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Four Ways to Explore Your Future NOW
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Topic: Boomers

Caregiving: The "New Normal" for Boomers

Trying to create the best possible quality of life for an aging relative is "the new normal" for 43.5 million Americans caring for someone older than 50, according to the Family Caregiver Alliance. This comprehensive article addresses the issues that families face when a loved one begins to fail, the difficulties in finding the right kinds of care, and the questions that need to be asked by children to assess their parent's situation. Knowing about available resources and services for older adults is critical in dealing with the "new normal."  To read more, click here


New Group of Entrepreneurs

If you need to be convinced that being an entrepreneur after 50 isn't a pipe dream, read this article and you may find yourself imagining the logo for your new business. The entrepreneurial path is alluring for boomers with newfound free time and either financial freedom or financial insecurity on their hands. As one boomer business woman put it, "If we do this right, we could be entering ...a "golden age" of entrepreneurship, where smart, educated people embrace business ownership partly out of necessity, partly fueled by their dreams, and partly to grab control of their lives."

 


What's Next When the Bottom Falls Out?

A lot has been written about the boomer experience...we are, after all, 79 milion people strong... and interested in what age 50+ looks like. An interesting addition is "The Nextnik," a six-episode online video written by movie-maker Mike Kravinsky that follows the tribulations, and triumphs, of Larry Zimmerman, a 55-year-old, upper management family man, who was fired and left with no clue about what comes next. His exploration of what really matters and how he makes a transition is the focus of this series. Tune in and let us know what you think. 


Living Large in Jacksonville

So where are boomers settling as they enter their golden years?  Are they moving to the bustling, arts and culture rich cities? Not according to this Forbes article that cites 2010 Census data about the whereabouts of those 55 to 64 year. If people are moving, it is to the low-density Sunbelt metros on this top ten list. But, by far the biggest trend among boomers at this age is not to move at all.  Maybe they are staying at home because many are still working full-time, the economy is unstable, and/or grown children are returning. Read the next article for what some in the older set are considering...


Fight the "Blahs" of Getting Older

This article could be the official "call to action" that defines Coming of Age. The author bemoans the fact that many of her friends in their 50s and 60s faced with physical changes, family issues, retirement concerns, or often fear of what's next, have ditched their "joie de vivre" for the tried and true... and a boring lifestyle. Her message is to fight off the ageist ideas of what you can and should do and embrace the passions that excite you, stay involved and connected to family and friends, challenge yourself, and live, live, live! Included are 25 ideas for doing just that...


Working Out with a Retirement Coach

So, you've worked hard for 40+ years...been achieved status and made enough money to retire comfortably...and what do you do when you reach retirement age? Hire a retirement coach! Doing retirement-like things might be fun, at least for awhile, but how do you let go of being the boss, having control, a schedule to follow, and a card to hand out at cocktail parties? How do you "do" retirement? This article provides a number of scenarios of how retirement coaches are helping people think about their future in a framework that fits their past. 


"Affinity" Communities: A Retirement Option

As you might expect, with so many boomers edging toward retirement, the choices of living arrangements are growing in interesting, creative ways. This article outlines the many niche or "affinity" communities that cater specifically to retirees who share interests, hobbies, or personal traits. There are those that are university-based and target alumni and intellectuals, enclaves for Asian-Americans, and at least six communities for gays and lesbians. There is even a spot for boomers interested in RVing. To learn more about this burgeoning trend, click here.


Boomers Bonding

As we know, boomer women and men are eager to explore next steps in their lives and connect with others going through this time of life. This article talks about a group of New Jersey women, "Boomer Chicks", who have found "female bonding" through activities and discussions with a trained counselor. With full-time work taking up much of their time, they found that they didn't develop the kinds of friendships that their mothers did, many of whom were homemakers. There are a growing number of resources for seeking connections and direction. Check out the Coming of Age website for resources, the Age for Change e-book, The Transition Network...and this newsletter for upcoming workshops and events.


Younger Boomers Reinventing their Lives

There are so many terms to describe the boomer experience... the Encore Years, the Third Age, Coming of Age...and now, the "In-Betweeners," a term coined by well-known author, Gail Sheehy. In this USA Today article, Sheehy highlights the state of the largest cohort in America, those 45 to 55. They are not young, but are a long way from old; more unmarried than married; not sure about their work future...and above all, resilient and eager to find companionship. These traits are picked up in another article describing the growing interest of this age group and older in online dating on 50+ sites. Whether looking for a friend or spouse, they are staying in the game and doing it their way.


Is it Time for A Big Shift?

Speaking of the encore years, here is a review of Marc Freedman's latest book, The Big Shift, that is both a call to action and a blueprint for creating a new stage after midlife, which Freedman calls the “encore stage.” He is the founder and CEO of Civic Ventures, a nonprofit think tank on boomers, work, and social purpose. Since people are living longer and healthier lives, this encore stage could span half a lifetime. The author believes that this underutilized resource can be a real force in meeting society’s challenges. To learn more about this book,