From Journalist to Senior Influencer: A 75-Year-Old's Bold Career Pivot

After 45 years as a journalist and columnist, I'm exploring a drastic career change. I spend a lot of time on Facebook and have noticed something interesting: there are many young social media influencers promoting makeup, fashion, nutrition, and exercise tips, but no seniors in this space. I believe this career path is wide open for someone like me.

At age 75, I've done a lot of living and have plenty of wisdom to share as a "multiple decade influencer." Here are some of the tips I could offer:

Texting Tips for Seniors

Since texting is all the rage now, I've developed some texting briefs specifically for seniors:

• Instead of LOL (laughing out loud), use LOL for "low on libations"
• Instead of BFF (best friends forever), use BFF for "best friend fell"
• ROFLACGU means "rolling on floor and can't get up"

Dating Advice for Seniors

For those re-entering the dating scene:

• If you've had heart surgery, don't wear your shirt open to show your patch of gray chest hair - it only reveals an ugly scar
• The same goes for women wearing low-cut tops to show cleavage
• If you wear support hose, avoid shorts or short dresses - the fake skin color doesn't fool anyone

Clever Life Hacks

• Write something in cursive when you don't want your grandkids to read it - they weren't taught cursive in school
• If you're tired of family members borrowing your car, buy a vehicle with manual transmission - they won't be able to get it out of the garage

This career change represents more than just a new job - it's about leveraging decades of life experience to connect with an underserved audience and share practical wisdom that only comes with time.