At 65, These Best Friends Are ‘Boomer-izing’ Social Media
Lifelong pals turn dance into proof of fun, friendship, and fearless later years.
Aging Is Beautiful: Redefining Life’s Later Acts
Aging is not just about growing older—it’s about finding new beauty and meaning in life’s ever-changing chapters. The Better Now series shines a light on how time enriches the lives of women, offering unique opportunities to grow, inspire, and thrive. At the core of this narrative are Beth Bowles and Cheryl Baxter Ratliff, lifelong friends who are proving that joy knows no age.
From Auditions to Lifelong Friendship
Beth and Cheryl first crossed paths in 1978, both 23 and full of ambition. Meeting in line for an audition, their instant connection blossomed into a powerful friendship grounded in their shared passions for dancing, singing, and acting. Their professional lives intertwined through movies, television, live performances, and even a Prevention magazine feature in 2002. Over decades, they navigated the exhilarating—and sometimes unpredictable—world of show business together, forming a bond that would only grow stronger with each shared milestone.
Discovering a New Stage: Social Media
With careers built on performance, it seemed natural for the duo to seek new outlets for creativity. What was less expected: becoming viral sensations on TikTok with their account, Da Baby Boomers. Entering this new platform, initially known as a playground for young creators, was daunting. Both had dabbled in Instagram and Facebook, but TikTok felt like uncharted territory. As Beth recalls, “It was scary…is this even going to work?”
Yet, their willingness to embrace the unfamiliar—and do it together—set the stage for their next act. “We wanted to give it a real chance,” Cheryl explains. Harnessing their chemistry, humor, and authenticity, they began dancing into the hearts of hundreds of thousands.
Making Their Mark: ‘Boomer-izing’ Viral Trends
Beth and Cheryl’s online success isn’t about mimicking younger TikTok stars. Instead, their motto is to “boomer-ize” every trend:
- They adapt trending songs and dances in their own style, infusing every move with their unique blend of talent and fun.
- Regular content brainstorming and rehearsals—three to four times per week—keep their feed fresh and lively.
- Authenticity reigns: “It’s always when we do material that is truly us and have fun that the videos usually go big,” says Beth.
| Viral Moment | Details |
|---|---|
| “Rockstar” Dance | Early hit showcasing their flair for fun choreography |
| “Wednesday Addams” to Lady Gaga’s “Bloody Mary” | 1.4 million likes, striking a chord with a massive audience |
Embracing Joy and Authenticity—At Every Age
With over 600,000 followers and millions of likes, Beth and Cheryl have become icons of positivity for people of all ages, especially those entering their own “third acts.” But the journey isn’t just about metrics—it’s about meaning.
- They prioritize fun over perfection, letting go of self-doubt and societal pressure about what aging “should” look like.
- They strive to be themselves—gray hair, laughter, and all—proving that individuality outshines ageist stereotypes.
- Negative comments don’t faze them: “We don’t really care what anyone thinks anymore…the main goal is to have fun and be ourselves,” says Beth.
- Cheryl adds, “We take that trend and make it our own, which is a lot of fun.”
Facing Ageism Head-On
Despite widespread positivity, their journey on social media is not immune to ageist commentary. Such remarks often target superficial elements, like Beth’s natural gray hair. The duo meets these with humor and perspective, freely dismissing the negativity and instead embracing the visibility and confidence that come with aging. “It’s so ridiculous,” they agree, underscoring the senselessness of such criticism.
Both women agree that age brings freedom: shedding expectations and truly living as themselves. “I think I’ve just had to shed so many of those ideas about what I’m supposed to look like,” Beth shares. Cheryl echoes a new appreciation for life: “It’s a beautiful thing to live another day, to have this relationship with a friend, to continue to create.”
Inspiring a Movement of Joy and Connection
For Beth and Cheryl, it’s about far more than the numbers:
- They regularly receive messages from followers whose days have been brightened or who feel hopeful and energized by the duo’s videos.
- Fans express how seeing two women joyfully embracing later life gives them confidence and something to look forward to.
- Viewers are motivated to get up, move, and dance—breaking their own barriers, just as Beth and Cheryl have done.
“Our purpose is to bring joy and laughter,” Beth says, with Cheryl equally proud to share their journey in hopes of inspiring others to never give up.
The Power of Enduring Friendship
Beth and Cheryl’s story is also about the extraordinary resilience and comfort of friendship:
- Having a trusted companion makes stepping outside one’s comfort zone less daunting.
- Friendship is a source of encouragement, accountability, and support for creative risk-taking.
- Together, they foster an environment where mistakes become part of the fun, and laughter is never in short supply.
This unique bond, forged over decades, is not only the secret sauce to their viral fame—it’s a testament to the joy and growth that comes from authentic connection. As Cheryl notes, “It’s a journey, but it is evolving. It is our third act…but we’re just moving through it.”
Finding Beauty in Every Age
Aging, as Beth and Cheryl live it, isn’t something to hide or resist. Instead, their message is:
- Celebrate your quirks, your wisdom, your journey—no matter your age.
- Stay active in body and mind: dancing is their chosen form, but the message is universal.
- Keep exploring new things, whether it’s a new platform, a dance style, or a creative project.
- Reframe “growing older” as a process of growing richer in experience, confidence, and courage.
For Beth and Cheryl, the passage of time has equated to an expansion of joy, clarity, and self-acceptance. Their journey isn’t winding down; it’s blooming brighter—a reminder that every new day and every new dance is an opportunity to celebrate life.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: How did Beth Bowles and Cheryl Baxter Ratliff begin their journey on TikTok?
A: Beth and Cheryl, lifelong friends with backgrounds in the performing arts, ventured onto TikTok to try something new and bring joy to a broader audience. They began by making fun dance videos and quickly found viral success.
Q: What sets their content apart from other TikTok creators?
A: They “boomer-ize” trends—adapting viral dances in their own unique style rather than simply copying others. Their authenticity and chemistry as best friends resonate with followers of every age.
Q: How do they respond to ageist comments?
A: Both women disregard negative ageist remarks and instead focus on spreading positivity and celebrating who they are. They see their gray hair and age as badges of honor rather than limitations.
Q: What is the main message they want to convey to their audience?
A: Their overarching message is to “never give up,” embrace life joyfully, stay active, and remain true to oneself at every age.
Q: How often do they meet to create content?
A: Beth and Cheryl meet three to four times per week to brainstorm, practice, record, and edit their dance videos together.
Key Takeaways for Embracing Aging with Joy
- Authenticity is magnetic: Be yourself—genuinely and unapologetically.
- Step outside your comfort zone: New experiences can infuse life with fun at any age.
- Prioritize connection: Friendships can nurture creativity and resilience.
- Celebrate your journey: See the passage of time as a gift, not a loss.
- Spread joy: Your happiness can inspire others to find theirs.
Final Thoughts
Beth Bowles and Cheryl Baxter Ratliff embody the truth that age is just a number. Through dance, friendship, and a refusal to let stereotypes define them, they continue to inspire not only their peers but people of every generation. The “third act” of life, as they’re living it, is vibrant, endlessly creative, and filled with opportunities to grow, connect, and laugh. Their story is an open invitation for everyone to embrace the joy of being boldly, beautifully themselves—at any age.
References
- https://www.prevention.com/life/a46031655/better-now-bowles-baxter-ratliff/
- https://administrativelawreview.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2014/04/63-3.pdf
- https://www.jstor.org/stable/pdf/3830931.pdf
- https://storytracker.solutionsjournalism.org
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6159637/
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11806275/
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