From Boomer to Senior

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Happy Birthday, Boomer. You're a Senior!

Those of us on the early end of the baby boomer generation are beginning to enter our late 50s and 60s and, as a group, make up a large consumer demographic.  We're the boomers who are becoming seniors.

Our unique needs and interests range from healthcare to grandparenting to retirement travel.  As marketers recognize our powerful consumer group more and more, new products and opportunities arise, now on a nearly daily basis.  

If you're a baby boomer, you're in a great place to be able to take advantage of some of these opportunities, but shop wisely.  If you're a marketer, you can profit from this large group, so please market to us kindly. 

I'd love your your comments about this topic, so don't miss our guestbook near the bottom of the page where you can share about your experience going from boomer to senior.

Let's Start With Baby Boomer News

We don't just read the news, we're making news.

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Gotta Love These Wrinkles!

wrinkles by Sreejith Kodoth
Wrinkles by quinn.anya
Wrinkled Front- Turquoise by ir0cko
wrinkles by erix!
Photoshoot 20071020 Dramatic Wrinkles by HumbleOpinion
curated content from Flickr

News Flash: Boomers are Getting Wrinkles!

More than you ever knew you needed to know about those lines you've been noticing in the mirror.

What are wrinkles?
Kids Health explains wrinkles in terms children can understand. Boomers were kids once, so this seems like a good place to start.
From HealthScout and USA Today
"Wrinkles are the thin, creased, and sagging skin that is especially noticeable on the face, neck, and hands." You knew that, right? Maybe there's still something you don't know about wrinkles, so read about symptoms, treatment, and prevention of wrinkles here.
Wrinkle Creams: Do They Work?
Curious about wrinkle creams? Find out more here, from MayoClinic.com.
Wrinkles: They're not just for faces!
Need another reason to stop smoking? Smokers tend to have more wrinkles, and not just on their face, or so says WebMD. Sounds like a good reason to me.

Boomer to Senior - But Slower?

Can we really slow down the aging process?

I heard about a book today, a book called Younger Next Year: A Guide to Living Like 50 Until You're 80 and Beyond. Well, now, that sounds interesting!

I've been reading about the book, but don't have the book yet. Obviously there is exercise involved. STOP! Don't go away, keep reading. I know a lot of people don't like to exercise but, as one reviewer wrote on amazon.com about the book (and I'm paraphrasing), I'd rather exercise every day than live a debilitated life when I'm old, assume I make it to "old."

If you're interested in learning how to slow down the aging process, physically that is, not chronologically, then this may be the book for you. The original is written for men, but now there's a women's version, too. Here are some choices for you, including an audio version and a journal.

Younger Next Year: A Guide to Living Like 50 Until You're 80 and Beyond
Younger Next Year for Women
Younger Next Year for Women - Audio CD Version
Younger Next Year Journal: Start Now and Live the Promise Day-by-Day

Learning to Cope With Aging

With age comes wisdom, so they say. This baby boomer is learning to cope and, hopefully, gaining wisdom in the process.

I've had a problem with aging. Well, maybe it would be more accurate to say I've had a problem coping with aging; time continues to pass and I continue to get older with little or no effort at all, so the actual aging part just seems to take care of itself.

Empty-nest syndrome has played a big role in my problem, I believe. It's been three years since both of our boys left home and after the first year I thought I had more-or-less conquered that adjustment. I learned to cook smaller quantities (eating leftovers isn't my favorite thing to do) and the lower utility bills quickly became a very welcome change (heating water for two showers a day uses a lot less gas than four or five or even six a day). However, even though the boys stay in touch regularly, I still miss them and sometimes I miss them terribly. So I give myself only a C+ in coping with my empty nest.

The physical aspect of aging has been a really tough thing to adjust to. My body just isn't as young as it used to be. The little aches and pains added in with the gray hair and the thickening of my measurements around the middle all seem to have come upon me at once. I try not to complain, but my dear husband would tell you that I do. I'll tell you that I don't complain to him nearly as much as I could. Some of it I have brought on myself because I know I'd feel better physically if I would work out regularly, but I don't do it. So, I give myself a C in coping with physical aging. (I could bring that grade up to B+ if I'd just get off my rear and get it in gear.)

They say you're only as old as you feel. Some days I feel in my head that I'm 30 again (30 was much better than 20; I wouldn't want to repeat my 20s) and then other days I look in the mirror and suddenly feel in my head that I must be at least 80. I know I don't look 80, but the changes make me feel like I'd might as well be 80. So I guess the mental grade is the grade I need to work on; sometimes I would definitely give myself a big fat F, then other times I actually almost feel like an A+.

Overall I guess I average out to about a C+, so I suppose high average isn't so bad. And knowing that I could bring that grade up with a few little lifestyle changes, changes in both the mental and the physical areas, actually perks me up a bit and motivates me some. They say that confession is good for the soul, so maybe confessing my shortcomings in the coping arena here will be a good thing in the long run for my body, my mind, and my soul. I hope so, because one thing I do know is that I intend to keep on aging, which certainly does beat the alternative.

Are You Coping With Empty Nest Syndrome?

I admitted above to suffering from "empty-nest syndrome" and I gave myself a C+ for how well - or not - I cope with my kids having left home. How about you? If you have gone through it, or are going through it, how are you doing? I admitted it and you can, too (anonymously). Please vote!

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Books to Help Empty-Nesters Adjust

Helping you handle it when the kids just aren't kids anymore.

If your children are nearing the age of leaving home for good, or even just going away to college, you're on the brink of that time of life where you may have to deal with empty-nest syndrome. Here are some resources that may help you prepare yourself.

If you truly are having a difficult time dealing with being without children at home for the first time in a very long time, you may be depressed and we really want you to seek advice from your physician. Consider these books as well, but promise us that you will not suffer through this time alone!
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Boomer Humor

Jokes and comics for up-and-coming senior citizens, and for those who have already arrived.

Senior Citizen Merriment, Jokes, and Fun!
Read at your own risk, and consider having the Depends on hand!
Senior Citizen Humor - The Lighter Side of Getting Old
Gotta love the milk commercial!
Pickles, by Brian Crane
I subscribe to this comic by e-mail so I don't miss a single episode. It's my favorite.

PIckles, by Brian Crane - The Books

You don't have to settle for a comic a day in the newspaper or even via e-mail. You can get the books! Tell me you don't see your favorite senior citizen in here somewhere. You do, right? (I see myself all the time - and I'm not quite a senior yet!)
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Aging Baby Boomers - How to Keep Us Healthy and Safe

We're Baby Boomers and, Like it or Not, We're Aging.

Health and safety for baby boomers is a big topic that warrants a lens of its own. Now, why didn't I think of that?

(Actually, I did. You can find that lens here!)

It Doesn't Take Age to Retire, It Takes . . .

. . . money, money, money, monneey!

Baby boomers should have started planning for retirement years ago, but it's never too late to learn something new about handling your finances. Take any advice you find here with a grain of salt and a large dose of senior wisdom or, better yet, advice from a trustworthy professional.
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Books to Help You Plan for Retirement

Read and heed. It's never too late to start planning, but sooner is better than later.

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When You Retire to the TV Room

A well-rounded retiree eats right, exercises, but occasionally pigs out on his favorite TV programs from the 70s. Which one is your favorite? Vote it up!

Happy Days - The Complete First Season

Happy Days - The Complete First Season

Sunday, Monday, Happy Days!2 points

WKRP in Cincinnati - The Complete First Season

WKRP in Cincinnati - The Complete First Season

I swear, I thought turkeys could fly.1 point

Columbo - Mystery Movie Collection, 1989

Columbo - Mystery Movie Collection, 1989

Did Columbo have a first name?1 point

The Rockford Files - Season One

The Rockford Files - Season One

What's on Rockford's answering machine this time?1 point

The Carol Burnett Show - Show Stoppers

The Carol Burnett Show - Show Stoppers

I'm so glad we had this time together.1 point

Magnum, P.I. - The Complete First Season

Magnum, P.I. - The Complete First Season

That's "private investigator" to more...0 points

Dallas - The Complete Seventh Season

Dallas - The Complete Seventh Season

Just who did shoot J.R.?0 points

Upstairs, Downstairs - Collector's Edition Megaset (The Complete Series plus Thomas and Sarah)

Upstairs, Downstairs - Collector's Edition Megaset (The Complete Series plus Thomas and Sarah)

We didn't own a television until 1976, which hubby more...0 points

Reader Comments & Suggestions

Our lens is a work in progress (sort of like baby boomers), so tell me what you'd like to see here. Are you a boomer turning senior? What topics are of interest to you? Here's your opportunity to speak up and help me continue to improve my lens! Not a boomer? I'd love to read your comments, too!

  • SoonerOrLater Oct 9, 2011 @ 7:57 pm | delete
    Nice lens. Being raised in the TV Generation, I love TV sitcoms. I actually caught an episode of "Hazel" last week.
  • wordstock Aug 13, 2011 @ 10:21 am | delete
    I'm a senior raising a grandchild and planning to homeschool this year. I don't have time for all this nonsense. However, I am getting ready to cover all the mirrors. Great lens, angel blessed.
  • CCGAL Jul 31, 2011 @ 5:55 pm | delete
    I'm a boomer married to a senior. He's retired ... I'm not. Trying to earn my living online so as to be there for him during his "reclining" years. It's tough.
  • Ladymermaid Jul 26, 2011 @ 8:31 am | delete
    I'm a boomer who is retired but not a senior citizen. I'm inching up there, but as I have been retired for awhile now due a disability, it is like everyone else is just catching up to me ;)
  • Joan4 May 14, 2011 @ 5:21 pm | delete
    I have passed the boomer stage and am now happily a senior citizen! I even had a graduation for myself! Our adult kids are our best friends! It's wonderful!
  • MickeyCarroll Feb 9, 2011 @ 9:30 am | delete
    Hello Guest Book @ Squido Thank you for your link on your Boomer to Senior page. Excuse me if I haven't responded properly I'm new at this internet thing remember I go back to out door plumbing

    All the best to you and a huge success with your internet adventure

    Old Dawg
  • MickeyCarroll Feb 8, 2011 @ 7:22 pm | delete
    Hello Baby Boomers I think this is a perfect song for our Valentines Day . It was my 70th birthday and I decided to record this song entitled Old Dogs and share this with friends . So far the response is to cool . it's scheduled for PBS /TV /Radio

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8inY6flQFaE&feature=youtube_gdata

    All the best with your creative adventures in life
    Mickey

    Mickey Carroll
    Grammy Nominee
    Gold Record Recipient
  • paperfacets Nov 23, 2010 @ 12:32 am | delete
    The way I see the economy at the moment is the boomers are keeping everything together with the earning power we collected through the years. Without our spending power the States would really be in a recession. I still have adult children at home, but I did feel separation feelings when my oldest decided to get her own place at nineteen.
    I love my age. I still feel like a boomer instead of a senior.
  • Marvagold Nov 11, 2010 @ 6:49 am | delete
    Aging, keepin health, phisically and mentally and rebranding. It is not easy to change a mid career or to start all over again at the age of 50.
  • Blkeeslar Oct 10, 2010 @ 2:45 pm | delete
    Yes the physical aspect of aging is something we must all learn to deal with, but when I look back at my grandparents they were no where near as physically active as I am. ( I am 63). My 8 year old grandson told me this summer that I was fun, not like other grandmas. We had just come in from fishing in 100 degree heat. That made me feel so good! Staying active and fit is the key. Great lens, I'll be back
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What An Honor! Baby Boomer Lens of the Week!

We won! Squid-oodles of thanks to GrillGirl for nominating Boomer to Senior for Baby Boomer Lens of the Week for June 16, 2007, and thanks to our supporters for voting.

If you have a favorite Baby Boomer lens, be sure to visit Baby Boomers - Rockin' the World and place your nomination. Many thanks to Giddygabby, who does a great job keeping us baby boomers organized on the group site! She really rocks!
All original content is copyright 2007 Susan52, all rights reserved.
For permission to reprint, please contact me.

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Susan52

Susan52 is a baby boomer, a retired homeschool mom, and a Giant Squid on Squidoo where she recently celebrated her five-year anniversary. She enjoys w... more »

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