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Geezin into cyberspace: Local woman starts all-inclusive Web site for ages 35 to 55
At the age of 46, Cara Hannan, of Round Hill, found herself at an age where the younger generation thought of her as old, but her peers knew there was still so much more to learn.
“I am a good example of one who's 'geezin','” Hannan explained. “I've lived in the same area for 10 years, and I enjoy my hobbies -- reading, knitting and exercising. I have a teenage son who's learning to drive, and if that's not bad enough, my ankles crack when I get out of bed. Now, after 25 years of working for other people, I'm finally following my dream and starting my own business.”
Hannan took it upon herself to reach out and speak to people in her age bracket to find out issues they were dealing with and provide them with the information and tools that could help. She pulled this all together on her Web site, www.geezin.org.
How did you come up with the idea for geezin.org? Why is the site helpful for those 35 to 55 years old?
At my 25th college reunion a few months ago, I came down to breakfast wearing white socks with sandals and never heard the end of it from my friends. My warm toes were more important than my fashion statement. At that point, I realized I was "geezin'."
I’ve spent years commiserating with friends about getting older and dealing with the usual midlife issues: exasperating teens, elderly parents, hormones, retirement, etc. While the Internet is full of answers, they’re never all in one place. I decided to create a Web site that provides one-stop shopping. Want to know about second careers? Want to know about elder care? Want to know if men go through menopause? Go to geezin.org.
Where did you get the name and what does it mean?
The younger generation seems to derive much pleasure in referring to anyone older than they are as “geezers.” Those of us who are in the throes of middle age (35 to 55 years old) may not be geezers, but we certainly are geezin -- getting older. I could have chosen a more traditional name for the Web site, but I’ve come to realize that you’ve got to face middle age with a sense of humor.
When designing the site, how did you choose the categories and information you would include? Where do you pull your information from? How does the site work?
The site offers news and articles on family, health, leisure, money and services. As new articles are published, old ones will be archived for reference. To obtain information, I conduct interviews and research Web and print resources for issues that pertain to the middle-age demographic. Each page on my site has its own blog as well as helpful links, and there are some surveys scattered throughout. The Web site is very easy to navigate; simply click on anything red.
Can people contribute?
Absolutely! My goal is for geezin.org to become reader-driven. I already have some contributing writers who are fantastic, and I look forward to more joining our team. I encourage readers to send me their ideas and write articles for the site. I want to know the concerns other middle-aged folks are facing. Additionally, I’m currently looking for volunteers to oversee the blogs.
Tell me about the different features of the site. Is there any particular feature you’d like to mention?
I am in the process of compiling a list of service providers, and I want to emphasize the Services page because on that page is a link to a service provider form. There are many middle-aged people with small businesses and special talents who have a lot to offer but not a lot of money to spend on promoting themselves. Geezin can help. If anyone has a service to provide (such as graphic design, landscaping, accounting, pet sitting) and would like it listed on geezin.org, please visit the Services page. I do ask that you keep it clean – nothing illegal or pornographic. My mom would really appreciate it.
How do you pay for the site?
I am using the vast amount of wealth I’ve accumulated from my work as an admin and graphic designer to fund the site. Seriously, though, the startup expenses have been manageable; however, I have invested an enormous amount of time in this project. I do foresee the need to hire employees, so fairly soon I will be opening up the site to advertisers.
What do you have in mind for the future of geezin.org?
The intention is for Geezin to become a member organization and grow to one comparable to AARP where services, legislation, etc., for middle-aged people can be addressed.
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