy. I compare myself and my work with others, and it steals all my joy, makes me feel useless and unsuccessful. Enough of that.

As for the news – I like to know what’s going on in the world, but the endless ‘news’ in social feeds absolutely clutters my head, and makes me depressed a lot of the time. So, a much more measured approach to all this for me this year.

Apologising for who I am

Or diminishing my own worth. Trying to fit in, or be something that I’m not. I do a fair bit of masking, as someone with ADHD, and I’m fed up with it. It’s exhausting trying to be ‘normal’. I’ve found that if I’m honest with my friends, they’re absolutely fine with the person I really am. As the saying goes, ‘those that mind don’t matter, and those that matter don’t mind.’ Take me with my quirks and all.

Going out in the evening

I absolutely LOVE a daytime adventure – lunches, outings, seeing friends. But I like to take to my boudoir early these days, and evening events are taxing. Jamie Lee Curtis, calling out for daytime gigs and parties, once said, “Nothing good happens for me after 9pm” and I hear that. I used to like starting my nights around then, but these days I like them to finish right about there. Then I can get a good night’s kip, sleep off the booze, and come up smiling in the morning.

Dating apps

‘Nuff said. I look occasionally, and am terminally depressed by them. Not going to look anymore, la la la etc.

Sam Harrington-Lowe

Sam is Silver’s founder and editor-in-chief. She’s largely responsible for organising all the things, but still finds time to do the odd bit of writing. Not enough though. Send help.

The post My f*ck-it list for 2025 appeared first on Silver Magazine.

At a time when many look forward to gathering with family and friends, the prospect of ‘Christmas for one’ can seem daunting. So, what can you do if you’re alone at Christmas?

Firstly, not everyone hates being alone at Christmas, so this article is aimed more at people who are on their tod, for whatever reason, and don’t really want to be. And it’s hard, knowing all the homes around you are celebrating with family, and noise, and the endless cooking, and arguing… ahem. But whether you’ve chosen to spend Christmas looking after number one, or have found yourself at a festive loose end, here’s how to make the most of the season in a single serving.

Eat what you like

Let’s face it, it’s probably not worth investing in an enormous Christmas turkey if you’re dining alone, but spending Christmas dinner solo doesn’t mean you have to do without. Take a trip to the shops to stock up on festive fayre in smaller portions and take the time to cook up something special for yourself on the day. Hotly recommended if you cannot be bothered to cook, is M&S pre-prepared food, so you can treat yourself without any bother. After all, you’re worth it.

Break up your day

Christmas Day with family often has a regimented structure to it. Presents are unwrapped in the morning, possibly a walk or carol concert. Lunch dominates the day. For those who like to indulge, there’s the King’s Speech. Perhaps other relatives or friends pop in. Then it’s bums on the couch for a Christmas film-fest.

While you may not have to work around specific timings, it makes sense to structure your day… your way. Think about creating bite-sized pieces – each one filled with something you enjoy, from a relaxing bath to your favourite film, from walking the dog to making that phone call.

The best part? You don’t have to check anyone else’s schedule.

Avoid comparisons

Anyone who’s seen a Christmas advert or sentimental film would be forgiven for thinking that all families gather together for laughter-filled feasts and sentimental cuddles come Christmas day. But let’s face it, the fantasy doesn’t live up to the reality for many of us.

If you’re feeling a little blue, imagining others basking in the heart of their family or having a blast with friends, remind yourself that around 50% of Brits admit to having an argument during the festive season. Divorce rates also increase in December and January. And according to a survey, the average spend on each child at Christmas is a whopping £420.

Reda more: Alcoholism and the chaos it causes at Christmas

Do whatever you like!

Christmas with a group often means compromise: whether its travelling to a venue, doing the cooking, buying, working out timings… people need to work around each other to create the ‘best fit’ scenario.

But if you’re spending Christmas on your own, you can do exactly what you want. This might mean getting out and volunteering, staying in and indulging, popping into friends in the evening, or attending events of your choosing. And if you just want to stay in your onesie and watch telly all day while drinking Baileys and eating M&S ready meals, do it.

“Volunteering makes my Christmas”

Anne Iarchy, 52, Barnet, Coeliac and Gluten Free Coach

Anne Iarchy

I don’t have any immediate family, and many of my friends live abroad or have commitments over Christmas, so for the last few years I’ve found myself alone on the day itself. Rather than stay in, I volunteer with my local Rotary Club, serving Christmas dinner to elderly people in the community.

It’s a fabulous event: everyone wears a Christmas jumper, there’s live piano music, wine, sherry and good cheer. And as well as having company on the day as a result, I get a great buzz from knowing that I’ve made a difference to others.

After hours, I’m at home and I tend to spend my evening chilling out. Last year, I roasted a leg of lamb in the slow cooker to enjoy for my dinner. Christmassing alone wasn’t my first choice, but now it’s something I really look forward to.

Florence Archery, 50, London, Founder of ‘Yoga Retreats and More’

Fiona Archery, photo: Joanne Withers Photography

I’ve spent several Christmases alone over the years. I’m divorced and my son, 17, sometimes spends Christmas with his father. As I’m originally from France, I don’t have any family in the UK. But I’ve learned to appreciate a different sort of Christmas to the one you see in the commercials. I appreciate the stillness: I live in London, but the streets are empty, there is less traffic. The city is lit up and I fall in love with it all over again.

I spend my day being Number 1, make myself something nice to eat, watch TV and take my ‘fur kids’ for a walk along the river. There’s a real sense of freedom from expectations.

This year, I’m going to be having lunch with two friends and my son will probably pop in. Both of my friends would have been alone otherwise. It will be nice to come together to have our own kind of Christmas. Next year, I’m running a retreat at Christmas time for others who might otherwise be alone and I’m really looking forward to it.

Repositioning Christmas for one

Being faced with Christmas Day alone can be an unhappy prospect. You might feel angry or resentful too. Perhaps you’re bereaved and absolutely dreading it.

Rather than thinking of a solo Christmas as a lonely time, if you are going to be alone, try to reposition it – the opportunity to spend Christmas the way you want. ‘You can embrace quiet, and enjoy the day as you wish,’ says Florence.

If you’d rather be occupied, charities such as Crisis at Christmas are always looking for volunteers. Or consider inviting a friend round. There will be other people in the same situation as you. ‘Don’t wait to be invited, be the one to make it happen,’ advises Florence. ‘Although avoid talking about your solo Christmas to people you’d rather not spend too much time with – you might end up with an invitation!’

Some decide to take solo holidays to get some winter sun, or join in on a winter retreat. ‘Getting the summer dresses out of the wardrobe whilst it’s really cold in the UK is very satisfying.’

Gillian Harvey

Gillian is a freelance journalist and author of best-selling novels including The Bordeaux Book Club and A Year at the French Farmhouse. Having spent 14 years living in France, she now lives in Norfolk.

The post Alone at Christmas: festive fun for one? appeared first on Silver Magazine.

Sam on BBC radio, doing an interview, and talking all things Coming of Age, and why it’s worth hanging in there. Why things get better, and what there is to look forward to after 50. And the strength that comes from sharing that midlife is tough, but there is light at the end of the tunnel, and she’s living proof.

Click below to listen to the full interview. If you want to read Sam’s article, the one that kicked off this interview, you can read that here…

What is Midlife Coming of Age? It’s bloody brilliant, that’s what

Click here to listen to full interview

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The post Sam full interview on BBC radio – Midlife Coming of Age appeared first on Silver Magazine.

When people ask me how I’m doing, I’m usually honest, or so I believed. I would say yes, I’m okay thanks, but the last few years have been really tough.

And they have. Within the last five or six years I’ve lost my beloved dad and stepmum – brutal to lose both parents so close to each other. I’ve moved house twice, not by choice, with all the stress and upheaval that goes with that. The longest relationship of my life ended, not without its drama and heartbreak. My daughter spread her wings and left home, just when we had stopped teenage/menopause fighting. Which brings me to the joy of perimenopause, and menopause, and all the fun stuff that goes with that. That’s been in the mix too.

I tell you this, not to have a whine about how awful life has been… but mostly, that you do come out of it

But it hasn’t all been personal either. I started a business with two other people, both of whom left within a year, and left me holding the baby. We’ve had Brexit and Covid, both of which placed enormous pressure not only on the business, but on my mental health. Money has been a constant worry. Suppliers and associates have been going out of business left, right and centre. I have lost friends and family to illness, and to suicide.

There are days when I am frankly astonished that I even have a business. And on my more honest days, I’m pleased that I’m here at all. Because things have been dark sometimes. I’ve struggled with depression, through antidepressants and out the other side. It’s been a ride.

I tell you this, not to have a whine about how awful life has been – although it has, in parts. But mostly to tell you that you do come out of it, somewhere along the line.

I have been underestimating the length of my tough years though

This morning I realised that although I talk about ‘the past few years’ having been challenging, it’s been quite a lot longer than that. About ten years ago, for a period of about five years, I used to get chronic migraines. Like, proper three-day mind-bending and stomach-churning battles that happened at least once a week. It was appalling, trying to slog through the pain and debilitating symptoms, to run a business and try to be a half decent parent to a challenging teen.

…what I really ought to say is that the last decade has been a brutal rollercoaster. The hardest decade of my life

Turns out it was the pill, and I’d become oestrogen-intolerant. Stopping the pill brought instant relief – the migraines completely stopped, immediately. I quit the pill, and I’ve never had another migraine since. The relief was astonishing. I could function! But then as migraines left the building, perimenopause slid in through the back door, bringing the most god-awful periods known to womankind. Of the two problems though, the latter was definitely the lesser in terms of hideousness.

And finally, possibly the most fundamentally huge shift for me, I was diagnosed with ADHD (officially) and (unofficially by my doctor) with autism. I got medication for the former, and dived headfirst into understanding and learning coping mechanisms for the latter, and that’s been utterly life-changing. I am, however, having counselling to deal with the ‘what ifs’. What if I’d been diagnosed as a child, for example. What might my life have been like? It’s a form of grief, dealing with what feels like the loss of Potential Samantha. But I’m getting there.

So although I say to people ‘the last few years’ have been tough, what I really ought to say is that the last decade has been a brutal rollercoaster. The hardest decade of my life. I’m 54, in case you were wondering.

It gets better

And I mean that literally, not sarcastically. This isn’t a huge, life-changing article full of unique revelations, and tips for making your life fantastic. But if you’re reading this and identifying with all or any of the issues I’ve experienced, I am here to tell you it gets better. It really does. There is a midlife coming of age, and it’s beautiful.

I can see it happening all around me, to my friends, and my peers, and it’s bloody fantastic. It’s actually really exciting.

There’s a phenomenon called the U-shaped curve of happiness, and even though we’ve published articles about this, I had my doubts about its legitimacy. But it’s real. The timeline isn’t the same for everyone, but by and large, at some point in mid-life, things improve. Priorities change. Attitudes change. Seismic shifts often occur, where people choose lifestyles and jobs that make them happier. I can see it happening all around me, to my friends, and my peers, and it’s bloody fantastic. It’s actually really exciting.

My own experience has been thus; firstly I’m now officially menopausal, and it’s fucking fantastic. No hormonal rollercoaster, no monthly pain and mess. I didn’t do HRT, mostly because of the oestrogen, but also because I just wanted to get it out of the way and not be reliant on anything anymore just to function. And for me that was the right choice. I feel exactly like I used to before perimenopause. Better in fact – more like when I was about 35. My brain works properly again, I can remember things. My body works. I don’t feel shut down, or dissociated, or in crazy hormonal flux. Ladies – hang in there. It’s brilliant the other side.

Your midlife coming of age brings about some good stuff

Now that I’m older, I eat better, and drink less booze, so I feel clearer in mind and body. I’m lucky and VERY grateful to be healthy and well. My body, bless it for all the shit I’ve put it through, functions well. My relationship with my daughter is wonderful. I love what I do, mostly, but wouldn’t cry if I just gave it all up tomorrow and went off round the world. That’s liberating in itself.

My body, bless it for all the shit I’ve put it through, functions well

I’m single, which makes my life less complicated. And – bear with me because this is going to sound a little weird – there’s something quite freeing about not having any older relatives left to worry about. Don’t get me wrong – I’d swap all my limbs to have my dad back, for example. But honestly? If he went on for years like a creaking gate, he would have been a difficult bastard, I know it. So there is a little silver lining. I have no elders to be responsible for. No care homes to worry about. No nursing to do. No guilt-ridden trips to medical facilities. It’s a thing, even if it sounds a bit heartless.

More than anything, I give fewer fucks. I don’t care what people think of me – although that’s never been a big thing for me, I care even less now. I have let go of wild ambitious dreams that I once had but which made me stressed trying to achieve. You’ve all read that poem When I Am An Old Woman I Shall Wear Purple, by Jenny Joseph? I’m there, and it’s fabulous.

Hang in there. Man or woman, midlife is a fucking minefield assault course of a time, and we will all face a lot of similar challenge. And yes, I know not everyone will have a positive trajectory. Some of you will die too young. Some of you will not be happy. But for the vast majority – and we have undertaken our own research on this – there is light at the end of the tunnel, and a positive outcome to look forward to. Take comfort from the fact that I am here to tell you, it gets better.

Sam Harrington-Lowe

Sam is Silver’s founder and editor-in-chief. She’s largely responsible for organising all the things, but still finds time to do the odd bit of writing. Not enough though. Send help.

The post What is midlife coming of age? It’s bloody brilliant, that’s what appeared first on Silver Magazine.

As you can imagine, we are all over this. The Silver Marketing Association (SMA) supports promotes best practice and ethical marketing to the mature market. This means everything from promoting causes like the Age Friendly Employer Pledge to undertaking important research work into the various aspects of the silver sector. They champion businesses in the sector – Silver Magazine included – and the business awards are a highly contested badge of honour for those who win. Here are the Silver Marketing Association awards.

About the awards

These awards recognise and celebrate the companies and organisations that have delivered a successful marketing campaign in the last year, focusing on the older demographic and showing creativity, empathy and measurable results. The entries are judged by a brilliant lineup of informed and impartial judges. The awards’ headline sponsor this year is Boom Radio – so the host for the event will be Boom co-founder and presenter David Lloyd (below). We’ve seen him speak before and he’s hugely entertaining – worth going to the event just for him!

In alphabetical order, the shortlisted entries in each category, together with the sponsors, are:

Best Radio/Podcast Campaign – sponsored by Senior Response

Shortlisted:

• Age Co – Things Get Better with Age Co
• Boom Radio & One Traveller – One Traveller radio campaign
• Intergenerational England – The Talking Generations Podcast
• Vintage Travel – Vintage Travel – Silver Awareness

Best Print Campaign – sponsored by Saga Magazine

Shortlisted:

• Age Co– Things Get Better with Age Co
• Alfa Travel – Alfa Travel 2024 brochure
• BlueStar Media & Silver Travel Advisor – Silver Traveller Magazine
• BlueStar Media & Ambassador Cruise Line – Ambassador Cruise Line – Fair Winds Magazine

Best Outdoor Campaign – sponsored by Mash Marketing

Shortlisted:

• Centre for Ageing Better - Age Without Limits
• The Kite Factory and Don’t Panic – Oxfam – Staying In The Fight
• YourStride – Grassroots Bowls Clubs

Best Direct Mail Campaign – sponsored by Eight Days a Week Print Solutions

Shortlisted:

• Audley Group – Audley Luxury Retirement Villages
• Granite & TREND Transformations – Merry Christmas
• McCarthy Stone – Time to open a new chapter

Best Social Media Campaign – sponsored by Silversurfers

Shortlisted:

• Accord Marketing & Ambassador Cruise Line –  Ambassador Cruise Line
• Ageism Is Never In Style – #ILookMyAge
• Granite & TREND Transformations – Sustainable Kitchen Makeover

Best TV Campaign – sponsored by ITV

Shortlisted:

• Accord Marketing & Ambassador Cruise Line Ambassador Cruise Line – Enjoy yourself
• The Kite Factory and Don’t Panic – Oxfam – Staying In The Fight
• TVADSWORK and Doro – The Doro TV Commercial’ Campaign

Best PR Campaign– sponsored by Marketing Radar

Shortlisted:

• Finn Partners & The Advantage Travel Partnership  – Travel Triumph: Targeting the Silver Traveller for The Advantage Travel Partnership
• LOTUS & Visit Guernsey – Visit Guernsey – Renoir in Guernsey; 1883
• Wallacea Living – The Time of Your Later Life

Best Digital Marketing / Age Tech campaign – sponsored by AgeSpace

Shortlisted:

• CareCall – CareCall
• Dementia Adventure and Freddie’s Flowers – Blooms of Connection: Celebrating Dementia Adventure’s 15th Birthday with Freddie’s Flowers
• Granite & TREND Transformations – Digital Lead Generation Campaign
• Mistral Hotel – Singles in Crete & Copywrite That - New Sunday Best Friend

Best Overall Multi-Channel Campaign – sponsored by Precision Platinum

Shortlisted:

• Accord Marketing & Ambassador Cruise Line – Ambassador Cruise Line – Enjoy yourself
• Centre for Ageing Better – Age Without Limits
• McCarthy Stone – Time to open a new chapter
• Wallacea Living– The Time of Your Later Life

Good luck to everyone taking part! The awards will be presented at a sparkling drinks reception on Tuesday 25 June 2024 at the Cavendish Centre, London W1 from 17:30 -18:30 following the Silver Marketing Summit.

Please contact enquiries@silvermarketing.org if you would like to attend the Silver Marketing Association awards.

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Lili Lowe on the realities of living with Tourette’s syndrome, busting a few myths and calling for better understanding about a condition that is a magnet for misinformation.

Can you tell us about your journey with Tourette’s syndrome?

I remember being maybe 10 or 11 and when I started making weird, uncontrollable grunts. They were really annoying. I’d have this odd feeling in my chest, like something needed to come out –and until it did, it almost hurt. After a few years, that particular tic disappeared, and I never really thought much of it.

But when I was about 19 or 20, these weird sensations came back. This time, they were accompanied by words – I started saying “Hey!” or “Hi!” or “Hello!”. At first, I was so confused. I thought maybe a terrible job, terrible relationship, and a sense that the world was falling apart was stressing me out beyond reason.

But as these new tics continued and became more severe, I realised that maybe it wasn’t going to go away quickly. At first, I disregarded the idea that I might have Tourette’s. But trying to explain to people why I was shouting “Hello!” in their faces for no apparent reason got tricky.

Fast forward to today, I’m getting more comfortable with telling people I have Tourette’s and accepting the fact. And I’m constantly fighting that lovely fella known as Imposter Syndrome, who keeps popping into my head.

“Oh, you just HAVE to make those noises do you? Just stop doing it, you’re being dramatic…”

What type of tics do you experience and how do they affect your daily life?

My tics are only verbal. I am very thankful they are not offensive – count your blessings and all that.

At the moment, my tic list includes the “Hey!”, “Hello!” and “Hi!” greetings in a variety of pitches and tones. There are a few weird squeaks, almost mouse-like, but not in a creepy way. It sounds almost like a small, high-pitched child.

I always say that the ‘greeting’ tics have stuck around because my Tourette’s just wants to be acknowledged

And my latest persistent tic is “Bah!” I’m not sure how I feel about this one, but a few friends have said they hope it sticks around for Christmas. Bah humbug!

Over the last few years, there has been a broader range of tics, but a lot of them come and go. I always say that the ‘greeting’ tics have stuck around because my Tourette’s just wants to be acknowledged and is desperate for attention.

How do you manage your tics?

I don’t think anyone with Tourette’s should have to manage their tics. It’s simply not fair. It would be like telling someone who desperately needs to sneeze that they’re not allowed to.

But of course – and I’m sure I’m not alone – there are some situations where I would like to not tic. It’s normally meeting new people or situations where I don’t want to draw attention to myself.

Sometimes I’ll do them more quietly, which can help scratch the itch. But ultimately they need to come out. Holding them in means I’ll suffer later.

What are some of the everyday challenges you face because of Tourette’s syndrome?

I’ve just started dating again – I know, the joys – but this means meeting new people. And I don’t always want to tic, especially when I’m trying to look hot and elusive. The sexy mystique sort of goes out of the window when I’m shouting “Hello!” in someone’s face like an angry Karen while they’re trying to tell me a story.

I don’t like all the questions, even though I know people are curious. I’ve been on dates where I have been upfront about it and allowed myself to tic. But then they’re full of questions – and there is a lot more to me than just Tourette’s.

How do you navigate these challenges in your day-to-day life?

In the past, I have held them in and not told new people about my tics to avoid the awkwardness. But trying to explain it further down the line then becomes hard.

It’s almost as if people don’t believe me. “Well, you didn’t do it for the first few times we met…

It’s almost as if people don’t believe me. If someone says something like, “Well, you didn’t do it for the first few times we met, so surely you don’t need to do them?”, this really plays into my imposter syndrome.

With that in mind, I have decided to try and be more open. Sometimes I tell people in advance of meeting them. Or I have just let the tics out and been very clear that I have Tourette’s. Generally, it’s okay. It’s a little scary for me, but it’s probably better this way.

Does Tourette’s syndrome affect your relationships with coworkers?

I’m not punching anyone or swearing uncontrollably or calling a stranger on the bus a fat bitch. So in that sense, my tics are non-offensive and easy to deal with. I feel very blessed about that. I like to say I’m overly friendly – and it probably seems that way when I’m shouting “Hey!” at everyone in the beer garden.

But work has been interesting. When I was working as a chef for a funny little pub, my tics started to become more frequent and noticeable. I felt comfortable to tic there, everyone was a bit mad, and it just became a comical part of our work. It was nice.

I honestly had no idea how they’d react. I knew they all thought I was a little weird anyway

After working at the pub, I took a job in an all-female office. Right from the start, I felt isolated. Don’t get me wrong – they were all lovely – but they were the type of women who went for morning runs, were a part of their kids’ PTA, did lots of yoga, had “tried weed once at uni” … I just didn’t fit. It wasn’t a Mean Girls situation – they were all sweet and welcoming – but I knew I wasn’t going to make any real friends.

When I worked there, I held my tics in all day, every day, and never once let on that I had Tourette’s. We were in such close proximity to each other, and I honestly had no idea how they’d react. I knew they all thought I was a little weird anyway. It was fine. I was only in the office three days a week and my tics aren’t too severe. So, I could hold them in, but my ex got the brunt of it later on at home.

What about when you’re out and about with strangers or in public places?

If I’m out and about with mates, I will tic happily and shout at strangers. I think there’s a confidence with being around your friends. They’ll back you up. On multiple occasions when I’ve been shouting and someone gives me funny looks, I’ll hear one of my mates sassily say, “She’s got Tourette’s syndrome”.

I like loud spaces. Gigs and busy pubs are perfect places to tic because no one even notices. I can be as loud as I like. And you’ve got to try and have fun with it. Something I really enjoy is when a new person joins our group, unaware of my tics, I’ll shout “Hey!” at them and watch them look around at no one batting an eyelid, as if they’re the only one hearing it.

How do you think society perceives Tourette’s syndrome?

I think the biggest misconception about Tourette’s is that it’s common for people to swear. There have been so many documentaries covering people with more offensive tics. So I think people assume that everyone with Tourette’s just swears all the time. But it’s such a diverse disorder. Tics can range from eyebrow movements to blowing breaths to repetitive grunts.

Read more: Can microdosing psychedlics help your mental health?

What would you like others to know about living with Tourette’s?

This one goes out to my exes who would get annoyed and angry with me for my tics. I am aware that the tics can be loud, especially when you’re trying to relax. But I can promise you, it is a hell of a lot more distressing for me than it is for you. The more you get annoyed at someone for their tics, the more anxious and stressed they’ll become – and the more they’ll do it. Don’t be a dick!

Have you found any activities that help you with tics?

Anything that involves intense concentration is good. When I’m totally wrapped up in something, I don’t tend to tic.

What changes would you like to see in terms of societal acceptance and understanding of Tourette’s?

Most of the online information, such as the NHS website, talk about children and tics. For years, the understanding has been that it starts in childhood, but this has been disproven. Plenty of people who never experienced tics as children have developed Tourette’s as adults.

It would be nice to see more support for adults experiencing tics for the first time, instead of just advice on what to do if your child starts having tics.

What advice would you give to someone who may have Tourette’s?

It’s not your fault. You’re not doing it on purpose. Usually, other people are so in their head that they might give it attention while it’s happening, but then very quickly move on.

I’ve found great support and got a lot of questions answered by other Tourette’s sufferers on Reddit’s r/tourettes subreddit. It’s full of people with Tourette’s – and those who deal with people with Tourette’s – so you can get both sides of the story. When I have asked questions, everyone has been so lovely, so 100 per cent would recommend.

Lili Lowe

Lili works across all the channels; writing articles, taking photographs, creating content, and designing eye-capturing imagery. She’s an animal-lover who cries just seeing a picture of a baby sloth.

The post Living with Tourette’s: It’s about so much more than swearing appeared first on Silver Magazine.

“Back then it was different,” say those who are nostalgic for the days of racist sitcoms, Mr Humphries being free-passing for LGBT representation, and women’s arses being fair game for pinching at work.

In that context, “back then” ended sometime around 1985 with the last episode of Are You Being Served? But now, as Russell Brand claims everything was consensual during his days of promiscuity, “back then” has fast-forwarded to the noughties.

This was the era of lads’ mags and ladettes. When the glorification of shagging and boozing and not caring about your cocaine’s supply chain provided the sordid soil in which Brand’s career grew.

This was the era of lads’ mags and ladettes… the glorification of shagging and boozing and not caring about your cocaine’s supply chain

At the time, I was in my ludicrously misspent twenties, ending that debauched decade by working on the Australian edition of FHM and writing a weekly column in the Sydney Morning Herald, before moving to Dubai. Apart from not seeing a flake of coke anywhere, Dubai was not quite the men-and-merlot detox people who had never set foot in the Middle East said it would be.

Photo: Eva Rinaldi

Marina Hyde recently reflected in The Guardian about how she could have done better “back then.” Particularly regarding comments she made about Georgina Baillie, the granddaughter of Andrew Sachs. Baillie’s name has been forgotten by many, but she was at the centre of the 2008 Sachsgate scandal.

Hyde looked back on what she wrote at that time with mortification and regret. She described Brand and Jonathan Ross as scumbags for calling Sachs, just so Brand could boast about having sex with Baillie, egged on by Ross. But she also mocked those who complained to Ofcom, and wrote that Baillie should stop banging on about it.  And – and this bit was conspicuous by its absence from the mea culpa – sneeringly criticised a piece Baillie wrote for The Sun, and used ‘Satanic Slut’ (a reference to Baillie’s Voluptua the Satanic Slut burlesque character) as a demeaning insult.

I was completely unaware that the prank caused Baillie to spiral into addiction

Living in Dubai at the time, Sachsgate didn’t get saturation coverage on the heavily censored local media. But we didn’t exist in a total bubble. I had a laugh about it with my flatmate at the time. I was completely unaware that the prank caused Baillie to spiral into addiction. She didn’t speak to her grandfather for eight years. That is time she can never get back.

Read interview with Jon Stewart of Sleeper: why we’re better now than we were in the 90s

This got me thinking about my time at FHM. It was an era of stereotypically working and playing hard. Of spending most of my time with my colleagues either in the office, at parties, or in the pub.

Georgia Lewis at work in Dubai

How complicit was I, a mere sub editor, in contributing to the culture that allowed – or still allows – alleged sexual predators to hide in plain sight?

I was part of a magazine best known for photographs of women wearing not very much. It can be easily argued that such content is inherently sexist, pandering to the male gaze. Even though the women were always aged 18 or over and consented to the shoots.

When it came to headlines, captions, and content, pretty much anything was fair game for a joke. Apart from rape or paedophilia. I can’t say for certain that racist or homophobic content never made it through the net, but I’d need to dig through the back issues that are probably lurking at my parents’ house 10,000 miles away to check.

As well as sub-editing layouts, I compiled the sex pages. Assorted adult toy tests, one staff writer plunged his bits into a tub of some sort of sex custard to fill a paragraph. Naked Barbie and Ken dolls photographed demonstrating human pretzel sex positions. That actually attracted the ire of Mattel, as FHM was published by the same company that had the contract for Barbie magazine. But po-faced legal letters were water off a duck’s back.

FHM was inundated with women keen to appear in the magazine… was I exploiting women..?

I thought hard about the monthly shoot and sex discussions I oversaw. Back then it was different! FHM was inundated with women keen to appear in the magazine. I never struggled to find models willing to pose in swimwear or lingerie for a shoot before I took them to the pub on expenses to chat about a sex topic. Was I exploiting women eager to boost their careers by getting them to talk about everything from foreplay to whether older or younger men were better in bed. While getting them a bit drunk after posing in next to nothing?

There was always a lot of laughter at the pub, everyone had plenty to say and when the magazine came out. I received delighted emails from the participants. One model is still a friend, although she did confide in me years later about how a young, cocky intern she met via FHM behaved inappropriately, grinding his pelvis against her in an unwanted advance. I wish she’d told me at the time, and I hope I would have done something about it.

I’m sure that not everything we wrote has aged well. It feels weird to have been part of the latest “back then it was different.”

The one incident that sticks in my mind is a harassment complaint from an entrant in FHM’s Girlfriend of the Year modelling competition. In the analogue early noughties, hopeful young women would often send photos by post, so the retouch artists had to laboriously scan loads of pics for the mag. One entrant received multiple phone calls from a retoucher, who saw her number on the back of her photo. I am pleased to report the retoucher (what a damn job title…) was fired. And nobody felt sorry for him, or blamed the entrant for being a scantily clad temptress.

I’m sure that not everything we wrote has aged well. It feels weird to have been part of the latest “back then when things were different.” Although some of the worst things I wrote in that era were in the Sydney Morning Herald.

I remember a clumsily worded column about bowel cancer versus breast cancer. And a ridiculously unsisterly rant about married female colleagues complaining that their husbands wanted sex all the time, while my own personal life was a car crash. I am relieved these columns seem to have vanished with the Herald’s website’s multiple redesigns.

But this week’s events gave me pause for thought. My tiny part in “back then” was miles away from Russell Brand, working on a magazine that was more interested in Shane Warne than the creepy, thesaurus-swallowing booky wooky author. But it was part of lad culture in a faraway country that will probably always glorify toxic masculinity to some degree. I won’t lose any sleep over it now, but I agree with Marina Hyde that we can all do better, and get things right this time.

Georgia Lewis

In a career that has spanned Australia, the Middle East and the UK, Georgia has written about all sorts of things, including sex, cars, food, oil and gas, insurance, fashion, travel, workplace safety, health, religious affairs, glass and glazing… When she’s not writing words for fun and profit, she can usually be found with a glass of something French and red in her hand.

The post Back then it was ‘different’, right? How many of us were part of it? appeared first on Silver Magazine.

It’s human nature to look for a life partner. Swans do it too, and have an outstanding success rate, but swans are a bit less complicated than humans. Have you ever considered a short-term fling might be the answer?

We go through life looking for ‘the one’ and are often heartbroken when they turn out not to be. But then we do it again, repeating the same patterns and only believing that a relationship has value or is meaningful if it lasts a long time. What if I told you there is an alternative?

The joy of not-forever love

What if we were to change our perception of the long-term goal, and instead focus on enjoying short-term love? Maybe not even love, but a meaningful fling. One in which both parties know that it’s not forever, and are happy to forge ahead regardless?

What I don’t need is to completely lose myself to someone again. So I’m essentially looking to date men who I know aren’t suitable long-term

We spend a lot of energy looking for Mr Right when we might be better off looking for Mr Right Now. This is particularly true if you’ve just come out of a relationship that ended badly. Or if you’re in the throes of divorce (I tick both boxes, go me!).

While my friends yell at me to spend time on my own, I yell back that I’ve essentially been on my own whilst being married for 15 years. I’m ready to love, to be loved, and to have some fun along the way. Or even to separate the two. What I don’t need is to completely lose myself to someone again. So I’m essentially looking to date men who I know aren’t suitable long-term (but who also aren’t monsters, obviously).

Playing it on the safe side?

Juliette – keeping things short and sweet

To that end I’m veering towards much younger men with whom I know a future isn’t on the cards. I’m OK with that. When I was 32 my boyfriend was – ahem – 19, so it’s fair to say that’s my thing. If, at some point, I decide that I do want a grown-up, more serious relationship, I’ll simply adapt and look for men who want the same.

Read more: Why I cheat on my husband

I’m very emotionally-led, however, so whether I can pull off this cool-as-a-cucumber cougar persona remains to be seen. The other person will also have to adopt the same attitude. Fortunately, younger men aren’t generally looking for long-term love (at least not with a woman 15 years older than themselves). So really, all the emotional stuff will be on me. Gulp.

The expert viewpoint

“Some people may feel that it’s not worth the emotional investment or potential risks involved,” explains dating coach Billy Reid. Indeed, there’s always a risk that one of you will fall head over heels for the other, and upset the equilibrium.

…there’s always a risk that one of you will fall head over heels for the other, and upset the equilibrium

“If they’re experiencing a lack of attention or affection, the intensity of the fling might appear to fill that void. But if the dalliance is brief, it could continue to be missing after the fling finishes,” explains Reid.

However, Reid also outlines the positives of such a venture.

“A short-term romantic relationship can provide a sense of excitement and novelty, which can boost mood and self-confidence. Additionally, some individuals may find that a brief romantic encounter allows them to explore their own desires and preferences in a low-pressure environment.”

In other words, a short-term fling is like a French meringue – you won’t really know how it’ll turn out until you try.

Brief encounters

Charlotte, a 48-year-old PR manager from West Sussex, had a whirlwind relationship with a man she met by chance on a train. She was recently divorced, and he was separated.

“I really fancied him and couldn’t remember feeling like that about anyone before. He told me he’d just split with his wife and wasn’t ready for a relationship, but that he was happy to have fun. I was infatuated from the first moment we kissed. It just felt like he’d been missing my entire life.”

After two months of a whirlwind romance and “the greatest sex I’ve ever had,” he started to back away. When Charlotte confronted him, he told her that he cared about her very much, but felt the relationship was getting too serious.

[perfectpullquote align=”left” bordertop=”false” cite=”” link=”” color=”” class=”” size=””]He constantly told me how sexy I was, which gave me a huge confidence boost. He treated me well, and he was honest[/perfectpullquote]

“I was devastated,” says Charlotte. “I cried for weeks. I’ve been having therapy and I’m now six months down the line. And instead of being angry with Mike, as I was initially, I realise now that he did me a favour.”

“He constantly told me how sexy I was, which gave me a huge confidence boost. He treated me well, and he was honest. I can now see that the relationship was good for me, and that I can’t be angry that it ended. We met one last time and wished each other well. My bar is set very high now for future relationships and that’s got to be a good thing.”

Would she do it again?

“Sure, if both of us knew from the outset that it wasn’t going to develop into anything serious. The attraction has got to be there, of course, but I don’t need to find my soul mate or perfect man right now, I need to have fun and just enjoy life. I have to accept that it will invariably come to natural end, but I feel more equipped to deal with that now.”

Setting boundaries

“Ultimately,” says Reid, “the benefits of short-term romantic relationships are subjective and depend on one’s own goals, values, and emotional needs. It’s important to approach any romantic encounter with clear communication and mutual respect, and to prioritise your own well-being and boundaries.”

When you only spend a few weeks with someone, you’re firmly in the honeymoon period phase

Boundaries are key, because the downside to short-term relationships is that they are harder to get over than long-term relationships. When you only spend a few weeks with someone, you’re firmly in the honeymoon period phase the entire time. Your dopamine and oxytocin levels are through the roof, endorphins are flying high and the person you’re with is endlessly fascinating to you. Because you haven’t worked them out yet (and in the case of short-term love, you never will).

While the positives are that there’s no chance of being bored, of discovering their flaws and of becoming unhappy, the downside is that because you don’t see their flaws, when you do split up you only have positive memories. You haven’t had a chance to resent them or feel anger, or vice versa. It may seem like a mad idea to split when you’re so enamoured by each other. But trust me, it makes sense.

We don’t stay in the same house or the same job all our lives. Our friendships are transient, too. If, when we need to take a step back, we can approach relationships in the same way, ie that they don’t have to be forever to be meaningful, we might just surprise ourselves. By entering into a new relationship without the pressure of long-term love, you might actually be more equipped for it when it does come along.

Juliette Wills

Juliette writes about football, F1, fashion, health and interiors for national magazines and newspapers. She’s also Bexhill’s new Town Crier (true story!), runs a pet sitting sideline and heads up her own creative agency. If she’s not at home she’s in the sea

The post Why you should consider a short-term fling appeared first on Silver Magazine.