Apr 7, 2009

Ten-Word Tuesday. The Aging Edition.

This is 83-year-old Fran Woofenden, who still competes in slalom events, and she is featured in V8’s latest campaign.

Bossy is conflicted about aging. She wants to stay youthful of course, but she thinks sometimes that can cross over into the absurd.

Bossy and her mother used to fantasize they were going to age in a comfortable, happy, apron way, like Aunt Bee.

Until Bossy did some math and realized the actress who played Aunt Bee was only in her 50s. Bossy could maybe sum up her complicated relationship with aging this way:

Spry at 80 maybe, but must Bossy show her legs?

Which is what today’s Ten-Word Challenge is all about. In exactly ten words, can you share with Bossy how you feel about the above V8 campaign photo, and your philosophy of aging in general?

And be sure to check back later today for the best aging comments on the web.

permanent link to post

106 comments

1. 1
   on April 7th, 2009 at 9:07 am
   Debby said:

   Fighting it every step of the way here. Go Fran!


2. 2
   on April 7th, 2009 at 9:11 am
   ~Monkey said:

   Will be rocking older lady with grey ponytail, sassy mouth.


3. 3
   on April 7th, 2009 at 9:13 am
   clickmom said:

   Dang! I used to think Aunt Bee was old! Now I’m Aunt Bee!

   As far as aging goes, I just want to feel strong. Hence my daily trek to the gym. As far as looks goes, I decided not to shoot any dead virus or synthetic fillers into my face. Also, no face lifts. I’ve seen too much freakish looking face work the last few years. So hopefully I got the good skin genes. Personally I think having obvious face work makes a woman look old and desperate. But I can see some tailoring below the neck happening one day. Hypocrite? Maybe, I can embrace that.


4. 4
   on April 7th, 2009 at 9:13 am
   bossy's friend martha said:

   Love the V-8 ad, down with airbrushing, let’s get REAL!


5. 5
   on April 7th, 2009 at 9:13 am
   chocolatechic said:

   Her legs are photoshopped and mine would be too!


6. 6
   on April 7th, 2009 at 9:15 am
   BOSSY said:

   Bossy knows this: she’ll be wearing an apron. Already does.


7. 7
   on April 7th, 2009 at 9:17 am
   BOSSY said:

   Bossy hopes her boyfriend Antonio outlives her. Great haircuts forever.


8. 8
   on April 7th, 2009 at 9:19 am
   Birdie23 said:

   Want to be the best & oldest greeter at Walmart


9. 9
   on April 7th, 2009 at 9:22 am
   Ms. T. said:

   V-8 stole their marketing campaign from the ad for Flexcin.


10. 10
    on April 7th, 2009 at 9:24 am
    Cheri @ Blog This Mom! said:

    Eighty is in thirty-two years, so pass the wine V8.


11. 11
    on April 7th, 2009 at 9:24 am
    carson said:

    Anybody taller than me is older than me. I’m 5″4″.


12. 12
    on April 7th, 2009 at 9:24 am
    Cheri @ Blog This Mom! said:

    Wine was supposed to be crossed out up there. Dang it.


13. 13
    on April 7th, 2009 at 9:26 am
    Rick's Cafe said:

    Don’t know why I would want to date (or be) someone who can waterski at 80+ years old….if it means I can never eat southern fried chicken, biscuts, mashed potatoes w/gravey just the way Aunt Bea made for Andy.


14. 14
    on April 7th, 2009 at 9:26 am
    zidia said:

    There are no realistic alternatives!


15. 15
    on April 7th, 2009 at 9:29 am
    Ms. T. said:

    I will never look like Aunt Bea. Never, ever ever ever!


16. 16
    on April 7th, 2009 at 9:30 am
    Ms. T. said:

    Sorry. Erase one “ever.”


17. 17
    on April 7th, 2009 at 9:36 am
    Amelia said:

    I’m 30 and can’t slalom NOW. Bring on the apron.


18. 18
    on April 7th, 2009 at 9:39 am
    g said:

    No aprons for this gal! Bring on the glucosamine chondritin!

    (supplement to help my arthritis)


19. 19
    on April 7th, 2009 at 9:46 am
    jen said:

    I think Oprah said 80 is the new 30.


20. 20
    on April 7th, 2009 at 9:54 am
    Emily said:

    I think the salt in V8 is what preserves Grandma.


21. 21
    on April 7th, 2009 at 9:56 am
    Lizzy said:

    God love Fran’s chutzpah, but I will waterski in jeans.


22. 22
    on April 7th, 2009 at 9:56 am
    Jill said:

    I’m tired of people trying not to age. But Fran rocks.


23. 23
    on April 7th, 2009 at 10:11 am
    Christina said:

    Go Fran! Acne and grey hair are not a youthful combination.


24. 24
    on April 7th, 2009 at 10:14 am
    Kristine said:

    Aging certainly sucks, but it is better than the alternative.


25. 25
    on April 7th, 2009 at 10:16 am
    Bellamomma said:

    I used to say fight age, now I say go drinking!!


26. 26
    on April 7th, 2009 at 10:19 am
    rockle said:

    Forget 80: I wish I looked that good right NOW!
    Also: Eff off, I have EARNED every single solitary wrinkle.


27. 27
    on April 7th, 2009 at 10:20 am
    the cheap chick said:

    Hate waterskiing, will be a professional shopper instead, until death.


28. 28
    on April 7th, 2009 at 10:27 am
    Little Miss Sunshine State said:

    Already look like Aunt Bea! Will stay young in attitude.


29. 29
    on April 7th, 2009 at 10:34 am
    The Domestic Goddess said:

    I’ll be waterskiing, sans V8 because it’s nasty garbage. YUCK!


30. 30
    on April 7th, 2009 at 10:37 am
    hollygee said:

    I’m 61. Her legs are better. My skin is better.


31. 31
    on April 7th, 2009 at 10:48 am
    Dexter said:

    my mom is 89 and she also entered a shalom event


32. 32
    on April 7th, 2009 at 10:51 am
    Manic Mommy said:

    Anne Bancroft was only 38 when she played Mrs Robinson.


33. 33
    on April 7th, 2009 at 10:52 am
    David said:

    There is aging gracefully, and aging like it’s a cage-match.


34. 34
    on April 7th, 2009 at 11:00 am
    Me said:

    I want to age like Ellen Degeneres: happier each year.


35. 35
    on April 7th, 2009 at 11:00 am
    Carol M said:

    V8 with vodka — I’ll at least think I look good.


36. 36
    on April 7th, 2009 at 11:03 am
    Melizzard said:

    62 when youngest grads college, 80 will be new 55


37. 37
    on April 7th, 2009 at 11:06 am
    Kathy in B.C. Canada said:

    V-8 has too much salt for my high blood pressure!


38. 38
    on April 7th, 2009 at 11:08 am
    jacquie said:

    the caption should read: Osteoperosis, my eighty year old ass!


39. 39
    on April 7th, 2009 at 11:14 am
    TanyaK said:

    Hoping for more naps, lunches out and no terrible diseases.


40. 40
    on April 7th, 2009 at 11:24 am
    krg said:

    you know she is actually standing on a flat surface.


41. 41
    on April 7th, 2009 at 11:25 am
    Blackbeards Wyfe said:

    Go Granny Go!!! I bet skiing isn’t her only wild act!!!


42. 42
    on April 7th, 2009 at 11:37 am
    Lance said:

    Life is short. Enjoy it. Stay healthy.


43. 43
    on April 7th, 2009 at 11:39 am
    Reeb said:

    Even my earlobes are wrinkling. Leg skin: great. Averages out.


44. 44
    on April 7th, 2009 at 11:40 am
    Reeb said:

    I was 23, niece/nephew called me Aunt B. Loved it.


45. 45
    on April 7th, 2009 at 11:45 am
    Daisy said:

    Keep up with new technology and wear good support lingerie.


46. 46
    on April 7th, 2009 at 12:13 pm
    summertime said:

    26 feels old already, with house, kid, etc. I’m screwed.


47. 47
    on April 7th, 2009 at 12:33 pm
    Dharmamama said:

    Thought aging was all mind, now I know: Body, too.


48. 48
    on April 7th, 2009 at 12:34 pm
    Liz said:

    Unwilling to exchange right to delicious food for graceful aging.


49. 49
    on April 7th, 2009 at 12:35 pm
    Liz said:

    Dream is to move in with girlfriends like the Golden Girls.


50. 50
    on April 7th, 2009 at 12:39 pm
    emmie said:

    Aging gracefully is finally getting to the point where you don’t give a crap what you look like in a bathing suit. Go Fran! She’s just doin’ what she loves to do!


51. 51
    on April 7th, 2009 at 12:41 pm
    rebekah said:

    Fran rocks it. I will too. Knee-length boobs and all!


52. 52
    on April 7th, 2009 at 12:43 pm
    Wendy said:

    Fact : no one ever feels as old as they are.


53. 53
    on April 7th, 2009 at 12:52 pm
    Jen said:

    Turquoise bikini, gimlet in hand, freshly lasered skin; unapologetic, happy.


54. 54
    on April 7th, 2009 at 12:54 pm
    foolery said:

    Fran’s legs are better than mine. I have Aunt Bea arms.


55. 55
    on April 7th, 2009 at 12:57 pm
    Kimi said:

    Unfortunately, old ladies in the gyno’s office freak me out.


56. 56
    on April 7th, 2009 at 1:00 pm
    Elsewhere said:

    I will choose the rocking chair, whatever age or legs.


57. 57
    on April 7th, 2009 at 1:04 pm
    karen l said:

    I’m choosing life – living it loud – I ski in capris!


58. 58
    on April 7th, 2009 at 1:08 pm
    Trenches of Mommyhood said:

    Hands are already starting to look wrinkly like my Mom’s.


59. 59
    on April 7th, 2009 at 1:10 pm
    Avitable said:

    Whatever it takes to keep my nuts from swinging low.


60. 60
    on April 7th, 2009 at 1:11 pm
    Kirsten said:

    In theory, grateful for aging; in practice, shocked at eyelids!


61. 61
    on April 7th, 2009 at 1:15 pm
    janny226 said:

    Must everything be a competition, even who ages the best?


62. 62
    on April 7th, 2009 at 1:18 pm
    hippo brigade said:

    V8 makes you a youthful waterskier? Sign me up, please!


63. 63
    on April 7th, 2009 at 1:37 pm
    Tasha said:

    That damned American culture, warping my ways of thinking again.


64. 64
    on April 7th, 2009 at 1:37 pm
    Cactus Petunia said:

    I don’t feel old…until I look in the mirror!


65. 65
    on April 7th, 2009 at 2:03 pm
    Well Read Hostess said:

    does anybody have the name of a good therapist?

    (that’s how I feel about aging)


66. 66
    on April 7th, 2009 at 2:17 pm
    Lisa said:

    No choice;Doing it right;48 yet, somehow feel 28.


67. 67
    on April 7th, 2009 at 2:23 pm
    TamiW said:

    I want to grow old but not to grow up.


68. 68
    on April 7th, 2009 at 2:24 pm
    Stacey Ball said:

    Hopeful that when I’m 80 I won’t need a Hoveround!


69. 69
    on April 7th, 2009 at 2:30 pm
    kay said:

    I want to hear this: Coo Coo Cachoo, Mrs. Robinson.


70. 70
    on April 7th, 2009 at 2:38 pm
    meg said:

    If you wake up above ground, it’s a good day.


71. 71
    on April 7th, 2009 at 2:39 pm
    Almudena said:

    Sitting and watching TV is the new slalom, isn’t it?


72. 72
    on April 7th, 2009 at 2:42 pm
    Dr. Liz said:

    Orthopedic surgery keeps getting better so I will keep going.


73. 73
    on April 7th, 2009 at 3:00 pm
    Heide said:

    Leaning way back from the monitor for a better look.


74. 74
    on April 7th, 2009 at 3:01 pm
    heyjoe said:

    Gross – I love/respect the elderly – just not their bodies.


75. 75
    on April 7th, 2009 at 3:05 pm
    Suburban Kamikaze said:

    I like the Fran plan. Count me as a fan.


76. 76
    on April 7th, 2009 at 3:27 pm
    JK said:

    JK is quite thankful Fran is NOT wearing a bikini.


77. 77
    on April 7th, 2009 at 3:27 pm
    Scottsdale Girl said:

    Lots of fun, no regrets, oodles of Bacardi.


78. 78
    on April 7th, 2009 at 3:35 pm
    Kait said:

    Eh, gonna happen whether I like it or not *shrug*


79. 79
    on April 7th, 2009 at 3:52 pm
    Formerly Unemployed Susan said:

    I’ll take every year I can get, without water sports.


80. 80
    on April 7th, 2009 at 4:27 pm
    Maria said:

    I want to age like an Eileen Fisher ad. But it will probably look more like Joan Rivers.


81. 81
    on April 7th, 2009 at 4:51 pm
    Bossy's Friend Martha's Sister said:

    Being energetic and happy…and not high maintenance!


82. 82
    on April 7th, 2009 at 4:53 pm
    boots586 said:

    #34, Ellen Degeneres is only 47. She is not aging yet.


83. 83
    on April 7th, 2009 at 4:54 pm
    boots586 said:

    70 is not old. It is the new 50. Right?


84. 84
    on April 7th, 2009 at 5:39 pm
    ~~Silk said:

    At 80 I plan long skirts and much younger men.


85. 85
    on April 7th, 2009 at 5:42 pm
    jandondi said:

    Thinking outside the box.
    For mileage….sex change and beard.


86. 86
    on April 7th, 2009 at 5:47 pm
    Baby Favorite said:

    Would prefer happy medium–somewhere between apron-wearing and waterskiing.


87. 87
    on April 7th, 2009 at 6:10 pm
    Auds at Barking Mad said:

    Aging sucks, much the same way V8 does! Blech!


88. 88
    on April 7th, 2009 at 6:18 pm
    Kathy from NJ said:

    Getting older
    Looking older
    Sure beats the alternative


89. 89
    on April 7th, 2009 at 6:32 pm
    anne marie in philly said:

    fran kicks ass! and so do I at 55! w00t!


90. 90
    on April 7th, 2009 at 7:31 pm
    Sven said:

    Turning 29 again this year. And probably next year, too.


91. 91
    on April 7th, 2009 at 7:34 pm
    Mother Chaos said:

    Please, miss, what is this ‘aging’ of which you speak?

    (Denial: Not just a great Egyptian vacation spot anymore…)


92. 92
    on April 7th, 2009 at 8:03 pm
    tj said:

    …I doubt Aunt Bee has been Photoshop’d – Fran? Hmm, likely… )

    …Blessin’s Aunt Bossy…


93. 93
    on April 7th, 2009 at 8:23 pm
    sugarpie said:

    Caring less about youthful looks, more about attitude and health.


94. 94
    on April 7th, 2009 at 8:25 pm
    sugarpie said:

    I mean except for workouts and expensive fancy eye creams.


95. 95
    on April 7th, 2009 at 8:51 pm
    islaygirl said:

    fran may be aging well, but certainly not gracefully


96. 96
    on April 7th, 2009 at 9:08 pm
    Karen in DE said:

    Passing the mirror – that IS me and not my mom!


97. 97
    on April 7th, 2009 at 9:39 pm
    Chesapeake Bay Woman said:

    I’m happy, where happy equals I want to kill her.


98. 98
    on April 7th, 2009 at 9:47 pm
    Chantel said:

    I miss my chin, considering exercise for face and butt.


99. 99
    on April 7th, 2009 at 10:27 pm
    carma said:

    Not going down without a fight. Aging not for sissies!


100. 100
     on April 7th, 2009 at 10:38 pm
     CupcakeMurphy said:

     Me: shallow, bad. She: thrilled with turkey neck, curdled thighs.


101. 101
     on April 7th, 2009 at 10:41 pm
     Heidi said:

     V-8 goes back in time and exercises for you? Awesome.


102. 102
     on April 7th, 2009 at 10:55 pm
     Beth said:

     Have friends dead in 30s and 40s. I’ll take age.


103. 103
     on April 7th, 2009 at 11:10 pm
     qt said:

     More concerned about the short gray poodle perm scourge -yuk!


104. 104
     on April 8th, 2009 at 1:27 am
     Shelley said:

     40 BLOWS. That’s all I have to say about that.


105. 105
     on April 8th, 2009 at 10:03 am
     Not June Cleaver said:

     I’m going to look like Fran when I grow up.


106. 106
     on April 9th, 2009 at 11:32 pm
     thatgirlblogs said:

     All I know? V8 tastes worse than being old feels.