Don't Count Us Out

As more and more boomers head closer to age 65 and retirement, they are definitely not retiring from life. After all, 65 is just another number, attached to just another birthday. Yet, it's not slowing down this generation. What makes this time of life so wonderful is that there are so many more opportunities.

According to The New Retirement Survey: A Perspective from the Baby Boomer Generation, boomers will be changing the concept of retirement and will be the "first generation to profit from the so-called longevity bonus, an estimated seven-year increase in life span."

With advances in medicine, boomers can delay the onset of many age-related illnesses like blood pressure, diabetes, and heart disease and prevent the dreaded cognitive decline associated with these illnesses.

Because some boomers face dwindling savings, no pensions and the uncertainty of their 401K investments, their choice is to stay at their careers a little while longer till things become more stable. Others are starting whole new careers to overcome the struggle during these difficult economic times. They may be turning a past hobby into a start-up company or interning at a job they've always wanted to pursue. Money is not the only motivating factor, though -- personal satisfaction is the driving force.

Baby boomers are not ready to slow down, just yet. While we are no longer the "carefree" hippies of the 60's and 70's, we are definitely not "seniors" either. We possess a mindset of youthful spirit, a young-at-heart mentality that allows us to still lead active, exciting, fulfilling lives. Is this describing you?

About the author: Amy Sherman, LMHC is the author of Distress-Free Aging: A Boomer's Guide to Creating a Fulfilled and Purposeful Life and 99 Things Women Wish They Knew Before Dating After 40, 50 and Yes, 60!

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