By Jody Lee
radio host, author, political and lifestyle blogger, media consultant
Published: May 31, 2009

How embarrassing.  Here is a show that proves that getting older does not necessarily equate with getting wiser. 

So far I have enjoyed every (well, almost every) moment of the aging process, finding that life truly does get better and better.  A show like this one, though, gives all us women over 40 a bad name.  Shame on her.

The show is described as a “reality dating show redefining the rules of dating, as a sexy older woman is set up with younger men vying for her affection.”

Hm.  Now that I look at the description, the older woman/younger man is the only think that really makes it different than the other myriad of tv shows where a man or woman hawks their wares in search of a partner.  I think what makes this one in particular tick me off is the fact that women our age should frankly know better.  I can accept idiocy easier in younger people. 

It’s not the age thing, by the way.  I have no problem with older women – including myself – dating younger men.  But I have different standards for women over 40, I guess – again, myself included.  We’re supposed to have a little more class.  We are supposed to be above dallying with younger men on national television simply for the gain of a buck or two.  Or thousands.  Whatever.

The term “cougar” has come to stand for older women who purposefully specifically prowl for younger men.  Sigh.  What a waste.  Haven’t we figured out by now that age doesn’t matter?  Aren’t these “cougars” just looking for a way to hang on to their youth by proving to themselves that young men find them attractive? 

It’s just sad and embarrassing.