Our lives are rife with endless scrolling, notifications and pixels, and if you work in marketing, it’s easy to focus on these areas as the most important aspect of your campaigns. But it’s important to keep in mind that printed media still has the power to make people pause. It’s not just about the thrill of a glossy magazine we love – it’s all sorts of print.

There’s something about the sensation of holding something physical – the weight of a printed booklet in your hand, the feel of the paper and the permanence of the ink that, for many people, still trumps digital marketing strategies.

Dipping your toe in print, as a marketeer, might seem as though it’s full of jargon and production quirks. But it’s surprisingly straightforward. Plus, when you connect a print strategy with digital campaigning, it has the potential to become one of the most powerful tools in modern marketing.

Print still carries weight in your marketing mix

Despite advancements in technology, the truth is that print holds people’s attention in a way screens rarely do. Research from JICMAIL shows that a piece of addressed mail gets over two minutes of active attention spread across nearly a month. Compare that to the few fleeting seconds an online ad enjoys.

Even better, print doesn’t just sit on the kitchen table – it drives action. Roughly six per cent of mail prompts a purchase, and nearly half of those happen online. In other words, print starts the journey; digital finishes it. And it’s even more impressive when it comes to magazines.

You already know that we have invested considerably in research around print and digital media consumption, with print having some impressive stats and preferences when it comes to going head-to-head with online.

But some unique neuromarketing research by Canada Post also found that physical media required less cognitive effort, generated higher recall, and was more motivating than comparable digital ads.

Print materials elicit stronger emotional responses and deeper brand connections. The tactile experience of touch and texture continues to activate emotional and memory-related regions of the brain, helping audiences engage more meaningfully with the brands in front of them.

With so much focus and drive being placed on social media virality, it’s easy to think of print as being an outdated form of marketing. Instead, see it as your high-attention, high-trust channel; the piece of your marketing mix that endures long after the browser tabs have closed.

Making offline work online

Print doesn’t have to live in isolation, and when done right, it can act as the bridge to your digital world. And this is where the best results happen.

QR codes are still the simplest way to connect the two. A quick scan takes readers directly to your landing page, video, or offer – but give each campaign its own code, so you can track who engaged and where. For audiences less QR-friendly, include a short, memorable URL or even a personalised link.

Then there’s tech with a bit more flair – NFC chips and augmented reality. These can trigger animations, demos, or interactive content, but it’s important to remember to use them to add value, rather than as a flashy gimmick.

Whatever route you choose, always design for mobile first. Most scans will happen on a phone, so keep the page light, fast, and instantly actionable. Ensure your online creative feels visually connected to your printed piece.

7 design tips to keep in mind

1. One purpose per page. Don’t overcrowd; give your reader one clear next step.
2. Create hierarchy. Let size, contrast, and space lead the eye naturally.
3. Make it readable. Body text between 9–11 pt, headlines bold enough to be seen at arm’s length.
4. Lead with value. State the benefit before the brand.
5. Make response effortless. Combine QR, short URL, and a clear reason to act.
6. Keep it consistent. Match tone and visuals across print and digital.
7. Add trust cues. Logos, credentials, even a small “Printed responsibly” note — these build credibility.

Sustainability in print

Sustainability is at the forefront of business discussions nowadays, and we choose FSC or recycled papers, print with vegetable-based inks and keep your formats efficient to reduce waste. A small note like “Printed responsibly by…” quietly signals that you’re on top of your footprints.

Bringing it all together

Print can be magical. When you understand how paper affects perception, how a well-placed QR bridges offline to online, and how colour accuracy shapes your brand feel – you move from simply producing print to using it strategically.

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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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Let’s be real here; It’s not easy. You need a strategy. You need to be consistent. And you need to understand how the writing industry really works.

The good news? Writing careers can be the real deal. Professional writers can earn upwards of £57,000 per year, according to industry data. That’s not bad at all.

The bad news? The majority of aspiring writers never make it. They try for a few months, get frustrated, and quit. The difference between those who make it and those who fail?

The ones who treat their writing careers like businesses, not hobbies.

Here’s what you should learn…

• Finding your writing niche
• Building multiple income streams
• Creating a portfolio that gets results
• Setting rates that pay the bills (without feeling like you’re ripping people off)

Finding your writing niche

Your writing niche is one of the most important aspects of your writing career. It’s where you’ll focus all your efforts, hone your skills, and position yourself as an expert.

The trick is choosing the RIGHT niche. Would you rather compete with millions of other general writers? Or would you prefer to be one of the few who specialise in a specific area?

It’s a no-brainer.

Your niche will impact everything from your rates to the type of clients you work with. When starting out as a writer many people make the mistake of thinking a specific niche will close doors. In fact, it’s the exact opposite.

Specialisation = Expertise
Expertise = Higher Rates

A writer with a strong grasp of ecommerce SEO copywriting can charge three times more than someone who writes generically.

It’s the same for technical writing, copywriting, or any other specialised niche.

Here’s what works…

Choose a niche that interests you. If you’re genuinely passionate about a topic, research will be easier, and you’ll have the motivation to power through when projects get challenging. Look for industries with larger content budgets like tech, finance, and healthcare.

If you’re working on books? Use a title generator for book projects to make coming up with your own titles a bit easier. If you’re making the jump from writing articles to nonfiction book writing, it’s one of the most helpful ways to develop a versatile writing career across different mediums and formats. It comes down to versatility within your chosen niche whilst maintaining the level of expertise and authority that gets clients in the door to work with you.

Building multiple income streams

One of the best things you can do for your writing career is diversify your income streams. Relying on one source of income is a one-way ticket to the danger zone.

Smart writers know this. That’s why they don’t put all their eggs in one basket. Diversification means building multiple streams of income that support one another.

The foundation should always be client work. As you build your business, consistent writing projects provide stability and cash flow. Many writers work both freelance gigs and long-term retainers who pay a monthly retainer for a set amount of content.

But don’t stop there…

Digital products are another great way to build an income stream. Consider eBooks, courses, or even templates. Digital products provide passive income. You sleep, they bring in cash. Experienced writers even monetise their skills as coaches and consultants.

The beauty of having multiple streams of income is avoiding redundancy. If one dries up, you’re not frantically searching for clients to cover your rent. You have backups ready to fill the gaps.

Creating a portfolio that gets results

Your portfolio is your sales funnel. A strong portfolio lands you quality clients. But most people get this wrong… Too much quantity, not enough quality.

Three killer samples will beat twenty mediocre ones every time.

Here’s what you need to include in your portfolio…

Pick samples that showcase your best work. In your chosen niche, include pieces that demonstrate your skills and expertise. Real client results are best. Did your article drive traffic? Generate leads? Include those metrics.

Don’t have client work yet?

Write spec pieces. Craft sample articles for imaginary clients in your target niche. Make them look professional, then publish on your own blog.

Keep your portfolio current. Remove old work that doesn’t represent your skills and add new samples regularly. You want to show you’re active and improving.

Easy to find? Yes. Host your portfolio on your website. Keep it simple and clean. No one wants to dig around to find your work.

Setting rates that pay the bills

This one is critical…

Know your worth, and never undersell yourself. The biggest mistake new writers make is lowballing their rates.

If you charge too little, you only get clients who don’t value quality. It results in twice the work for half the money, and before you know it you’re burnt out.

Here’s the reality…

Rates need to cover your living expenses plus overheads. This includes taxes, subscriptions, software, marketing, and professional development. According to recent industry data, there are about 13,400 job openings for writers projected each year.

A good place to start is calculating your Minimum Viable Rate. What’s the absolute lowest you can charge and still survive? That’s your floor. Don’t go below this.

As you gain experience and confidence, increase your rates periodically. Every new client is quoted your current rate. You can increase existing clients annually 10-15%.

Clients who value quality will pay. The ones who baulk at fair rates aren’t worth your time in the first place.

Developing systems for success

Successful writers aren’t a random collection of one-offs. They have systems. Repeatable processes that make their careers predictable and scalable.

Create templates for everything. Pitch emails, project proposals, invoice reminders… none of these should be written from scratch every time. Planning is everything. A content calendar keeps you consistent and reduces decision fatigue. Block out time for client work, marketing, and skill development.

Automation is your friend. Set up automatic invoice reminders, use scheduling tools for social media, create email sequences for new clients.

Track time and income. You need to know how long projects take and which clients are most profitable. This data helps you make smarter business decisions.

Investing in continuous learning

The writing industry is always evolving. What worked five years ago? It will change. Long-term successful writers invest in their own continuous improvement.

Follow industry blogs, writing communities, and virtual conferences to stay current. It helps you see the bigger picture and position strategically.

Learn the adjacent skills that make you more valuable. SEO basics, content strategy, or social media marketing will make you more attractive to clients.

Invest in training and courses. Whether it’s to improve your craft or learn business skills, education is an investment. The writers who consistently invest in themselves earn more over time.

Read, read, read. Widely. Great writers are great readers. It expands vocabulary, exposes you to different writing styles, and helps with generating new ideas.

Managing the business side

Your writing career is a business. Treat it as one if you want sustainable success. This means managing your finances, marketing yourself, and maintaining client relationships professionally.

Track your expenses and set aside 25-30% for taxes. Keep records of business expenses for deductions.

Market consistently. Don’t wait until you need work. Build relationships, network, and stay visible even when busy.

Set boundaries with clients. Establish working hours, response times, project scopes. This prevents scope creep and protects your time.

Contracts for every project. Protect yourself legally and set expectations upfront. Contracts prevent misunderstandings and ensure payment.

A sustainable writing career requires more than talent

It needs strategy. Consistent effort. And running your career like a business. Specialise, diversify income streams, showcase best work, charge what you’re worth.

The writers who make it aren’t necessarily the most talented. They’re the ones who show up, continue learning, and operate like a business.

It won’t be easy. But is it worth it?

Absolutely.

It’s not a matter of whether you can build a sustainable writing career. It’s a matter of whether you’re willing to do what it takes to get there.

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If you’ve ever looked around your house and thought, I should really sell this stuff, now might be the perfect time to do it. As eBay drops its fees for private sellers in the UK, opening the door for anyone with a few unused items to make some extra cash.

With platforms like Vinted and Depop snapping at eBay’s heels, the online giant has been forced to make this move. And that’s great news for would-be sellers looking to kick off a profitable side hustle. Whether you’re looking to clear out the cupboards, or considering flipping things to make a few quid, there’s never been a better time to get on with it.

Enter Joseph Holman, known as ‘The eBay King’. Holman, now a successful entrepreneur, first made a name for himself in the early 2000s by flipping everything from games to furniture on eBay. His knack for buying and selling led him to six-figure profits before his 20s. Today, he’s the founder and CEO of Green Doors, a £2 million upcycling business, but he still believes eBay is one of the easiest ways to earn a little extra cash.

“It’s never been easier to get started,” says Holman. “eBay offers buyer protection, it has a huge audience, and now, with no seller fees, you can make even more profit.”

Whether you’re downsizing, decluttering, or just looking for a way to fund your next holiday, eBay could be the key to turning unwanted items into a tidy sum.

Why eBay’s fee drop is a big deal

Until recently, eBay’s seller fees could be as high as 15.25% of the item’s value, which discouraged many from using the platform. “A lot of people turned to alternatives like Gumtree or Facebook Marketplace,” says Holman, “but those platforms are hit-or-miss and often leave items unsold. Worse still, some things just end up in landfill.”

Now that eBay has eliminated fees for private sellers, it’s an even better option for those looking to make some side income. Holman thinks the move will attract a new wave of sellers. “It’ll be easier to sell newer items, but I think the real opportunity is with second-hand goods.”

Joseph Holman

The appeal of a side hustle

Side hustles aren’t just for the younger crowd—more and more people are finding ways to boost their income through casual selling. Whether you’re still working, freelancing, travelling, or even gearing up for retirement, selling on eBay could help give your finances a little lift.

Holman insists it’s worth trying, even if you’ve never sold anything online before. “Whether it’s old furniture or last season’s clothes, it’s one of the quickest ways to make money. And the hourly return can easily outpace a lot of jobs.” Plus, the platform makes it simple to track what similar items have sold for, so you’re never in the dark about how to price your goods.

The eBay King’s top tips for success

Although anyone can start selling on eBay, a bit of strategy goes a long way. Here are some of Holman’s tips for making the most of your listings:

• Do your research: Look up similar items to see what they’ve sold for, and use the Completed Listings feature to get a realistic idea of value.
• Use ‘Buy it Now’ pricing: Auctions can result in lower prices, so listing items with a ‘Buy it Now’ or ‘Best Offer’ option can give you more control over profits.
• Show your items at their best: Clean everything thoroughly, take multiple photos from different angles, and mention any defects in the description to build trust with buyers.
• Craft effective titles: eBay’s algorithm prioritises the first few words in a listing title, so use relevant keywords right at the start.
• Offer flexible postage: Give buyers options for shipping and offer collection in person—it reassures them you’re a genuine seller.
• Be patient with unique items: If you’re listing something rare, start with a higher price to see what interest it attracts. If it sells right away, you probably listed it too low!

A way to get out of the rat race?

Holman’s own story is proof that small sales can snowball into bigger opportunities. His ‘side hustle’ is now a £2m turnover business. “I pulled a set of French doors out of a skip, cleaned them up and resold them,” he says, explaining how he started his business. Today, his company Green Doors employs over 20 people, helping thousands of items find new homes instead of ending up in landfill.

“It’s amazing how quickly it can become a habit,” he says. “Once you realise how easy it is to make money off things you no longer need, it becomes addictive.” He also points out that it’s not just about profit. Selling second-hand items promotes sustainability and keeps perfectly usable things in circulation.

With eBay dropping fees, it’s a great time to explore what’s lying around the house that could be turned into cash. Get listing; your eBay side hustle awaits.

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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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“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.

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There’s plenty of competition for all good positions. So it’s worth also thinking about how you’re going to set yourself apart from the crowd, and make yourself more attractive to would-be recruiters. How can you improve your chances of landing a great job?

How to improve your chances

There’s no single magic bullet change that will turn around your fortunes in the job market. However, there are plenty of small changes that might make a substantial difference. They’ll add up if you take enough of them seriously.

Getting an interview is more than half the battle, and having a decent CV will help you here. If you think that your age will go against you getting in front of the interviewers, remember you don’t have to include your age on your CV.

Get more training

Employers are looking for people with particular skills. By picking those skills up, you’ll be better suited to the job you’re looking for. This applies even if you’re well into your career, especially in evolving industries where new skills are always valuable.

There are a lot of free training options online these days. Google and LinkedIn, for example, offer a lot of digital marketing modules that are free to complete. Investigate further.

Don’t be afraid to ask

The skill they call ‘networking’ is, more often than not, the simple practice of asking people if they know of any opportunities that you might seek to get into. By keeping your ears open, you’ll be better able to take advantage than if you’d simply waited for a public notice of an opening.

It can feel awkward asking, but you know the old adage. If you don’t ask, you won’t get.

Grow your network in your industry

Of course, another vital component of networking is to have people there to talk to in the first place. Don’t rely on social media, here – just because you’ve connected with someone on LinkedIn doesn’t mean that your work is done. Traditional messaging strategies like business cards are still effective, so employ them ruthlessly!

Tailor your CV to each opportunity

If you’re sending off lots of applications every day, then taking the time to tailor each of them to a given opportunity might seem excessively laborious. This is where AI assistance might be handy. Try asking ChatGPT, for example, to help focus on specific angles for each job.

Don’t get a chatbot to completely write the CV for you (you’ll get found out eventually) – but do get it to point out the tweaks you might make. There are plenty of tricks you can employ to improve your CV.

Dress appropriately for interviews

The chances are good that your prospective new workplace has a dress code. Find out what it is before you turn up for the interview. And we’re not assuming that means dressing up. Some places these days are much more relaxed; it’s about fitting in.

If necessary, email or call them and ask about the office dress code. If you really are stuck, then there are a few general rules of thumb you might follow.

Don’t be scared to ask for what you want

If you’re not up front about your wage requests, then you’ll ultimately end up disappointed – since it’s difficult to ask for a raise for at least a year after you take up a position. This is why you should be clear on your salary expectations from the beginning. You won’t get something you don’t ask for!

Landing the job of your dreams is not an easy task, but you can always follow these tips to improve your chances.

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In this interview with Hollywood star Jeff Goldblum we hear more about fatherhood, his relationship with fashion, and reprising his famous character, Ian Malcolm.

Now approaching 70, the eccentric Jeff Goldblum has played numerous characters throughout his fifty-year career. Having started out on Broadway in Two Gentlemen of Verona at 19, Goldblum has transcended the impact of the average actor. Never failing to bring his unique and quirky delivery to every one of his roles, in cinema and on stage.

Other than performing in iconic films such as Independence Day, or Marvel’s Thor Ragnarok, Goldblum plays piano with his band, The Mildred Snitzer Orchestra. He spontaneously thought of the name when asked what to call the band on a jazz festival programme one year. The inspiration coming from the name of an old family friend, Mildred Snitzer.

Goldblum describes playing piano as a meditation and a discipline, which he is passing on to his two young sons. He and wife Emily encourage the boys to play every day. “It’s up to the parents, both Emily and I to kind of facilitate both their practice, they practice every day. And I think they’re doing okay.”

“I’m discovering new parts of it and seeing it in a new way through their eyes”

As well as passing on his pianist hobby, fatherhood has impacted Goldblum’s way of looking at the world. He speaks of his wild and lush back garden, that he has previously likened to that of Jurassic Park.

“I adore nature. And that backyard is a kind of physical relief and a spiritual tonic to me, for real. I love and especially now with Emily and our two boys, what we do back there, I’m discovering new parts of it and seeing it in a new way through their eyes. It’s being used more and differently and more adventurously, as you can imagine”

Not only is he an acting legend, but a fashion icon too.

Other then embodying quirky roles, or playing jazz at Glastonbury, Goldblum can be found walking the Prada runway.

The 69-year-old brought the recent Milan’s men’s’ fashion week to a close. Adorning clothes from Prada’s upcoming autumn collection, a collaboration with Belgian Designer Raf Simons. Goldblum described the clothes as “interesting and artful and creative” and said his time on the runway “was very thrilling.”

 

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Goldblum grew up going against the grain in his fashion sense, taking inspiration from Sammy Davis Jr in the 60s. He then uncovered using fashion in collaboration with acting. Using clothes in his early acting to dress to make him feel a certain way and embody a new character.

So I got interested in clothes as a creative outlet, a possibility, a creative vehicle.

“If you found the right shoes that made you walk in a certain way or made you feel a certain way or a colour that meant something to you, it could be a portal into a character discovery. So I got interested in clothes as a creative outlet, a possibility, a creative vehicle.”

But he uses fashion in more than just acting

Now, Goldblum works closely with stylist Andrew Vottero to plan his outfits for press tours, meeting up at Goldblum’s home to try on outfits, take photos and go shopping together. The two plan in advance researching tour venues to ensure Goldblum always has the right fit.

“I have this fella Andrew Vottero… we have been the last several years, have developed an approach and a system. And we got together at my house a couple of times, and he did some, you know, rang Prada and they lent us some stuff to try out. Yeah, he gets in touch so we know what kind of place, what kind of venue it seems like its going to be. We try things on, he takes some pictures… And then I wear those things. And I take a big heavy suitcase.”

So, how was it going back to the ‘Jurassic’ universe after 30 years?

(from left) Dr. Ian Malcolm (Jeff Goldblum), Ramsay Cole (Mamoudou Athie) and Lewis Dodgson (Campbell Scott) in Jurassic World Dominion, co-written and directed by Colin Trevorrow.

In the newest, and final instalment of the ‘Jurassic World’ series, Jurassic World Dominion, Goldblum is back as the irreverent mathematician Ian Malcolm, along with his co-stars from the original series, Laura Dern and Sam Neill, as Ellie Sattler and Alan Grant.

Going back to the series and working with Dern and Neill again was “like a high school reunion or something like that. It was great. I adore them both. And seeing them again was fantastic” says Goldblum. The three of them spent time sharing in the nostalgia and singing together on set in between shoots.

Goldblum shared his joy of working with the talented actors again “Laura Dern and Sam Neill are particularly, as you know, as everybody knows, two of our greatest screen artists, much-awarded and highly-esteemed, and they’re fantastic people.”

Although working with Dern and Neill was familiar to Goldblum, there were some differences between shooting Jurassic World Dominion and the original Jurassic Park. Namely the evolution of technology.

At the time of filming Jurassic Park “The technology was just being born, luckily for us and right when they wanted to do that movie, they were up and running before Dennis Muran from ILM said ‘Look what we’ve got here. I think we have a new way to do this.’ So with this [Jurassic World Dominion], the evolution of the technology has gone further” Goldblum shares.

Shooting the film reminded him of the first day on Jurassic Park

“…blinking eyes and breathing torso, but hidden, you couldn’t see them. So what you really saw was this triceratops that looked alive.”

Director Colin Trevorrow followed Steven Speildberg’s strategy of incorporating animatronics during some of the filming for a more authentic performance. This prompted Goldblum to reminisce on seeing the animatronics for the first time during the Jurassic Park filming.

“And then we come into this clearing later in the day, I think, and saw that first triceratops… that was one of those Oscar-winning Stan Winston creations that were being operated by several people blinking eyes and breathing torso, but hidden, you couldn’t see them. So what you really saw was this triceratops that looked alive.”

Jeff Goldblum at the “Jurassic World Dominion” photocall (Photo by Jeff Spicer/Getty Images for Universal Pictures and Amblin Entertainment)

Confident and relaxed Goldblum no longer feels a traditional sense of nervousness. However, he reflects on still feeling an ‘alertness’ during the filming of Jurassic World Dominion. Aware of the responsibility to create something satisfying for an audience invested in the story.

“I was alert, I wouldn’t say it’s an adjacent, it’s a sister of nervousness – alert. Which is sort of like the first time working with Steven Spielberg – ‘Can I do this?’ That’s a different kind of alertness but similar… but the same kind of ‘Gee, I hope this works.”

Read more of our interviews here…

Ultimately, the ‘Jurassic’ series has changed Goldblum’s life

The friendships Goldblum made with Dern and Neill through Jurassic Park, changed his life. He also takes with him the experience of working with the other actors, and Steven Spielberg.

“Our friendships, the people I work with most of all, like they say in that play ‘Wicked’, you know – you make a change to my heart, you made an imprint on my heart, and that will be there forever.” He says “That’s something I’ll take forever, the people I worked with and the experience of working with Steven Spielberg and Richard Attenborough and Bob Peck and everybody else – Laura and Sam, sorry for getting choked up. Sorry, that’s the main thing.”

Jeff Goldblum and Laura Dern (Photo by Nicky J Sims/Getty Images for Universal Pictures and Amblin Entertainment )

Along with friendships, Goldblum takes some of the ideas and concepts from the movie with him, like Chaos Theory. The scientific theory that his character Ian Malcolm specialises in, and which Goldblum read about in preparation for his performance.

“The ideas in this movie are something that I find nutritious and worth ruminating on and trying to live up to.”

Goldblum feels his thinking is similar to that of his character, Ian Malcolm. “Me and Malcolm love science and scientific, pure achievement. But the use and misuse of it through ignorance and profit motive and selfish interest is, I’ll fight as long as there’s breath in my body.”

With such a popular and iconic series coming to an end, much like Goldblum, Dern, and Neill, fans of the Jurassic universe will be sure to enjoy the nostalgia of the original cast members. Seeing them reuniting on screen in this striking adventure-conclusion to the famous series.

At cinemas across the UK. To see more about Jurassic World Dominion, visit the official Jurassic World page.

Lana Hall

Lana can usually be found spinning her collection of records, or writing odd poems in her phone notes. Her mixer of choice is a ginger beer, and you’ll never find her away from the sea for more than a few weeks.

The post The Jurassic journey – interview with Jeff Goldblum appeared first on Silver Magazine.

Educational technology (EdTech) companies are experiencing a high demand from institutions, educators, and even distressed parents, because it improves the accessibility of education. In an article on FE News, the CEO of Learning People emphasises that EdTech can bridge the global tech skills gap and help people achieve better careers. And from the same post, the UK country manager of Amazon highlights that these innovations support continued learning for individuals, regardless of their backgrounds.

The integration of artificial intelligence, data analytics, and robots may sound like an educational gimmick. However, EdTech has proven its role as a game-changer for young students—and older adults alike.

The transformative effects of technology in education

Say goodbye to textbooks and chalkboards, because education is certainly more advanced now. Online classes and remote learning already seem futuristic for some, but the director of the Knowledge Media Institute (KMI), Prof. John Domingue, stated that educational institutions need to do more than that. To illustrate, KMI has developed personalised AI technology that serves as a chatbot, career coach, and teaching assistant so that educators can make specialised content for their own field of study. Through this personalised EdTech tool, lecturers can go beyond lecture recording and provide a more in-depth learning experience for their students.

Meanwhile, the Oxford Saïd Business School developed an immersive virtual classroom that supports around 84 students from different parts of the world. The in-room cameras bridge physical barriers since lecturers and students can interact with each other in real-time.

Aside from breaking down physical barriers, EdTech can also serve as a solution in supporting skills development. NewGlobe has made it possible to transform educational outcomes at speed and at scale by providing technology-enabled educational systems. By assessing student data, they were able to double numeracy rates and accelerate reading fluency in various countries.

How can older adults benefit from EdTech?

EdTech may be effective in providing specialised content, bridging physical barriers, and speeding up skill development. But here’s the thing: are they just as beneficial for older adults?

The good news is that older adults will find it easier to pursue lifelong learning through EdTech. The Oxford Institute of Population Ageing discovered that more investors and companies are creating EdTech programmes to eliminate barriers that people face in adult education. The research institute pointed out that virtual reality, interactive interfaces, voice assistants, and other technologies make it possible to conduct experiential learning for older adults. These innovations allow you to study at your own pace and interact with educators and classmates, wherever you want. On top of that, you can even learn and play through EdTech tools integrated with gaming features.

These EdTech innovations are more important than ever, considering that more jobs, such as IT and HR, will require upskilling. Our article on Beating the Ageism Game demonstrates that showing off relevant technical skills can help you get ahead of the competition and score the jobs that you want. And thanks to EdTech, you can learn these crucial skills in as fast as ten days.

School is now cool, now that technology has been integrated into education. If you want to keep up with the latest industry trends, check out our articles at Silver Magazine. Our resources will help you learn how to live a fabulous life at any age!

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…THE NAKED TRUTH. OK Boomer, let’s find out exactly what you and Generation X are REALLY like…

The last fifty years have seen a seismic shift in our social patterns and behaviours. There’s been enormous development in technology, medicine, and wellbeing. We’ve walked on the moon, burnt bras, dropped acid, and danced all night. We’ve embraced punk and spiritualism in equal measures. Travelled the world, fought the winter of discontent and the poll tax, and so much more.

We asked you about absolutely everything, from sex, drugs, and rock’n’roll to religion, money, and family, and everything in between

When I was in my late 40s, I started to look at magazines that were aimed at my age group and beyond, and I was dismayed. How could we be so misunderstood? I couldn’t relate to the gentle (or genteel) content I understood was now apparently my destiny. I can’t knit to save my life, I don’t like cakes, and I still go to festivals. Where was my tribe?

It seems I was not alone, thank goodness. Mature people say they are patronised in the media and on television; they feel invisible, unseen. So I decided that someone should do something about it. And, well, if you want a job doing etc…

So we launched Silver.

From the get-go I knew we needed to understand our readers. And there’s only one way to do this – we asked you. We asked you about absolutely everything, from sex, drugs, and rock’n’roll to religion, money, and family, and everything in between. It was a massive survey, we asked upwards of 10,000 people to answer hundreds of questions. And my word, you came through. So here you are in all your glory. The naked truth…

THE SURVEY

We wanted to cover every aspect of people’s lives, but quickly found the survey became too long, so we broke it down into four parts. Nobody was going to make it to the end alive otherwise. The respondents were brilliant though; they completed around 95% of the whole four parts, with only a few questions skipped.

Pretty much each question ran ‘tick all that apply’. So if you’re reading the results and the various options come to more than 100%, that’s why.

SO WHO ARE YOU?

The majority of respondents (81%) were aged 50-69, with the biggest chunk aged 60-64. You’re mostly White British (81%) with the balance being from multiple other ethnicities, such as African Black, British Black and Asian, mixed race etc. This ethnic split represents the UK national average, or thereabouts. And as we pretty much expected, 78% of responders were female, with 20% being male, and 2% preferring not to say.

More than half of you have no religion. The highest score for those who were religious was for Christian denominations (33%), although in the ‘Other’ box there were quite a few who named spiritualism as a path. No Jedis apparently.

You’re largely a Conservative bunch, with blues taking 34% of the votes here. Labour second with 18%, Lib Dems at 14%, Greens 10% and SNP 4%. A further 20% of respondents felt unrepresented or preferred not to say.

AGEING AND AGEISM

Photo: Erika Szostak

We were thrilled at how positive the responses in this section were. A giant 70% of you are happy with the wisdom that age brings and following closely behind this is ‘being grateful to be here’, at 62%. More than half of you (52%) said that you’ve improved with age, and whilst there are a fair few people who are exhausted, 51% said they were excited to keep learning new things. And gratifyingly, nobody ticked the ‘I wish I was dead’ box.

Unfortunately, whilst you lot are mostly happy with your age, it seems like the rest of the world is still to catch up, as ageism is alive and kicking. At work and whilst job hunting were the main areas of concern, but every option received some votes, with respondents reporting ageism whilst shopping, in politics, within the family, and in social situations.

A few comments identified key issues – one respondent had been told they were too old for a mortgage, and another said they were fed up with receiving emails or marketing that was patronising, “… as if you get stupid as you age.”

YOUR HOPES AND DREAMS

Again, it’s a pretty upbeat outlook here. 15% of you have either met or exceeded your hopes and dreams, and a whopping 69% are mostly happy with life. ‘I have new goals, my priorities have changed’ drew a 58% result, and 24% said that although they hadn’t met their goals and dreams yet, they were still working on it. A contented 15% said though they hadn’t hit their life targets, they were ok with that and happy with their lot. 34% said that they were excited for their next adventure.

Only 6% said they hadn’t met their goals or dreams and were sad or angry about that, and just 2% of you said you’re not happy with your life.

FAMILY LIFE

A positive 45% of you said you felt valued as an elder in your family, and the same percentage said you had a happy family. It was encouraging to see just 5% reporting feeling overlooked or neglected, although that’s still 5%.

One respondent put it, “I am often expected to be the responsible one, but at the same time, my children and siblings don’t take any interest in my life.” And the same percentage (5%) said that their family was unhappy, with lots of drama. 20% of you with adult children said they were still living at home, bearing out our understanding that often, big kids just can’t afford to move out anymore.

Although lots of you have no pets, we are a nation of dog lovers – it’s official – with dogs drubbing cats 33% to 22%.

COSMETIC SURGERY

When it comes to aesthetics and cosmetic surgery, most of you (60%) haven’t had any work done, but unsurprisingly, most common is Botox and/or fillers. A small percentage (2%) had braved an actual facelift, but higher on the list were chemical peels and dental work.

Nearly 20% of respondents said they’d like to try some things but couldn’t afford them – and in the comments they drilled down further to specifics; bingo wings were a concern, breast surgery, scar removal, and hair removal/implants featured.

Photo: Erika Szostak

TRAVEL AND HOLIDAYS

When it comes to holidays, the majority of you head for a break once a year. Around a quarter of you have two holidays a year, and a meaty 10% go for three or more!

A staggering 100% of you take holidays in the UK. We’re not sure if that’s as a result of the pandemic or just a love of UKations. A bit of both perhaps. You like to travel with partners, with friends, and with family; you’re a sociable lot. Really interestingly, the option of leaping on a plane and working it all out when you get there (38%) beats package holidays (28%) and even the all-inclusive (33%).

Rail trips are popular, with standard rail and upmarket options like the Orient Express gathering a collective 25% of you, but cruises were surprisingly low at around 15%, easily beaten by coach trips, caravans and motorhomes, and even camping. Perhaps everyone is still a bit nervous of cruises?

TECH

You’re a tech-loving lot. 95% of you have a smartphone, over half of you have other mobile devices, and 32% love new gadgets. Tech in the home and the car is popular – which includes TVs, laptops, gaming consoles etc, and not one person ticked the ‘I hate tech’ box.

Most of you have no home adaptations, but interestingly, the two biggest hitters in the Homes section were CCTV and security systems.

MUSIC

Music is huge, with every single type of music getting votes. Rock, 70s, and 80s making the biggest numbers, but other notables were indie, 60s, classical, vintage, and jazz. Also house/dance music made a good show. Least favourite was folk music with just 10%, despite, as the great Louis Armstrong said: “All music is folk music. I ain’t never heard a horse sing a song.”

For live music, pub gigs and arena gigs are the most popular, and festivals are the third favourite option, with over a third of you still pulling on your sparkly wellies. Jazz clubs are also pretty popular, with just under 20% of you ticking this box.

Consuming music, and we’re back in the tech zone, with only 15% of you enjoying music on a traditional hi-fi. Spotify is the most popular channel, at 55%, just pipping radio at 50%. And how you listen to music is also techy – phone/headphones, laptop, Bluetooth speakers are all equally popular – and in the comments, Amazon Prime, Alexa, Sonos, internet radio and iPads all got a mention.

Both vinyl (20%) and CDs (30%) were still relatively popular though, with the CDs outperforming iTunes at 25%. Cassettes got a zero!

ENTERTAINMENT

Photo: Erika Szostak

When it comes to heading out, eating out is top of the list with 85% of you loving being fed. You also love to explore the UK – train trips, walking, visiting beaches, and sightseeing all got special mentions in the comments.

The biggies are museums, art galleries, National Trust venues and gardens, train trips, and visiting stately homes. Sporting events like football or rugby were lower down the list at around 10-15%, but that’s probably because of our female/male ratio of respondents.

Volunteering is on your list too, with most of you giving back to communities in the way of charity events, sponsored events, animal charities, and volunteering with vulnerable groups and people. The most popular option here was community gardening projects, at around 28%.

SOCIAL MEDIA

You love social media. Top of the list with 95% is WhatsApp, and Facebook second at 86%. An honestly surprising third place goes to YouTube, with 81% of you. Something we’d definitely like to look into more – are you watching music? Are you watching films and documentaries, or following influencers and bloggers? We shall explore further.

Of the other biggies, Instagram is next, with 57% of you using it, and Twitter comes in at 38%. Not one tick for TikTok.

The majority of you spend quite a lot of time online; more of you find content because you’re actually looking for it than because someone else has shared it. And about half of you read a news channel every day, with almost all of you choosing the BBC as your preferred option.

COMMUNICATION

90% of you like to text, but an encouraging 86% also still love meeting up in person. Phone calls beat video calls 67% to 43% – although the high number of video calls would seem from comments to be something new since lockdown; but an interesting quarter of you don’t like talking on the phone at all.

TV, RADIO, GAMING

No massive surprises here – drama, films, box sets, news, streaming services like Netflix etc – all popular. 20% of you are still making it out to the flicks. 5% don’t watch TV at all.

When it comes to radio, 80% are tuning in, but an interesting 35% are now into listening to podcasts, citing ‘chit-chat’ as something they like. Comedy takes top billing here, at 55%, but drama, plays, science, and news all popular. Quizzes got a special mention in the comments a couple of times. Overall radio and podcasts are alive and kicking.

Not massively popular, gaming. 35% of you are happy to play games on your phones but wouldn’t sit at a desk or monitor to play something more committed. 50% of you actively rejected gaming. We had one lovely commenter who said they had a favourite game, which was Lexulous (a crossword game) and we wondered if responders were thinking things like World of Warcraft or GTA as ‘gaming’, rather than quizzes or Scrabble or so on.

HOBBIES AND CRAFTS

Unsurprisingly plenty of you love crafting and hobbies, apparently unless it’s model building, playing an instrument, stamp collecting, or train spotting!

There were so many choices I’ll just pick out some of the notable results: top of the list at 67% was reading books in print; then walking/rambling (57%); surprisingly, cookery was next at 53%; making art such as painting, drawing, and sculpture was then joint with reading books on a device, both at 43%; and crafts such as knitting, crochet etc were around the same as dancing, wine tasting and gardening. And I’ve got to tell you this – we had one dogger. If you don’t know what that is, google it, but brace yourself.

FASHION

When it comes to brands, around 40% said they don’t care about fancy brands, and the biggest box ticked was the ‘mixed bag’ at 50%; the bag being a mixture of high end, cheap and cheerful, and second-hand.

You love to get dressed up, but prefer a reason for doing so, like a lunch, or special outing. When you’re at home it’s comfy clothes, but 10% of you never leave the house without looking immaculate. When it comes to choosing clothing and jewellery, you definitely look for quality. Aside from all the glamourous lot though, there’s about 27% of you who just don’t give a fig about this sort of thing anymore.

SEX AND SEXUALITY

Photo: Erika Szostak

Surveys can often throw out surprising outcomes and this one is no exception; 91% of respondents selected ‘straight’ for sexual orientation. 5% are bisexual, 4% are asexual, 2% chose ‘other’… but nobody ticked ‘gay’.

However, a not insignificant 17.5% skipped this question, which has intrigued us, especially as respondents had the option of ticking the ‘none of your damn business’ box but nobody did.

Are there gay people who have been traumatized by homophobic abuse or a lack of acceptance and still feel under threat? More research is required here, and in the meantime, we are committed to including powerful gay voices in Silver.

We’ve got 64% who masturbate, and 38% describing themselves as ‘sexually adventurous’. Almost a quarter of you use sex toys (23%) or porn (22%) either during masturbation or with a partner, 11% have tried or continue to partake in BDSM activities and enjoy it, while 5.66% gave BDSM a go but didn’t like it.

11% of you have tried sex parties or orgies, while 4% are active swingers. Engagine with sex workers is low on the agenda, with just under 2% having seen a sex worker in the past, and nobody saying they currently see one.

RELATIONSHIPS

Around 80% of you are in some kind of monogamous relationship. None of our respondents identify as being polyamorous, or in an open or kinky lifestyle relationship, but 2% have a casual ‘friends-with-benefits’ arrangement. When one includes the sex responses above, it’s clear there are a lot of couples still very active and adventurous in bed. Although perhaps not even in the actual bed, by the sounds of it! You frisky lot.

SEXUAL ASSAULT

As ever, the figures on sexual assault make difficult reading. Nearly half of you have experienced some kind of sexual abuse or assault. 35% have been raped or subjected to sexual abuse by someone known to them, and 17% have experienced this at the hands of a stranger.

Just over half (51%) said there should be more conversation about these issues, although 10% say they still feel awkward talking about it with family and friends. About a quarter of you (22%) believe we are finally talking enough. Only 2% think we talk too much about sexual assault and domestic violence, and 4% take what is probably a fringe view these days, which is that it’s a private matter that should stay private.

MENOPAUSE

Plenty of people (40%) think that menopause issues should be discussed more openly. A further 29% think we have come a long way, but there is still a way to go.

There is an entirely expected range of responses to the question about how the menopause is going/how it went. 38% say that it’s not the best but it isn’t the worst either, 19% said it was better than they thought it would be, 8% said it didn’t affect them that much, and 12% are really suffering, saying they couldn’t or cannot cope, and the experience was, or is, ‘awful’.

Photo: Erika Szostak

So how is everyone coping? HRT is the most popular at 34%, followed by exercise (23%), natural supplements (17%), lifestyle changes such as quitting smoking or cutting out the booze (17%), taking antidepressants (12%), and diet change (13%).

Then we asked the men about their experiences of living with menopausal women. A whopping 82% said this question was not applicable to them. Thankfully none of them said they didn’t care because it was ‘her problem’, and over half were sympathetic and supportive. 2% said the menopause had changed the dynamic of the relationship and their lives quite a bit.

EXERCISE

Among the responses, there were cyclists, skateboarders and rollerskaters, snowboarders, skiers and climbers, and Zumba fans. But by far the most popular form of exercise at 43% was dog-walking.

We also have plenty of gym junkies, and yoga and Pilate’s devotees (26%). Nobody ticked the ‘marathon/distance running’ box, which surprised us. And in the comments section, we had plenty of people pipe up with the activities that we missed on the (already long!) list of options, such as canoeing, canyoning, trekking, rambling, hiking, serious gardening, Powerplate, wing chun, boxing, and, most excellently, ‘mosh pit at gigs’.

COVID

Nearly a quarter of you (24%) have had Covid, and 63% know someone who has had Covid. Of these, sadly, 18% died.

There isn’t much scepticism about vaccines or the effectiveness of lockdowns among our readers, with 86% having the vaccine. Only 2% have refused, and a small 4% don’t think Covid is as serious as most people think it is.

55% think Covid is more serious than most people think it is, and 45% are not sure if we should be going back to normal. Just 8% think restrictions should have been lifted months ago.

ALCOHOL

Next, we raise a glass of our preferred beverages. 43% still love a drink while 12% are teetotal and 4% count themselves as being in recovery. 37% describe themselves as ‘social drinkers’, and 29% say they drink rarely.

But a proportion of you do have concerns about your alcohol intake with 6% worried about their drinking and the behaviour that this can lead to, and 4% are concerned they might be an alcoholic.

RECREATIONAL DRUGS

14% of you smoke weed. Cocaine, a prolific powder for many of us in the 80s and 90s, is still taken by 8%, while 12% take amphetamines and 6% take hallucinogens.

Although 42% don’t do drugs at all now, 24% said they used to. One respondent gave us a detailed history: “I tried everything that was available before I cut out drink and weed in the early 2000s. I sometimes take edibles and have tried microdosing.”

Then there was this intriguing litany: “Not for many years, but largely MDMA/ecstasy, cocaine, hash, skunk, LSD, mushrooms, speed, opium – and a stint of recreational Voltarol.”

Voltarol?!

Photo: Erika Szostak

MENTAL HEALTH

Mental health has rightly become a more mainstream discussion, and this is reflected by the 59% who say they take mental health seriously. One respondent said they take mental health seriously but find it hard to take care of it. 8% identified as neurodivergent and the comments made it clear that more conversation is needed around this.

There’s a range of in-between attitudes to all mental health conditions, but 8% still say a stoic attitude and stiff upper lip is more beneficial for coping.

PHYSICAL HEALTH

Hearts, hearing, and mobility unsurprisingly feature high, but chronic fatigue – post-viral or otherwise – fibromyalgia, and mental health were all flagged up.

22% said they have a disability, which for the purposes of this survey includes hidden disabilities. In the comments, people shared their disabilities and health issues, which included Type 2 diabetes, thyroid conditions, depression, anxiety and chronic fatigue from cancer treatment, fibromyalgia, high cholesterol, and high blood pressure.

Stereotypes about terrible British teeth may be overstated with 71% of people taking good care of their teeth, although 22% can’t remember when they last saw a dentist.

Eyesight is important to most of you, with 78% going to the optician regularly, although 10% have been wearing the same specs for a decade!

TREATMENTS AND THERAPIES

Nearly half of you like some quality salon time with 47% enjoying treatments such as manicures, pedicures, and trips to the hairdresser, while 41% are soap-and-water kinda people with occasional treats. When it comes to self-care, 33% like to spoil themselves with nice products, 20% can’t be bothered, and, somewhat depressingly, 4% don’t think they deserve nice things.

Our survey found massage to be the most popular alternative therapy at 51%. Meditation came in second at 46%. Outliers in the survey included psychedelics/microdosing, touch therapy, and eye movement desensitisation and reprocessing (EMDR).

“I have seen osteopaths and chiropractors in the past with good effect. Acupuncture and EMDR were less useful, but I used EMDR to good effect via YouTube when my dog died,” said one responder.

MENTAL HEALTH THERAPY

There’s a positive attitude here, reflected in the survey results with 76% of you having seen a therapist or counsellor in the past, 4.5% currently seeing a therapist or counsellor, and a further 4.5% planning to do so. However, the survey also found that 13.33% don’t believe in therapy.

RETIREMENT

Everyone wants to retire. Almost a third of you (31.6%) have retired and another 31.6% are planning to do so in the next five years. A further 21% have started thinking about their retirement. And we’re really feeling the 16% who wish they could retire.

MIDLIFE CRISIS

This section elicited the biggest response, with nearly half sure or thinking they’ve had a midlife crisis. And yes, there were flashy cars and expensive holiday homes.

But a very definite 52.63% told us they have not gone through a midlife crisis. That said, 32% called for it to be seen as a positive thing, and nearly half said it was not a joke.

The causes of a midlife crisis are many and varied. The main cause was the physical changes of ageing (83%), as well as not feeling attractive anymore (56%).

Children leaving the nest, not feeling fulfilled with life, not feeling relevant in the world, and/or not feeling content in a marriage or relationship are all factors. Looking back over one’s career is another cause, including not achieving career goals (28%), and almost the same number hating their job and simply wanting a change.

7% filed for divorce, sold things to fund a lifestyle change, found a new partner, or specifically started a relationship with a younger person. In the comments, both traveling and going out partying again was mentioned as a way of recapturing that feeling of youth.

There are optimists too, such as the person who “did get divorced in my early 50s and have been happier since”, the woman who became “a happier person” after divorcing her husband, and the cheerful soul who described this time as “not a crisis, a rediscovery of self”.

ARE YOU HAPPY?

When we asked this, we got a range of responses. It’s not all joy and optimism – 33.33% worry about the future, 17% feel anxious, and 11% feel like an imposter whose life is not the one they planned out for themselves. 11% are eager to get midlife over and done with, and 6% are either angry, depressed, or bored.

However, to end on a positive note, more than 80% of you are largely happy, with 39% looking forward to what the future brings.

Tl;dr

If this has been way too long to read, here’s a quick recap of the things that stood out.

• You’re largely a positive lot
• Most of you feel valued by your family
• You love tech
• YouTube is surprisingly popular
• You’re a sexy bunch
• Spiritualism is popular
• Mental and physical health is taken seriously
• Home security is important
• Over a third of you are embracing podcasts
• Midlife crises should be taken more seriously
• One of you enjoys dogging

Credits for the Naked Truth shoot

Photographer: Erika Szostak
Photography assistant: Matt Ryan
Hair and makeup: LoveYoHair
Models: Adrian Southby, Bella Kirkus, Lesley Burdett
Shot on location: Copperdollar Studios, Brighton

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 The Naked Truth. What is Generation X really like? appeared first on Silver Magazine.