Recognizing the power of the Boomer Generation and the perks of aging
As Boomers age, we live up to our reputation as an explosive generation. Part of the "unseen elder" syndrome is our fault. We allow others to treat us as irrelevant when we're the second largest generation (behind Gen Z), and with the most significant spending power of any generation. How can we possibly allow ourselves to be marginalized?
Embrace your wisdom and confidence!
The magic word is . Don't buy into the belief that you're old and can't do things like you used to. This is a big positive. Think about all the decisions you've made in your life and which ones turned out better for you – those made in your 20s, your 40s or in your 60s?
Maturity brings confidence, wisdom and better decision-making. Why is that? Because we've had more life experiences! So, why, when we reach "old age," are many of us willing to settle for mere survival?
Yes, the studies are correct. As we grow older, our memory becomes more sluggish. We have lapses when recalling easy words or ideas, and multi-tasking is more difficult. Yet, as Dr. Maarc Agronin writes in The End of Old Age: Living a Longer, More Purposeful Life, these studies don't take into account all the positives associated with growing older, such as:
• We are more complex, which allows us to pull resources from many areas.
• Who said that slower = worse? Usually, taking time on a project means covering all your bases, and it creates a deeper understanding of the task at hand.
• We have age-developed strengths, such as wisdom and creativity, which we're much more willing to deploy to find a solution.
• We know how to compensate. Multiplication and division in our heads are slower, but our iPhones and other useful tools are always ready.
We're not old, we're better
All this is to say, "We're not over the hill." It is our wisdom and creativity that allows us to seek out new opportunities. As we add years, our wisdom becomes a stabilizing force. We experience failures, losses and heartbreaks during our lives and grow from each one.
Therefore, when a negative event occurs (hurricane, tornado, illness), we can draw on our wisdom to search for a solution without panicking. As a young mother, you rush to your first child when they fall. By the third child, you yell, "Watch where you're going!" knowing that kids will fall and heal. That is wisdom at work!
Remember, when we were (much) younger, we couldn't trust anyone over 30! Now we're over 30 and trust ourselves much more! So, what is the future? Let's move forward, thrive, engage and prove to the other generations that Boomers are still exciting and relevant!
If you or a loved one are a Boomer, remember how valuable you are and what you have to offer to friends, family, co-workers and the community. I am part of your generation and proud to age gracefully and confidently. When you are frustrated by declining health, please contact me at Parent Your Parents in Miami. You may be unaware of simple solutions and resources for a specific problem.
Whether you live in Florida or not, I am a senior advocate who helps point you in the right direction. Contact me, Frances Reaves, for a free consultation and elder law support for multiple senior concerns all in one place. If you prefer, you can call (786) 418-3303 or email me at .
About H. Frances Reaves, Esq.
An estate and Medicaid planning attorney, Frances began her legal career as a litigator/lobbyist. After 15 years in Maryland politics, she moved back to Key Biscayne and founded Parent Your Parents , an Elder Advocacy group.
She was inspired by her parents' struggle with the "Elder Bureaucratic System" and realized help was needed. Should you have any questions or comments, please contact her at or 786-418-3303.
