While researching boomer topics and trends for this blog, I found numerous articles by experts and amateurs filled with such negativity about our generation. We have been called self-absorbed, self-centered, self-indulged and self-loathing (really??) and just plain selfish.
Here are two examples from fellow boomers:
Joe Klien (Time magazine) “For the past several years, I’ve been harboring a fantasy, a last political crusade for the baby-boomer generation. We, who started on a path of righteousness, marching for civil rights and against the war in Vietnam, need to find an appropriately high-minded approach to life’s exit ramp.”
And:
The “Me” Decade and the Third Great Awakening
“. . . The new alchemical dream is: changing one’s personality—remaking, remodeling, elevating, and polishing one’s very self . . . and observing, studying, and doting on it. (Me!) . . .” By Tom Wolfe
According to Baby Boomer magazine, Boomers:
- Have more discretionary income than any other group in America.
- Control 70% of the total net worth of the American households.
- Own 80% of all savings and loan associations.
- Are not fanatically loyal to brands.
- Watch more TV than any other group.
- Read more newspapers than any other group.
- Account for 40% of total consumer demand in the US.
These statistics show boomers have a lot of power, resources and potential influence.
However, this magazine article does not show the entire picture. The plight of millions of other older Americans are startling.
Some statistics from “The Economic Collapse:
#2 According to a recent poll conducted by Americans for Secure Retirement, 88 percent of all Americans are worried about “maintaining a comfortable standard of living in retirement”. Last year, that figure was at 73 percent.
#4 Today, one out of every six elderly Americans lives below the federal poverty line.
#10 According to a recent AARP survey of Baby Boomers, 40 percent of them plan to work “until they drop”.
Read more statistics from The Economic Collapse at: http://theeconomiccollapseblog.com/archives/25-bitter-and-painful-facts-about-the-coming-baby-boomer-retirement-crisis-that-will-blow-your-mind
So the question is:
How will Boomers use their financial power?”
Can we redeem ourselves and leave a positive legacy in this 3rd act?
Can we “Make a difference for Ourselves, Others and the Planet?
While I can’t deny, we could have done a much better job with the opportunities we were given, I’m still hopeful that we can Step Up and make a significant contributions to society as we age.
As I continue to write, I will search for and share success stories of boomers who are making a positive impact in society.
