A couple of weeks ago we showed you a fun music video with a guy dancing through the streets of Berlin. What was so special about it, was that the guy was not a young crazy party kid, but a slightly famous older gentleman: Günter Krabbenhöft. Certainly an unexpected sight, but a really enjoyable one as the success of the video shows. It was this feature that prompted yet another video submission that we received that has a related theme: it’s about an adorable couple of elderly dancers in their 70s.
Cities like Berlin are so obsessed with youth culture. It’s always about what’s young, what’s hip, what’s sexy. There seems to be some kind of ageism going on, because when it comes to the older generation things automatically become uncool. Why is that? Why can’t old people be cool, too? And why are we so afraid of aging? I think the answer is that there are not enough role models that prove wrong all the stereotypes of older people that we dread so much. We associate being old with being out of touch, being slow and sick, being opposed to any kind of change, being yesterday’s news. In a fast-paced world that is all about individualism and self-fulfillment, this really sounds like the most horrible thing that could happen to us.
The video we want to show you today is a commercial from Voltaren®*. It starts with a couple in silhouette; growing up from small children, getting married and raising a family. It then reveals them as they are now: a devoted couple in their 70s and still dancing strong.
We need more role models like Günther Krabbenhöft and the lovely Marian Elizabeth Booth and Anthony Robert Byrt Booth from the new video. We need to see that you can be old, but still interested in the latest fashion, you can be a pensioner but still actively doing sports without falling apart, you can be over 70 but still look handsome and be part of a commercial. Still be part of our society.
Marian and Anthony are in fact the perfect example. They don’t just want to grow old and grey; they want to stay connected with the world, stay fit and continue to follow their passion, which is dance. In fact it’s dancing that got them together and it’s dancing that keeps them alive.
The couple credits their dedication to dance and keeping moving for their youthful outlook, fitness and appearance. “Dancing exercises the body, helps with posture and keeps your mind sharp”, declares Anthony.
They have been dancing for almost 60 years, been married over 50 years, have five children and six grandchildren and one great grandchild, and they are still so full of life and love for one another. It really warms your heart to see them together. Watch the little featurette below and you will know what I mean.
And here is the actual commercial video that it’s all about:
When I see those two dancing around, and when I see Günther Krabbenhöft in his cool outfits, it makes me a less afraid of aging. I wish there were more cool older people in the spotlight like them to prove that the quality life is longer than we think.
Thanks for the support by Voltaren®* /
GlaxoSmithKline Consumer Healthcare GmbH & Co. KG
* Prescription free at your pharmacy
