Author, Blogger, Community Building Advocate
I believe Boomers are poised to give Millennials some real competition for attention. They have the opportunity to become increasingly relevant — socially, economically and politically — and more responsive than previous seniors to the needs of an ever changing nation.
Boomers at 70+ are changing America again, as long as we have good health. As I turned 75 on July 6th, with countless others from my generation, my excitement and energy for this next decade of my life has never been better.
It is the younger generation of millennials, children and young adults that keep my spirits high. I take my cues from the youngest and brightest, and strive to be the best senior mentor in a rapidly changing world.
We should listen to and observe the creative and disruptive behaviors of our children, and young adults. Never push back. “Always dream big,” I say. Adults and seniors should never lose sight of the young who remind us how to live in the moment and make dreams come true.
Reflecting on my childhood and young adult experience so long ago, I still behave the same in many ways. As a child I was always asking questions about many things, wondering, and dreaming about all the possibilities, and still do this each and every day. I have a very busy mind, just like a kid.
I tested the stormy seas many times in my life and have known great success and the lessons learned from failing. I get right back up just like youngsters and keep fighting and moving forward one day at a time.
Youngsters fall down often and always get up. Children have resilience. Even under some tough circumstances as post WWII and Korean War military kids, we got back up and took ownership for taking the next scary step forward.
We boomers must get right back up too! No giving up and going home to watch CNN or FOX, or to hide on the porch, lost in a world that is safe while others are struggling and in pain.
Get out and make a difference for humanity each and every day. Your wisdom and leadership is a vital source of energy in your community.
Now at age 75, I want to keep the child in me alive, and jump in with both feet, just like the younger generations do each and every day. I want to be in the middle of all the action even now as the 7th decade of my life is staring me right in the face.
The child in me is the fuel that keeps a fire burning in my belly. It is also love of life, spirituality, and humanity that gets the blood pumping in my veins everyday of the week.
Mostly it is my love for people and cultures everywhere. It is from my soul and heart that making a difference for others drives me to keep on fighting for healthy change…to help others keep pace with a rapidly changing world, and to not become complacent with the old ways of doing things.
The young help us stay on top of our toes, and to never become complacent. While doing all this, I have more freedom to smell the the ocean, explore new places, and reserve quality time with my family and friends. All of this energy provides a healthy balance for me at this pivotal time in life at age 75.
Even though we have increasingly challenging health issues, as I do these days. Keep moving, keep smiling, and make a difference for others as long as your health permits. You’ll be happier, healthier and no doubt live longer.
I celebrate children and young adults who keep teaching us about dreaming and making stuff happen. Just look around and keep your eyes open, and listen carefully. The kids are moving forward very quickly, even without us adults, because they can, and they should.
If you don’t recognize this happening for any reason or do not see any value in keeping pace with your kids or grand children, get a smartphone, laptop, tablet or other technology device and catch up with the reality of social media communications in the 21st Century.
We are blessed to live longer these days as seniors and must stay on top of our game to make a difference. We can’t go home, sit back and watch life from the sidelines. It is our duty to step-up and lead again.
Older Americans are a critical human resource and needed right now. In case my boomer friends and colleagues didn’t see the memo, we never stop mentoring, guiding, and facilitating.
I feel needed right now! If you don’t feel needed in these later years, walk with confidence into the fire storm of community action and find your place in a changing world. Your work is not done!
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