Boomer or Zoomer?
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Boomer or Zoomer? - Bridging the Gap
The lucky people born during the post-WWII baby boom (1946 - 1964), dubbed BOOMERS by an ambitious journalist, are quickly approaching senior citizen status.
Why are they lucky?
There are so many boomers that an entire range of products and services is geared to address their health and welfare. The market is enormous - there were 76 million births in the United States during the boom years.
Put into perspective - 1 in every 4 persons living in the United States is a boomer. Wow!
Boomer or ZOOMER?
Of course there are overachieving boomers. Gerontologist Dr. David Demko coined the term ZOOMER to identify the trend-setting group of Boomers who are "breaking new ground, re-defining aging and re-inventing retirement."
"A Zoomer:
* Knows the difference between primary (inevitable) and secondary (reversible) aging.
* Monitors inherited health risks and practices preventive health care.
* Performs daily exercise (aerobics for endurance, anaerobics for strength, and neurobics for brain power).
* Calculates daily nutritional and caloric needs based on age, gender, and weight.
* Orchestrates a social support system of companions, close friends, and a confidante.
* Enjoys a positive self-concept, and a passion for living life to the fullest.
* Achieves the resources necessary to live an adventurous life thanks to sound retirement planning."
So, take a good look into a mirror and ask "Boomer or ZOOMER?"
Do You Want to Bridge the Gap from Boomer to Zoomer?
Here's the issue. Like many people, Dr. Demko has taken advantage of a major market and is developing products for it.
Maybe, just MAYBE, there're a few lessons to be learned contained within the operational definition that, once reviewed and researched, may have merit. And since I am a boomer, I might learn something that could benefit me and other boomers.
Do I want to be a Zoomer? I have NOT read Dr. Demko's books, but I'm going to find out why I would WANT to be a ZOOMER!
Why are they lucky?
There are so many boomers that an entire range of products and services is geared to address their health and welfare. The market is enormous - there were 76 million births in the United States during the boom years.
Put into perspective - 1 in every 4 persons living in the United States is a boomer. Wow!
Boomer or ZOOMER?
Of course there are overachieving boomers. Gerontologist Dr. David Demko coined the term ZOOMER to identify the trend-setting group of Boomers who are "breaking new ground, re-defining aging and re-inventing retirement."
A Zoomer is a "Boomer with zip."
Here is the operational definition Dr. Demko created."A Zoomer:
* Knows the difference between primary (inevitable) and secondary (reversible) aging.
* Monitors inherited health risks and practices preventive health care.
* Performs daily exercise (aerobics for endurance, anaerobics for strength, and neurobics for brain power).
* Calculates daily nutritional and caloric needs based on age, gender, and weight.
* Orchestrates a social support system of companions, close friends, and a confidante.
* Enjoys a positive self-concept, and a passion for living life to the fullest.
* Achieves the resources necessary to live an adventurous life thanks to sound retirement planning."
So, take a good look into a mirror and ask "Boomer or ZOOMER?"
Do You Want to Bridge the Gap from Boomer to Zoomer?
Here's the issue. Like many people, Dr. Demko has taken advantage of a major market and is developing products for it.
Maybe, just MAYBE, there're a few lessons to be learned contained within the operational definition that, once reviewed and researched, may have merit. And since I am a boomer, I might learn something that could benefit me and other boomers.
Do I want to be a Zoomer? I have NOT read Dr. Demko's books, but I'm going to find out why I would WANT to be a ZOOMER!
Boomer or Zoomer?
1 in every 4 persons living in the United States is a Baby Boomer. Question: "How many are Zoomers?"
Boomer or Zoomer? Primary and Secondary Aging
A Zoomer knows the difference between primary and secondary aging.
Okay - here's a guess: primary aging is aging you cannot control like hereditary factors such as heart disease and cancer.
Secondary aging is about things you can control; for example, if you exercise (or not), smoke (or not), or drink (too many per day or not at all).
Formal Definition
"Primary aging
The universal and irreversible changes that occur to living creatures as they grow older."
"Secondary Aging
The specific physical illnesses or conditions that are more common in aging but are caused by health habits, genes, and other influences that vary from person to person."
Quotes from The developing person through the life span By Kathleen Stassen Berger
Whoops - Not a Zoomer!
Boomer or ZOOMER? I'm a boomer. My definitions were off. Best to stick with Dr. Demko's primary (inevitable) and secondary (reversible) aging explanation.
I do know that environmental and lifestyle choices versus genetics is an anti-aging issue.
In fact, the boomer or zoomer discussion is addressed by the longevity fitness experts at agedefyingworkouts.com.
Boomer or ZOOMER? Health Care
A Zoomer monitors inherited health risks and practices preventive health care.
Do I know the hereditary risks - sure - heart disease, colon cancer, and renal failure.
Health Information
In today's world, even uneducated boomers know what they need to do in the area of health monitoring and preventive care. It's everywhere - you cannot miss the dangers of smoking, obesity, and fast food. The vast majority of boomers are aware of preventive care for heart disease, diabetes, and prostate and breast cancer.
But realistically, the cost of preventive care is overwhelming if you do not have health insurance or your health insurance is inadequate. So yes, you can be a ZOOMER and practice preventive care if you can afford to.
Boomer or Zoomer? Diet and Exercise
These are totally controllable
A zoomer is a boomer who:
* Performs daily exercise (aerobics for endurance, anaerobics for strength, and neurobics for brain power).
* Calculates daily nutritional and caloric needs based on age, gender, and weight.
Exercise
Daily exercise is a little much. But I get the Wii Fitness program out to practice balance, endurance, and strength exercises. And neurobics is something you practice daily if you have a job that requires you to think.
But, based on the importance of this factor, I'm looking into a diet and exercise longevity program designed for zoomers at agedefyingworkouts.com. The people who created this program are fitness professionals and zoomers.
Diet
Dr. Demko alludes to caloric restriction as a "boomer or zoomer" issue. We all know what foods and in what amounts put on weight as well as our ideal weight. This is strictly a matter of what foods you eat - good or bad, and in what quantities. Refer to agedefyingworkouts.com for your proper diet.
Unlike millions of other boomers, being overweight has never been a battle for me, but I am noticing that I need to watch how much I eat based on the amount of energy expended doing normal daily tasks and periodic exercise. So constant vigilance is needed at age 60.
Not a Zoomer - Again!
Boomer or ZOOMER? Yup - I'm close, but there's room for improvement, especially in the exercise area.
Boomer or ZOOMER? Social Support
A Zoomer orchestrates a social support system of companions, close friends, and a confidante.
Social systems are important throughout life, but the older you get, it seems the more you rely on your family and friends.
I've found, as have many boomers, that having a pet or pets (in my case, puppies) adds an extra dimension to the "companionship" part of Dr. Demko's social support system orchestration.
Boomer or ZOOMER? Positive Self-Image
A Zoomer enjoys a positive self-concept, and a passion for living life to the fullest.
This positive self concept stuff is difficult if you are quickly losing whatever looks you might have had. And face it (sorry, not meant to be punny), look at the tons of money spent on cosmetics and cosmetic surgery every year.
And if your shrink says you need not base your value on your looks, tell him/her to get real.
Passion for Living Life to Its Fullest
The good doctor may be on to something. It's true that if you get up every day looking forward to doing something you are passionate about, not only will you live longer, but you'll be healthier too.
Boomer or Zoomer?
Think I may not have met the positive self-concept part of this ZOOMER criteria. Back to the therapist for a tune-up!
Boomer or ZOOMER? Sound Retirement Planning
A Zoomer achieves the resources necessary to live an adventurous life thanks to sound retirement planning.
I'm interpreting this criteria this way: A ZOOMER has the money to do whatever he/she wants to do because he/she has invested wisely.
If this is the interpretation, Dr. Demko has successfully whittled the number of possible ZOOMERS to the rich and wealthy and those who survived the last stock market deep six plunge into wealth chopping misery.
Boomer or Zoomer?
Count me out - I lost way too much retirement money in 2008 to "live an adventurous life" until I'm about 90. Then I'll be a ZOOMER.
Boomer or Zoomer?
Love to be a ZOOMER -
sounds ideal.
And I can see where ZOOMING will extend your life and the quality of it.
But who can afford it!
I'll stick to the fundamentals -
diet and exercise (agedefyingworkouts)
Boomer or ZOOMER? For your reading pleasure
Boomer or Zoomer? Age Defying Workouts
This lens features Dr. Demko's Death Calculator - the questionnaire used to answer "How Long Can You Be Expected To Live?"
Boomer Or Zoomer? - Anti-Aging Program
Boomer or Zoomer? - Fitness For Boomers
Boomer or Zoomer? - Stop Memory Loss
Age Defiance Blog Feed
Z-O-O-M-E-R-S have an age defiance attitude!
Boomer Or Zoomer - Informational Articles
ezinearticles.com
Here's a partial list of ezinearticles.com articles written by this lens' author.
There are more than 100 articles on several different topics, but many focus on topics that may help you in your quest to tackle anti-aging issues.
For the complete list of articles by the author, see ezinearticles.com
There are more than 100 articles on several different topics, but many focus on topics that may help you in your quest to tackle anti-aging issues.
For the complete list of articles by the author, see ezinearticles.com
by AgeDefyingWorkouts
Boomer or ZOOMER? Basically, a ZOOMER is a baby boomer who's doing all the right things to be a healthy and fulfilled older person. Healthy means being... more »
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A Must Read For Wanna Be Zoomers
Master Your Metabolism: The 3 Diet Secrets to Naturally Balancing Your Hormones for a Hot and Healthy Body!
Amazon Price: $4.01 (as of 05/30/2012)
Known for her "Biggest Loser" tough love approach, Jillian Michaels Mastering Your Metabolism is a real eye-opener. If only you knew what's in your water!
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Why We Get Fat: And What to Do About It
Amazon Price: $7.28 (as of 05/30/2012)
Low Carb diet plans to lose weight fast and improve your health and well-being are making a return into the American diet scene. This controversial book will make you think twice about eating that sugary donut or a regular latte!
