The older I get, the more I realize that getting older in America is akin to becoming invisible. The focus is definitely on youth. In advertising, movies, talk shows, fashion and magazines, the flawless, toned and well-coiffed man or woman is the standard.

Even in ads for constipation, erectile dysfunction or urinary incontinence, the models look young and incongruous to the product. Why portray a woman in her 30s needing Depends?

Does this make wearing them more fashionable and hip? Why do all the ads for Viagra and Cialis have couples who appear to be in their late 40s or early 50s? The message is obvious; if you’re over 60 you are more than likely done with your sex life, you’re peeing your pants and you have a lot of trouble with your bowels.

What advertisers and media moguls don’t recognize or want to deal with is that the over-60 population is growing exponentially, and many of them are vigorous, savvy and passionate about life. They are not all hobbling around with little or no libidos.

The ultimate irony is that 60-, 70-, 80- and even 90-year-olds have healthy sex lives. When is the last time you saw a movie where two older individuals were going “at it” and enjoying “it.” More than likely never.

Americans have a hard time with this kind of thing. In Europe, it’s quite popular. As women age they become even more attractive, and it is not uncommon to see an older woman or man featured in a foreign film. In fact, they are often a little dowdy and not necessarily gorgeous.

In an American film featuring two elders, their body parts would have to be altered to fit the youth paradigm. After all, breasts are supposed to be at attention, not “parade rest,” and abdomens should be six packs, not old sacks.

I must admit as a young woman I could never imagine anyone older than 40 enjoying a sex life or being sexy, let alone someone 60 and beyond. Well, so much for that thought. It’s time that we started acknowledging the fact that getting older does not mean drying up and blowing away. Getting old may not be for sissies, but it sure can be a great time to be sassy, succulent and juicy.