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Tap Into the Seniors Market
By Susan Sundwall
Not too long ago a good friend and I giggled like teenagers
as we contemplated what we were about to do; get our first
“senior discount.” It was only ten percent off at one of our
favorite department stores, but there was a bit of devil-may-
care in our giggles that said—so what? We were about to join
the millions of other men and women of a certain age who had
worked in earnest at a productive life and were now reaping a
small benefit from a grateful merchant. Along with store
discounts, cheaper insurance and early bird specials at some
great restaurants, another benefit out there is the many
publications that cater to the needs, desires, hobbies and
overall changing lifestyles of the well-aged citizen. It’s
occurred to me more than once what a rich bounty this is for
writers!
If you think you might have some ideas that will appeal to this
age group and would like to write about them, there are some
things to bear in mind. For instance: Seniors do -
Have sharp minds.
Love to laugh.
Enjoy sharing the highlights of their lives.
Like to dress well, eat well and play hard (think travel articles).
Have expendable income.
Gosh, seems like a great demographic to write for, doesn’t it?
Here are some markets for this group.
Eldr – A brand new magazine geared towards men and women over
sixty. See website and guidelines at
http://www.eldr.com/node/806
AARP the Magazine – Used to be Modern Maturity. Guidelines at
http://www.aarpmagazine.org/Articles/a2003-02-21-mag-writers_guidelines.html
T/L Golf – The sport is certainly not for seniors only, but if
you have a story to pitch that way, you’ll reach hundreds.
http://www.travelandleisure.com/tlgolf/contact.cfm#submissionguidelines
More – Celebrating women over forty. Guidelines here:
http://www.more.com/more/file.jsp?item=/help/writersGuidelines
Good Old Days – Write up some great memories for this one.
Guidelines:
http://www.goodolddaysonline.com/pages/magazineinfo.html
Seniors are just people. Sure, they’ve lived longer and done
more than some, but writing for them only needs a bit of
creative sensitivity while bearing a few other things in mind:
Seniors don’t –
Have the energy and agility they had thirty years ago.
Like what’s happening to their bodies.
Want to be left out of the technology loop.
Listen to loud music or text message their friends
Care as much as they used to about what others think.
Every person who lives for a half-century, and then some,
comes to the realization that things change sometimes for
the better and sometimes not. Whereas a grandchild may be an
utter delight, when it comes to horsey back rides on an old
back—well—that’s a whole other story. The idea of death may
not hold the terror it once did, but trying to figure out all
the features on a new cell phone can make a senior’s blood
pressure hit the ceiling. Writing about this side of senior
life is important, too. Keeping it light and informative is
what your editor will appreciate. Have a look at these markets.
Arthritis Today – Primary focus is baby boomers.
http://ww2.arthritis.org/resources/arthritistoday/writingforarthritistoday.asp#freelance
New Mobility Magazine – Another publication that will
appreciate a senior slant. Guidelines available here:
http://www.newmobility.com/magazine_writers_guidelines.cfm
My list of senior do’s and don’ts, of course, does not apply
to everyone. As with any age group you choose to address,
there is wide diversity. By simply living I, and hundreds
of others, have passed into the realm our society designates
“senior’ and it hardly bothers me at all. And I’m going to
resist the temptation to put forth the old saying, “consider
the alternative,” which is—staying eighteen forever. Good
grief, who would want to do that? Certainly not my friend
and I. We’re looking for discounts and great articles
everywhere these days!
BIO
Susan is a freelance writer and children’s playwright. She
writes from her home in upstate New York.
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