Council on Aging Senior Guide 2012 - 171

COUNCIL ON AGING ORANGE COUNTY

those demands, says Leta Russell, who defines herself as a business launcher coach. She says boomers have computer experience plus business savvy. “From there it’s really about learning how to create products that fill a gap in the marketplace and finding the people who will buy. Challenging, yes, but doable. And, there is so much help out there for outsourcing the things we don’t know or just don’t have the time to know.” She’s particularly encouraging about the future for aging women. “Boomer women can lead the way for other women to take hold of a new world of opportunity and not depend on corporate America to pay us what we’re worth, but to determine or own worth in the marketplace and make a difference.” Most boomers are excited about their coming “seniorhood.” “Old is when you stop dreaming, and stop living and stop enjoying every day,” says Jacene Derancy, 61 of Newport Beach. She says she’ll be 80 or 90 before she’s old because “I don’t act my age and I don’t feel old.” Candy Gleason, 62, of Fullerton, agrees: “When will I be old? I guess 80, maybe 90. My grandmother was 107 when she died and she was up with current events, still asking about children, grandchildren, even great-great grandchildren by name. “My mother (Mary E. Moore, also of Fullerton) will be 85 this August. She’s still young- at-heart and that transcends everything she does. She doesn’t think she’s old so technically, she isn’t.” What is ‘being old’? Being thought of as over the hill. Not contemporary

in thought. Not given much credence. “I think it’s a state-ofmind.” Ann Valdespino, 53, of Huntington Beach says she expects 80 or 90 will start her old age because “people are in better shape and have greater longevity today.” “It’s a mental and physical thing. I always tell people my husband and I can’t wait to retire. I’m a writer and I’ll keep on writing but I’ll take the gigs I want to take. That’s my idea of ‘retirement’.” Overall, boomers nationally are upbeat about their futures, except for fears of one health issue – dementia. There are new statistics showing one in two people over 85 exhibit some symptoms of the disease. The statistics are new, frankly, because never have so many lived so long. Sure, the best part of “aging well” is simply the fact of doing it. Of being here. And – while redefining when you grow old may seem like a game there’s a need for a new definition to fit our times. We aren’t “old” at 64 today. In fact, my thought is you’re only “old” when you can’t keep up anymore. Watch the Silver Tsunami change all definitions of aging. Jane Glenn Haas, a multimedia personality – a newspaper writer, national columnist, book author, television host, professional speaker and founder of WomanSage, a non-profit organization dedicated to empowering, educating and fostering mentoring relationships among women at midlife.

Boomer Issues
Life Expectations – Retirement years for boomers could last longer, for some, than years in the workforce. Living longer is commonplace. If their parents added twenty years to the lifespan, expect the boomers to add more. In the future, 100th birthdays will be common. No Money – Most private-sector workers won’t get a monthly retirement check from their former employer. While 40 percent of the private-sector workers received a check in 1975, that number declined to 17 percent by 2006, says the Employee Benefit Research Institute. Investments – Those without pensions will need to manage their nest eggs or hire someone for that task. Their challenge will be to have savings that last a lifetime. Part-Time Jobs – Many will continue to work after their traditional retirement birthday of 67 because they enjoy the mental stimulation and social activity. Others, of course, will work for the money. Staying Active – Boomers don’t see retirement as a withdrawal from activity but as a new adventure, says US News and World Report. Many seniors will travel, volunteer, consult and remain active, in addition to leaving time for golf and grandchildren. “It is a generation that is far more comfortable and even addicted in some ways to change and newness and adventure,” says Ken Dychtwald, head of the consulting firm, Age Wave, and author of several books on aging. “They are going to pioneer a lifestyle where people reinvent themselves again and again.” Middle Muddle – While they try to save for retirement, many boomers also face large college tuition bills for children or cost – emotional as well as financial – of caring for aging parents. The triple threat of financial needs of self, children and parents can be a heavy burden. Reduce Government Benefits – Those born before 1937 are able to collect full benefits at 65. The age went up to 66 for workers born between 1943 and 1954 and then to 67 for those born in 1960 or later. Because benefits are reduced if accessed earlier, their value is reduced, say financial experts. At the same time, Congress is considering reductions in Medicare benefits. More Debt – Most boomers carry debt into retirement, including monthly mortgage payments. This forces them to cut back on discretionary spending, says US News and World Report.
Senior Guide OC 2012

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Council on Aging Senior Guide 2012

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