OurSelves Newsletter Targets Midlife Women

Posted on March 7, 2003

OurSelves: The Newsletter for Women at the Center of Life, a new publication created to serve the generation of women now in midlife, was launched on March 1. OurSelves publisher Amy Lynch recognized the unmet need for this type of publication when she approached midlife herself. Lynch was the founding editor of Daughters, a newsletter for the parents of adolescent girls.

"The confusion and turmoil I felt in my early 40s left me searching for information," Lynch said. "I wanted to read more about what I was beginning to experience, but all of the magazines and books I read tried to convince me that it was merely hormones. I knew something much more profound was going on."

The new publication tackles the enormous changes that women undergo in the middle of their lives, including evolving relationships and friendships, professional stirrings, creative awakenings and new dimensions in spirituality, health and sexuality. OurSelves believes midlife women need a publication that addresses more than simply the physical changes they are experiencing.

"The women of the boomer generation who are entering this phase of life are the best-educated, most accomplished, wealthiest and healthiest generation in American history. In midlife, they are making dramatic decisions about how they will spend the rest of their lives --- decision that will profoundly affect the culture around them. Yet, no publication is speaking to the choices and changes these women are facing," Lynch said.

The editorial staff includes nationally known writers such as Meg Cox, Sally Helgesen, Dianne Hales, Evelyn Bassoff, Judy Woodburn and editor Amy Lynch. The first issue's articles include: "Who Us? A Crisis?" addressing the myth and reality of midlife crisis for women today, and "Friendship's Return," which explores the increased hunger for and importance of friendships in midlife.

OurSelves is published 10 times a year (with combined issues for August/September and November/December). The publication includes eight color ad-free pages illustrated with original art and photography. Content in the newsletter consists of stories, news, reviews, resources and insight. The paper is heavy, non-glossy, and recycled. Subscriptions are currently available for an introductory price of $29.95.