Ah, but world of film is a world of ‘fantasy’, is it not? If idea of Nicholson-Peet type romantic pairing is stuff of which filmmakers believe their viewers’ fantasies are made, I have a few more pairings, for their consideration, for future romantic couplings. The following age-gap pairings, as far as I’m concerned, should be just as believable as recent Nicholson-Peet offering, and could rouse a great deal of interest in another segment of viewing populace, women, age forty and over.

Let’s have a film depicting a torrid, romantic love affair between Susan Sarandon and Orlando Bloom, shall we? Follow this film with one starring Meryl Streep and Tobey Maguire, as perfectly paired, soul, and bedmates. Then, I suggest a film starring Barbara Streisand and Brad Pitt, in which they burn up screen with long, steamy lovemaking scenes. I doubt seriously that we’d hear word Viagra mentioned once, in these films!

All of above pairings have an age-gap which films have presented, with male in ‘older’ lover category. Therefore, I feel perfectly confident that age-gap pairing where it’s older woman, who’s considered marvelously captivating, infinitely fascinating, completely irresistible, and utterly sexually desirable, would be viewed with as much believability. Why not, when film-goers are asked to swallow idea that twenty-something girls, and young women in their early thirties, dream of having sixty or even seventy year old men making love to them!

One last thought directed to filmmakers…Mr. Nicholson was far more visually pleasing, paired with Ms. Keaton, than he was, cuddled up with Ms. Peet. Isn’t it odd? In an industry in which youthful appearance is everything, it isn’t realized how really ‘aged’ mature actor looks, paired with a young female, as his love interest.

Ah, but it is ‘just movies’, just fantasy, after all. And in fantasy, even ridiculously improbable, is possible.

Jeannine Schenewerk http://www.intouchwithjeannine.com

A brief list of common menopausal symptoms.

Hot flashes, sometimes called hot flushes, is a term used to describe a sudden sensation of warmth in face, chest and neck, which may be accompanied by redness in skin, a pounding heartbeat and sweating. This may last only a few minutes, or up to half an hour. A chill or cold sweat may follow. Night sweats are associated with waking in night with an increased body temperature, often with bedding and nightclothes drenched in sweat.

Emotional and mental symptoms are also very common, and can be very distressing. These may include mood swings, depression, irritability, difficulties in concentrating, mental confusion and memory problems.

A decline in libido is another very common menopause symptom. This may be exacerbated by vaginal dryness, and a thinning of skin around cervix, which can make intercourse uncomfortable.