The Zoomer Philosophy on age and aging

Chapter One in ZOOMER's First Anniversary Issue -- October 2009
On Newsstands Nationwide Now, 2009

Moses Znaimer, once the creator of signature youth channels like MuchMusic and MusiquePlus and now the man behind the Zoomer phenomenon, is taking the next step in tackling what he calls "the last taboo": Age & Aging. In a series of monthly essays exclusive to ZOOMER Magazine, Moses will propose his Zoomer Philosophy, with the ambition to break down society's lingering prejudice against age. With people reaching the age of 100 in record numbers, Moses' initiative is welcome more than ever.

"Aging is sex for the new millennium, the topic we don't discuss openly, the thing that happens to other people, behind closed doors. In deference to this last taboo, people of age have been denied their right to sensuality, to adventure, to any unconventionality that can't be fondly smiled at by a condescending universe. In a way, they have become an invisible demographic," said Moses, who hopes to move "Boomers with Zip" into the visible spectrum again; to boldly go where no "old fart" has gone before.

In Chapter One of the Zoomer Philosophy, Moses examines biblical, mythological, historical, and cultural attitudes to aging. When did old age -- once equated with wisdom and authority -- become devalued? What inspired Jerry Rubin to pronounce the famous words, "Don't trust anyone over 30" and why does that phrase still stick?

The Zoomer Philosophy is a literary expression of Moses' New Vision Of Aging For Canada, a concept he launched in February 2008 to define and disseminate a fresh perspective on "aging". He swiftly popularized the term "Zoomer" to redefine the Baby Boomer generation; assembled a suite of media on all platforms for this demographic: broadcast, web and the national print publication, ZOOMER Magazine; and revitalized CARP (formerly the Canadian Association of Retired Persons) into Canada's most visible and vocal nonprofit Advocacy Association for the 45plus.