Barbie® joins AARP

What do the Duchess of York Sarah Ferguson, Marie Osmond, and Barbie Doll all have in common? They all become eligible to join AARP this year.
That’s right, without wrinkles, cellulite, or grey hair, the buxom Barbie turns the big 5-0 on March 9.
Barbie doll was invented by Ruth Handler, founder of Mattel, in 1959 and named after her own daughter. (The Ken® doll was named after Handler’s son.)
In a world dominated by baby dolls, Barbie was the first teen-age doll to really take to the market. Despite some initial controversy over her shapely form, Barbie has experienced incredible success over the years.
Today, representing 45 different nationalities and over 75 career choices, it is reported that three Barbie dolls are sold every second around the world, bringing in $3.6 billion a year in retail sales. These figures give even Oprah reason to pause. (And, yes, there is a custom-made Oprah Barbie.)
Barbie is more than a billion dollar industry; she is indeed a ‘spokesperson’ for American culture. A look back over her lifetime and legacy is a veritable history lesson.
Not just a pretty face, her accessories and wardrobe really drive her popularity. Her fashions, careers, houses, and cars, have always reflected the pop culture of the day, including music, TV, and the political scene.
In 1965, when Barbie got her bendable legs, she applied to the astronaut program. In 1975 she tried out for the Olympics.
Summit Barbie was introduced in the 1980s to commemorate the end of the cold war and Barbie for President was a hit in 1992 when she ran on a platform of opportunities for girls, educational excellence and animal rights.
The military series created Barbies in Pentagon approved uniforms representing every branch of service.
And now Barbie is making a statement about aging.
How does this iconic woman stay so svelte, attractive, and young looking? Well, the golden Barbie does admit to having had some ‘plastic surgery’ over the years but she also has a proven record of physical activity and exercise and a healthy lifestyle.
Barbie has been an aerobics teacher, Olympic gymnast and swimmer, figure skater, baseball player, ballerina, tennis player, and scuba diver. No matter what her career, she remains active.
(I hear she is looking for a house in an over 50 active-adult community.)
Mattel is planning lots of ‘pink carpet’ events for Barbie’s big day, and on March 9, they will reveal a modern take on the original doll, which will launch an entirely new look for Barbie doll. (I sense more plastic surgery.)
Fans will need to wait until then to see the new take on the original bathing suit doll, which will be available at retailers nationwide that morning.
Barbie is also preparing an official Facebook Page, where you can check out her status (is she or isn’t she back with Ken®?), hear her secrets, post messages, and check out all her favorite things.
Isn’t it just like her to stay in touch with the times?
What a doll.
(BARBIE® and associated trademarks are owned by Mattel, Inc. Visit Barbie at barbie.com)