A 'Cougar' in the Room

To update our clients on current events and spark conversation, our program includes a news segment for about 20-30 minutes. Each of the staff shares their own news, perhaps a poem, or even a personal story. Since it is available to us, most of daily news comes from the San Francisco Chronicle. I usually browse the internet such as CNN.com or MSNBC.com for stories that are interesting, some informative, but most funny or uplifting.
One story that caught my eye was in the Datebook section of the Chronicle about a competition for "cougars". The story was not about felines and their prey, well, maybe a little. The term "cougar" that is familiar to the entertainment world defines a cougar as an older woman who prefers younger men. So the feline in the story is a successful woman over 40 years of age who preys on men 10 or 20 years their junior. Of course, our clients know of one definition for a cougar. When I asked the question, most of the responses was that it was a large cat, some said it was a hunter.
The article engaged the clients about why women want men who are young enough to be their sons. Many of my clients thought it was unusual or even funny. One of the clients who is in her 70s actually said she wanted to give it a try. "Why not?" was her response. Although our program have few men, we asked them for their opinion if they would date someone who is much younger than them. One man said it does not make a difference.
So picking what topics to discuss based on the paper is not easy. I try to avoid talking about deaths or homicides that are ubiquitous in the media. There are too many news stations already talking about the fires in Southern California or of the kidnapping of young girls. To focus on something light will create a positive atmosphere.


Zinko, C. (2009, September 1). Miss Cougar accepts prize in Palo Alto. San Francisco Chronicle p.E1.