How Baby Boomers Are Reinventing Retirement

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It would be hard to find someone who has not heard or used the term "baby boomers". Those words can be used in a complimentary and supportive way, or as a sneering put-down. As time goes by, however, the meaning of "baby boomer" is increasingly becoming "retiree". The first waves of boomers leaving the workforce after a long career are now hitting the shore. Inevitably, the dominant generation of the past sixty years is now facing its own human mortality and the process of aging. At the same time, the world economy has sputtered and nearly died, robbing life-long workers of a great deal of savings in the process. Comfortable storybook retirement, which seemed like a sure thing for many, is now much less a reality.
But, boomers are resilient. Rather than allow the cold, hard financial facts of the 21st century ruin things, many are deciding to embrace their new situations, and use economically adverse circumstances to chart a new course in life. These individuals are simply not going to let the changing world financial situation ruin the last, and some say best, parts of their lives. They are welcoming the future by changing the way they think.
One of these changes involves work, of course. In the past, a great many people were factory workers, toiling physically, operating machines and doing hard labor. Sometimes that work wore the body out, and retirement was considered as rest for the deserving. Today, most people in the boomer generation are more familiar with cubicles and computers than any other work environment. They are not physically worn out at age 60, and in fact may feel better than they did when they were raising families or trying to scramble to the top of the career mountain. Even when saddled with the responsibility of caring for aging parents, this generation is a much younger-acting and feeling one than its predecessors.
For these individuals, life after sixty doesn't mean closing down and going shopping for comfortable walking shorts. It means planning for a new career, whether full-time or part-time. This type of planning may seem daunting, because, after all, who really wants to start all over again? The fact is, most people have something they really like doing, as opposed to something they are forced to do by circumstance and need. These are the ones who don't fight change, but channel their energies into creating a new situation that will allow them to live comfortably.
Money is necessary, of course. But, even more important, is personal flexibility. Much media attention is given to the amount of savings deemed enough for a comfortable old age, usually listed in seven figures. Very few people have that much in savings. The cost of living and staying healthy easily eats up any social security payments. And, as the past decade has shown, financial bastions such as a pension, was once considered sacrosanct and untouchable, can disappear or be severely downsized if a company goes under. Being able to adapt and change directions is a very important survival tactic these days.
Rather than sitting down to count your savings pennies over and over, hoping the outcome might be different, simply and positively accept the fact that reaching a certain age doesn't mean "no more working". As a general rule, people who have a defined purpose in their daily lives live longer, and generally are more at peace with themselves. Think seriously about what you might really want to do, and then pursue it diligently. The knowledge you have stored for years is there to be shared and developed. Before the time comes, plan to further your education or training if necessary, and don't put it off. The key word words are "have no fear". Do not be afraid of the coming years, but choose to view them as a chance to stay vibrantly fit mentally and physically.
Employers in some industries are now accepting the boomer retiree to be an asset. A 55- or 65-year-old employment applicant used to be automatically rejected, and still is in some cases, unfortunately. But the trend is toward hiring the retired, or allowing them to continue working past traditional age limits. These workers have the advantage of years of experience, and are as reliable and productive as younger people. Some companies are willing to provide telecommuting, flexible scheduling and training. Older, experienced workers are good teachers, and are a proven asset to many businesses.
Rather than dreading the future, start to look toward boomer retirement with a new point of view, one of acceptance and anticipation. If you are one of the thousands who will want or need to continue a productive work life in the future, then plan for it, and be willing to accept the changes that will inevitably occur. The old "Me" generation of baby boomers has grown up, and is getting old, but is definitely not worn out. As a generation, there are still many exciting and productive years left.

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