The $15 Trillion Audience Marketers Still Treat Like An Afterthought

Episode notes

In this episode of Adspeak by ADWEEK, Jennifer Meehan joins 55+ creators Stewart Reynolds (Brittlestar) and Granny Guns for a sharp conversation on one of marketing’s biggest blind spots: older audiences. Despite controlling nearly half of global spending power, the 55+ demographic receives only a fraction of advertising investment. The discussion explores why older creators consistently outperform younger influencers in authenticity, trust, and cross-generational appeal. Stewart and Granny Guns explain how genuine creator-brand alignment drives stronger engagement and purchase intent, while Jennifer highlights the industry’s outdated assumptions around aging consumers. The episode also examines how poor representation of older adults in advertising erodes trust and limits brand relevance. From redefining “aging” as “longevity” to embracing intergenerational influence, the conversation offers marketers a practical roadmap for connecting with audiences that brands have underestimated for far too long.