Ten top tips on writing for the over 50’s.
- Assume your reader doesn’t feel old. Most of us stick at 27 internally!
- Don’t talk about ‘times gone by’ or ‘in the old days’… talk about now.
- Cut out all sentimentality, unless the magazine you’re writing for is unashamedly sentimental and nostalgic.
- Use clear, good, plain English.
- Highlight achievements – write about over 50’s who have succeeded.
- Allow your reader to fantasise – factual articles where people blow money on themselves, take exotic trips, have late romances, abandon selfless life after lifelong service…
- Keep articles to around 800 words.
- Include references to fitness, sports & good health. (a large number of London marathon runners are 50+) Avoid clichés.
- Use humour and wit – these readers understand irony.
- Food, travel, health, money… all 50+ readers are interested.
Know your reader
Over 50s readers are:
- Interested in travel
- Have some disposable income
- Enjoy features written just for them – by someone of similar age
- Enjoy tips and advice to help them make the most of their money
- Need good ideas for their leisure time and entertaining
- Health conscious
- Interested in hobbies (far more than 20-30s group)
- Interested in books and reading, food, eating out entertaining
- Like using computers
- Some enjoy riding motorbikes – the average age of a Harley Davidson owner is 46
- Don’t like wallowing in the past but enjoy 1960 nostalgia
- Interested in easy, stylish food that needs limited cooking
- Enjoy workshops and courses