Boomers Have Rearranged Traditional Stages of Life generation institutionalized an ethos of inclusivity in U.S. society. “Most boomers exercised considerable independence in their life choices. They helped to ensure that freedoms applied to African Americans, women, new immigrants and gays, not just middle-class white males.”
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t’s been well-documented that the baby boomers caused significant changes to the sociological, financial and economic picture in the U.S. over the past 65 years, but news from MetLife Mature Market Institute advances a number of theories about the impact the Boomers have had on American society. The report notes that those born between 1946 and 1955 changed conventional American life stages, redefined inclusivity and contributed to the health of all Americans. Boomers Rearranged the Three Boxes of Life Instead of going to school, entering the labor force after high school and retiring in their 60’s, boomers rearranged the traditional life stages.
Many went to college, entered the work force a little later and changed jobs a number of times, rather than remaining with one employer. “Not content with living their parents’ lives, boomers pursued education, a multi-faceted worklife and a robust retirement,” said Dr. Achenbaum.
Boomers Widened the Range of Inclusivity Boomers did not necessarily instigate the various struggles for equality over the past six decades, but this
Boomers Advanced Healthfulness —Structurally and Personally Advances in adult boomer life expectancy were attributed to medical breakthroughs in heart disease and strokes as well as changed behaviors (smoking cessation, dietary modifications). While obesity and poor nutrition choices still remain an issue, boomers incorporated preventive care into their life styles with nutrition, exercise and holistic medicine, leading to multi-billion dollar industries. Spiritual Quests for Meaning Changed Many Boomers’ World Views Advances in communication and transportation brought the world
to boomers. Many responded by traveling to remote sites like Africa and southeast Asia to make a difference, while others preferred the comforts of home. Boomers managed to be cosmopolitan and parochial, simultaneously. Personal and collective searches for “meaning” reinforced values and norms that segments in this age group started to embrace in youth. “Perhaps the most lasting legacy of the boomers, the first of whom are now 65-years old, is that they continue to be relevant, making a contribution and remaining trendsetters,” said Sandra Timmermann, Ed.D., director of the MetLife Mature Market Institute. According to the report, they are also the first generation whose impact continues well into middle age and beyond. They’ve also retired once and then re-entered the work force in encore careers.
A 55 and Over Resident Owned Adult Community on the Caloosahatchee River in North Ft. Myers, Florida
800-676-3005 • 239-543-3005
50 AVAILABLE LOTS FOR NEW HOMES! • Lease or purchase your waterfront or interior lot. • 24 hr. Manned Gated Entry • Two Pools and Spa • Social Activities for All • Marina with Boat Launch and Slips.
Directions:
I-75, Exit 143 (Bayshore Road). West 4 miles to New Post Road. Turn left and follow to security gate. Driving East on Bayshore, we’re 2 miles East of Business 41.
Pet Section Available Old Bridge Village Co-op, Inc. Licensed Real Estate Corporation
14533 Paul Revere Loop, North Fort Myers, FL 33917 • website: www.oldbridgevillage.net • Hours: M – F 9 – 4, Sat. 10 – 3 and Sun. by appt. Lifestyles After 50 • August 2012 • page 6