Those over 50 years of age, the so-called “zoomers,” are now assuming leadership in the business community, the professions, educational institutions and in government.
What is important for them is significant and somewhat depressing.
A relatively new magazine, Zoomer, caters to that generation. Its contents are revealing.
There are more than 100 pages therein filled with advertisements. Their range of topics covered shows a generation obsessed with style, appearances and creature comforts. There are a multitude of advertisements for cosmetics, luxury items, fashionable clothes, exotic foods, expensive automobiles and even recipes that will help to address the problems of aging.
Interspersed with all that are written articles disclosing how to dress, to get fit, ideal travel spots and gossip about famous people.
Obviously, a magazine must pay attention to what “sells,” but it is noteworthy that so much is focused on trivialities, and on people that are so self-centred.
Does the foregoing reflect what is important to zoomers? At the present time, there are numerous magazines that are about hobbies, current events, guides for consumers and all kinds of specialities. However, a new magazine should be aware of the obvious gaps that cry out for attention.
Zoomer has an entire section devoted to “culture, entertainment and events.”
In it, the sub-headline proclaims that, “If you’re looking for youth, you’re looking for longevity, take a dose of rock ‘n’ roll. It keeps you going.” That is a sad commentary of our existence.
Any new publication should try to be really worthwhile, not merely a commercial success. In fact, if one extended its reach, profits would be forthcoming, providing satisfaction for all concerned.
For instance, how about a piece on loneliness, which perhaps is one of the most tragic parts of so many lives?
Then too, there could be some pages on conquering fear, or what really constitutes happiness by a philosopher.
Many years ago Life Magazine was an outstanding success because of its photographs of “history in the making.”
The public would relish a few pages like that. There are no articles on the economy. Missing is an article by a renegade economist who does not merely repeat what others are saying that so often is incorrect.
Such a review would be of great interest.
In other words, one would like to think that a new magazine would try an unusual strategy. It could furnish a guide to a fulfilling life. That kind of approach would be so different that very likely it would be a real money maker.