Grief, Cosplay, and Deafness

The Golden Bachelor Week 2

Although the overall mood on the show is upbeat, hopeful, and romantic, I'm getting a little tired of the reminders of the downside of aging — spouse loss and hearing loss.

Gerry’s weirdness about driving on an LA freeway at night and crawling in the right lane was disturbing.

The comment about 60+ people needing to sit down during the rose ceremony was cute but reinforced the image of us as being tired and weak. Boo to that!

The tackling of widowhood was important. After all, roughly a third of all people over 65 have been widowed. And, given that the population is expected to live to at least their 80s, finding a second love is definitely a wonderful concept.

And the “hearing aid reveal” was better than a dick pic, I suppose. I wonder if the show has a sponsor who makes the devices. The reality is that lots of people — young and old — are losing their hearing. Loud music and earbuds are among the culprits.

Dress-Up Time!

“Let’s ask everyone to pretend to be characters of the past!” the writers and producers probably decided one day. I love costumes as much as the next girl, but the whole thing seemed a bit awkward and forced, as did the tears of the woman who chose to put on a wedding gown and then cried because it dredged up memories of her own wedding day. But it did get her a rose.

I’m glad the show is tackling some of the realities of aging with humor and grace, but as an active ager who is rewiring rather than retiring, I can’t relate to some of the women.

I was relieved when Theresa revealed her desire to traipse around Italy. If she doesn’t end up with Gerry, I’ll go with her.

But I kindly request that a flash mob doesn’t drag us out to dance as we’re eating fresh tomatoes and mozzarella. And I will NOT share a milkshake. Please get your own!