Hattie's Response

I wrote Hattie to let her know that I put up her interview on the site. She wrote me back:

Terrific! Thank you. Of course I self-promote. How else will anyone know that sex gets better with age? Or, at least, no worse! That's not a common belief, and I'm out to shatter the prevailing image that aging turns we older beauties (Cougars) into repulsive, undesirable old hags. My college lecture is specifically targeted to help young people get their sexuality to come (cum) alive..."Everything You Need to Know About Sex and Come Out On Top!" You were a bit derisive in your description of me, but that's understandable, as your take on older, sexually active women mirrors the way society treats/views us. That's about to change, and, at 73, I'm fortunate to be on the front lines of that battle. Enjoyed meeting you, and had fun viewing and sharing the video. Thank you again.

Ciao,
Hattie

I saw her email early in the morning and read my post again. Was I judging Hattie because she was a sexual woman in her 70's? I thought about it and then responded:

You're absolutely right that we all think it's okay for older men to sleep with younger women but the reverse always seems shocking. You're beautiful and funny and there's no reason it should be surprising. But, that's not what I was responding to. I think I was responding more to the way everything you or I said immediately became sexual and it felt attention seeking. But I was treating you like an equal - not a batty old lady. I'm always thrown when young girls do it, too. It bothers me because it's as if they think they have nothing else to impress men with so they go right to their "sexual" place. But, you wrote a good letter and if I gave anyone a bad impression, I'm sorry. And, if you'd like me to I'd be happy to post your letter up in the next post b/c I think you did a good job of explaining where you were coming from. I felt badly after reading it and although I was up late last night I quickly woke up to write you :). Thank you for explaining yourself and let me know if you want me to post your response so people can further see how intelligent you are and your raison d'etre.

And her reply to me:

What a caring reply. I appreciate that. YES, please publish it. Seth...as to where I'm cuming from (intended misspelling), I've been overly involved with sexuality for my entire life. (kinda like a guy!) As such, you can imagine how delightfully shocking it is for me to be as vibrantly sexual now, in my 70's, as I've ever been. One important note. I strongly believe that women who surgically alter themselves to look younger and/or to be appealing to men are making a dreadful mistake. It's authenticity, integrity, resplendent health and courage that make for great sex. As I say in my Hattietude -- "Face lifts are like potato chips...you can't have just one!"

Thank you again, and keep up the good work,
Hattie (my dad was a hatter!)

By the way, there are many, many young people who think and act like "traditional" old people...and I'm out to correct that with my college lecture, "Everything You Need to Know About Sex and Come Out On Top!)

Cheers, and keep it goin'

Have a Lot of Sex

On a Virgin America flight heading back to LA from NY, I met this quirky woman standing at the back of the plane. She didn’t need to use the bathroom. She wanted to talk…to anyone. Having nothing else to do on a cross country flight, I was happy to oblige.

Hattie loves to talk about sex. She’s written a few books – “published,” she interjects, though when I look them up I find that they’re all self-published. They’re available for purchase on Amazon.com. She’s got a website, and a 35-year-old boyfriend who I imagine has more difficulty keeping up with her than the other way around. Her books, her website, and her boyfriend all feed into her philosophy of staying young. One of her books is called “Retroage: 4 Steps to a Younger YOU!” Her website claims she “turned aging from being a depressing downward spiral into a joyous, youth-filled adventure.” And her boyfriend is her trophy to show the world and herself how age hasn’t stopped her from enjoying life. Although a bit over the top, she does seem truthful. Clearly desperate for attention, she went topless on Howard Stern for one of his on-air stunts. But, maybe there’s more to it than what’s on the surface. On one hand, she’s a shameless self-promoter trying to hawk her books and her courses. On the other hand, she’s still a senior citizen who’s done a really good job at keeping herself busy at a time when most are slowing down. Her energy speaks for itself. She tells me she has “a lot of sex,” as well as works out every day, eats organically, and is a vegetarian. When we met, she was on her way to LA for a boot camp in how to lecture to college-aged people. She wants to teach the world how to “take on” aging. Maybe she's on to something.

Hattie, age 73.