Interesting when you look at the silver tsunami and hear that those aged 70 are being called the new 50!
Baby Boomers have made changes in every stage of life and there is no reason to think their aging won’t change the way we retire and live in our later years – and who can say when those years start and at what age. One thing those of us who work in this field are going to have to change is what we call our businesses. Our name, “Eldercare,” might just have to morph into “Willow Bridges” – a name we own and is more appealing to those of all ages who might need a hand, advice, advocacy or a coach. Notice I didn’t use the term “care” – not a bad term but most of us in the baby boom cohort don’t want to be cared for. However we might need some assistance or a helping hand with some of the activities of everyday living as we march on into our 80’s and 90’s.
The reality of living longer is our bodies at some point disappoint us and we do need that support or helping hand. But, what I think is even more important is that we keep ways in our lives to still give back, even if we have a disability. When assistance is needed and we are also assisting someone else, we see “interdependence” and it makes both parties feel good. Self-esteem can be at risk when all the caring is directed one way.
So, smart, innovative baby boomers, find ways to volunteer (this actually increases the length of life by 47% as compared to cohorts that don’t volunteer).
We are not aging, we are just becoming more of whom we were meant to be – part of the circle of life – but, with vitality, creativity and of course “personality!”
Live well – Live long!