Yes Baby Boomers, I’m talking about you! I read with interest the commentary in the January 23, EV Tribune "Boomers can make history again". Quickly noting some distinction, I think it’s my first so I’m going for it! As a pioneer I’m one of those that "paved the way through the wilderness of social change". The huge number of Baby Boomers followed–permanently altering the cultural landscape.I find I also have many Baby Boomer qualities, if we can agree to call them that. As an adult for sometime now, I’m in total denial of the years byond….the road to longevity. I see glimpes at times but do not go any further. Living in the moment, living today, yet prepared before the time closes in on you. My Girl Scout training served me well. I do have a living will, trust, power of attorney, medical power of attorney, etc. A must if you haven’t done it yet!Baby Boomers - I’ve already decided there is no "retirement", no idle days of thinking where I will be buried, well, actually I checked once on cremation packages and was "cranky" for a month. Make sure all your social appointments aren’t only with your doctor or dentist. How can one go through life never being sick, then all of a sudden it’s high health maintenance! Staying involved, making a difference is the fullness of life. I’m into "Self-Actualization", it’s a word that gives me ownership in that I can recognize authentic processing of ideas from within. At this stage a wage is not the value, you think about applying yourself in a helpful, positive way for your community. It keeps you alive, avoiding the years that creep by, soon dreading your birthday, then immediately thinking about the next one. The ability to renew and reinvent I can definately relate to, it’s constant and on-going.I would rather pay full price at the movies or when ordering from a restaurant menu, rather than entertaining the word "senior" as if it applies to me and agreeing with it. I’m getting a little adjusted to the word….just don’t refer to me in the same sentence. Why is "senior" so old and decrepid sounding? Why not give the heroes of this generation a positive spin like the "Intellectuals" the "Accomplished", "Life Graduate", "Masters of Life". How about the "Been there, Done That" group! Something positive for all that’s been contributed to one’s family, others lives, a career or service to one’s country, state or city. The labor force is not alone in age discrimination, it is rampant - I see it in social circumstances, volunteer settings, stereotypes of older people is incredibly unreasonable. Those that have been the life force being set aside as if an old, outdated piece of machinery. What a waste and disgrace! I would’t blame anyone wanting to avoid the sting of rejection, the mass numbers of Baby Boomers will make this a priority in cultural change. I am already overjoyed as I read the end of the article that "Ironically, chronological age is no longer very relevant. Health, finances, purpose and friendship are far more significant."
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