Good News: The Boomers Are Coming

Sherry Lansing is onto something big with her idea to tap the energy, experience and skills of people in their 60s to teach in public schools. And, many can serve as volunteer mentors to young people, and in a variety of other roles to help strengthen local communities.

The leading-edge of the Baby Boom Generation turns 60 next year. On average, they can expect to live to 83; millions will continue well into their 90s. With kids off to college and the mortgage under control, boomers will confront the question, “What do I want to do with the rest of my life?” We’re really talking about the JFK Generation--pre-boomers as well as leading-edge-boomers. Can we tap into latent feelings from the 60s to motivate people to “give back” to local communities? My colleagues and I at the Harvard School of Public Health are going to give it a try with a national media campaign modeled after our Designated Driver campaign. MetLife Foundation is supporting it. We’re designing it right now, and ideas are welcome!