50-Plus… A New Cultural Flashpoint

EPISODE · Feb 27, 2026 · 36 MIN

50-Plus… A New Cultural Flashpoint

from CultureConnect · host Advertising Research Foundation

While media often spotlights younger generations, this episode of CultureConnect, examines the massive cultural shift happening at the other end of the spectrum. We’ll explore a group many are calling, "Age Disruptors"—a generation of adults 50+ who are defying stereotypes, reclaiming their vitality, and out-earning and out-spending every other demographic.We’ll hear from a panel of experts discussing why the traditional "path to aging" has been permanently detoured focusing on:Economic Power: With 50+ audiences controlling more than half of all consumer spending, we examine the massive economic cost brands pay when they fail to make this demographic feel truly seen.The Vitality Revolution: How women 50+ are being reimagined in media, moving from the background to the forefront with energy and agency that defies traditional aging.The Hip-Hop Pulse: Hip hop recently turned 50, but it remains a heartbeat of modern culture. We discuss how the genre that defined a generation of visionaries and activists continues to power audiences today. Tune in as we flip the script on aging and prove that the 50+ frontier is one of the most dynamic spaces for brands and in culture today.Guests:Richard Bell, CEO of Openly GrayCassandra Burton, Senior Research Advisor at AARPMary Kate Callen, Senior Vice President of Global Ad Marketing & Intelligence at Paramount MarketingCara Weiss, Senior Vice President of Research & Analytic at iHeart MediaHost: Janelle James, Co-Chair of the ARF Cultural Effectiveness Council and U.S. Head of Cultural Intelligence at Ipsos

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50-Plus… A New Cultural Flashpoint

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