a new model for aging
The first wave of 76 million “Baby Boomers,” representing 28 percent of the American population, turned 65 in 2011 and they will live longer than any previous generation in history – at least 15 years more than their parents! – creating an entirely new stage of life. But what is this revolutionary longevity for? Just to get old and die? As a psychologist and interfaith minister, I’ve … [Read more...]
Baby boomers are much more active than their predecessors. It’s not unusual to see retirees biking, hiking, and skiing. Wanting to feel as youthful as possible, many older people work out to keep their bodies fit and trim. There is a fine line between being fit and over doing it. Often it is hard to tell the difference. If you’ve had any type of injury, you know the older you are the longer … [Read more...]
Do you have a living will? According to a recent poll conducted by the Associated Press and LifeGoesStrong.com, as many as 64 percent of baby boomers, including those of retirement age do not have a living will. Do not to confuse a living will with a living trust. A living will or advanced directive is a legal document that states what kind of medical intervention you want if you become … [Read more...]
As baby boomers reach retirement-age, there is an accompanying high divorce rate. In fact, this phenomenon has been named ‘gray divorce,’ characterized by couples divorcing over the age of 50. The increased divorce rate in seniors is based on a number of factors. Baby boomers have always had a higher divorce rate that previous generations. In fact, baby boomers, the generation born between … [Read more...]
Aging in place is the term used to refer to people who stay in their primary home as they age. While that may feel way off in the future to retirement age baby boomers, it’s something they might want to think about as they plan their future. Many baby boomers are also addressing the issues connected with aging parents. The concept of the retirement village is gaining popularity for people who … [Read more...]
As many as 10,000 baby boomers are retiring every day and that will continue for the next 19 years. Most retirees will stay put in their home and community. As many as 12 percent of retirees will consider spending retirement living abroad. Moving to a foreign country can be a huge life adjustment, but living in expat communities can help the transition. No, you won’t find the traditional … [Read more...]
The idea of communal living grew during the sixties and seventies. They started to decline in the eighties according to Laird Schaub, the executive secretary of the Fellowship for Intentional Community. As baby boomers research where and how to live as they reach retirement age, many are returning to the concept of communal living. The commune may be the new retirement community. The growth of … [Read more...]
As baby boomers reach retirement age, there are more concerns about aging. Thoughts that didn’t occur twenty years ago, now take over. AARP conducted a survey to tap into the issues that important about aging in America. Using a phone survey, AARP contacted over 29,000 adults over 50. People were asked about their dreams for the future, challenges they face, important issues facing those 50 … [Read more...]
It’s been an interesting week to observe the leisure activities of what I’ll refer to as the new seniors. You’ve heard repeatedly heard how baby boomers will redefine aging and retirement. The proof is in the pudding, as they say. Last Sunday, a small group of us went jeeping. There were six cars. The youngest were in their fifties, but most were in their sixties or above. At one point, … [Read more...]
Of course, we believe it won’t ever happen to us. We are not going to be a financial victim. Did you know that over 7.3 million Americans over 65 have been financial fraud victims? Financial scams on the elderly is a serious problem and will escalate as baby boomers reach retirement age. The incident with Bernie Madoff taught us that anyone could be a victim. Many people have learned the … [Read more...]