Those of us born after the Second World War came of age at an amazing time -- an era full of hope, a time of endless possibility, an age when we thought we could change the world.
In recent years, attacking boomers for what we haven't done has become a popular blood sport. I find this disturbing (and wearying) for two reasons. First, it's inaccurate. This generation pushed to end an unjust war, opened doors for women, gays and people of colour and helped launch the environmental movment. All these things, as well as access to birth control and holistic medicine, along with freedom of religious choice, characterize the boomer mindset. Second, the blame game is dreadfully demoralizing. Why would boomers try anything new when we know we're likely to be voted off the island by young people who want our jobs? The fact is that there's room for all of us. And it seems incredibly foolish to be dismissing us just as the world faces its greatest challenges. If there ever was a time for "all hands on deck," this is it.
I wrote "RIPE," my new book, when I noticed a discrepancy between my experience and the ubiquitous messages about what it is supposedly like to be 50 and older. The same observation applies here. Let's ignore all that noise and focus on something positive, constructive and hopeful instead. It's time to rekindle the embers that burn deep inside of us, to come full circle in our lives. As baby boomers, our greatest achievement will not only be what we do as individuals (how we "ripen") but what we've always done best as a generation: redefine the boundaries of the possible.
First comes the shift: "Aha! It's not the end of the road at all, but a new beginning!" What comes next? Our personal journeys, combined with thinking together about how we might remake this phase of life. What if we were to create a world in which there were no time limit on individual achievement, where everyone was encouraged to develop and share their unique gifts with others?
Let's start by recognizing the abundance of resources. As consultant John Elkington notes in "RIPE," "There is a great reservoir of experience in our aging population and we've got to work out how to tap into that." Let's look closely at the value of these contributors, and how best to deploy them. What, precisely, does this generation have to offer at this stage of life? What are employers and customers looking for that ripened men and women are best able to deliver? And what are the roles for which we are ideally suited?
Then, let's create a system that encourages older workers to learn, grow and contribute. Let's rethink the entire culture so that it honours and embraces its most mature (and maybe even wisest) members. And let's create a vernacular. We need words to describe this phase of our lives, an idiom that captures the spirit of what it means to be 50, 65 or 80 today (and, yes, "ripe" is one such word).
And recognition -- please, lots of recongnition. There are many awards and programs that honour young achievers. Let's see major sponsors step forward and shine a spotlight on Ripe pioneers. "Top 50 Over 50" would be a good start.
Are you over 50 and ripe for change? Are you feeling at the top of your game? Are you finding that the world wants you to go away? What would you do to create a world in which everyone -- regardless of age -- has an opportunity to learn, grow and contribute? Share your story with us below or feel free to email me via my website.
And while you're at it, have some fun with the delightful contest from Encore Careers. Can you tell your life story in six words? Try it and win! (And do share with us, too!)
"RIPE" is here! This spring, I'm writing about "RIPE: Rich, Rewarding Work After 50," a 12-week course on discovering passion, purpose and possibility at midlife. Check out the video (a.k.a. book trailer!):
Be part of the "RIPE" community on HuffPost, Facebook and Twitter. Together, we are going to change this phase of life!
Follow Julia Moulden on Twitter: www.twitter.com/juliamoulden
Anyway, many words morph. Age is certainly one of them. I've heard of a process for determining one's biological age. The idea of just keeping track of circumnavigations of the sun is quickly becoming mute.
I love Bob Dylan's summation, which certainly applies to me, "I was so much older then, I'm younger than that now."
It seems to me there is a needed shift across the board, from a fear or greed based drive to "earn a living", towards deepening and enhanced relationships with life. I see many who have tried the former are now opting for the latter. It is wonderful to see more and more people come together under this umbrella.
Here are my six words - I practice the art of amelioration.
My life story in six words: Fulfillment through surrender to individual integrity.
It is time to return to a youth culture. The Millennials need their day in the sun, but the boomers refuse to step aside. C'mon you crazy boomers, go on a world cruise, learn the joy of gardening, take up wood working or crocheting, but get the heck outta the work force!
America is stuck in reverse and we need an infusion of youth to get us going again. Unless of course, you boomers just don't care about the country when it doesn't pertain to your own ego aggrandizement.
And don't feed us any line of "But we can't afford it!" Of course you can! How much did your own parents live on during retirement? I'd be willing to bet you have plenty to retire on. Get out of the work force and let the young, better qualified workers take over while you enjoy your sunset years.
we started talking about ourselves because people like you started scapegoating us!------
oh, ever hear of the greatest generation?
we did all our lives!--your turn, get over it
But keep talking like this. The rest of it will remember the condescension when you're asking us to take care of you.
Then I read about Ernestine Shepherd--that woman is fabulous at 74, and I knew where I wanted to go in the next several years. I don't know if there's a bodybuilding competition in my future, but I'm going to give it a shot and see if I can give Ernestine a run for the money when I'm her age!
At the very least, weight training has improved my health, helped me combat the arthritis that was creeping up my spine, and gotten me out of the proverbial rocking chair.
I believe my generation has made it possible for me to gracefully, gratefully decline my grandmother's mantra of "grow old with dignity."
There are those who want to divide the generations and make boomers the enemy. Probably the best friend the younger generations will ever have is a boomer, especially if the boomer is your parent. Boomers care about their children a lot. Most of what we do is for the future of our children.
It could be that those who want to divide the genertions want us fighting among ourselves so we won't be fighting those who are giving us poor governance and ruining this country all in the name of global trading..
Unfortunately, this self-imposed segregation lays the foundation for future socialization. Young people accustomed to associating only with people their own age continue this pattern of limited association as they age. The result: our society loses the benefits of cross-generational dialogue and exchange and becomes polarized and less enriched overall. Sad.
i remember fondly getting whacked with billy clubs and jailed because boomers did nothing for gay rights. so pat yourself on the back for that one.
so tired of the pragmatic word games -- do something that is actually constructive for a change. no i don't want to watch "who moved my cheese" again. for a start i know where my cheese went -- a boomer ate it.
Just keep in mind that you cannot draw Social Security benefits until you are 62.
Some can't afford to retire at 62 on Soical Security because Medicare doesn't start until 65.
Only a few in the elected government can afford to retire at 50.
was there ever a generation that didn't think they knew better than the last--or a generation that didn't complain about the crazy kids?