bohemian boomer

Here’s something for boomers who are missing the pitter patter of little feet. An innovative community group in Oregon has started a program called “Babies & Boomers.”

Here’s their thinking: they need volunteers for their Early Head Start and Head Start programs…many baby boomers are at a place in their lives where they have the time and the desire to volunteer, and the energy (at least many of us still have the energy) to work with young children. Volunteer coordinator Madeline Enos adds that the boomer generation definitely has the skill set:

We want to tap into that and provide meaningful volunteer opportunities that give them the chance to really utilize their skills and work with young children which are, of course, the most vulnerable population and full of potential.”

Boomers remember when President Kennedy declared, “Children are the world’s most valuable resource and its best hope for the future,” and we took his words to heart. Programs like “Babies & Boomers” give us another opportunity to make a positive impact on future generations.

Besides, when was the last time you got to read “Hop on Pop” aloud to an enthusiastic audience? Here’s your chance if you live along the southern coast of Oregon. For info on volunteering, visit the Oregon Coast Community Action website by clicking here or go to www.orcca.us.

From the 2010 Del Webb Baby Boomer Survey comes a revelation that seems obvious to us bohemian boomers: We feel younger than our chronological age. Btw, Del Webb is the county’s largest builder of “active adult communities” – no one dares to call them “retirement homes” anymore.

Back to their survey: The latest results show those of us turning 50 this year say we actually feel 10 years younger than that. Boomers older than 50 feel about 13 years younger than their physical age.

To what do they attribute their feeling of youthfulness? The survey shows it has to do with these five activities:

1. Exercise regularly — More than 55 percent work out regularly as a way to feel youthful.

2. Hit the books — Nearly a third have gone or will go back to school.

3. Volunteer — More than 60 percent are giving back to their communities by volunteering.

4. Still working — More than 70 percent plan to work in “retirement” either part-time, full-time or in starting a new career.

5. Trying something new, like yoga or photography — Approximately 40 percent have taken up a new hobby or activity.

Again, this is nothing new to the bohemians among us – we’re all about staying as active and engaged in society as we can, regardless of the years on us.

But here’s something interesting, the results show just about every boomer surveyed says old age begins at 80. What do you want to bet that number will be going up in future surveys? Let’s face it, old age is always several years away from whatever age we are when you ask us about it.

Remember how your ears would ring for several hours after a rock concert? You knew that was going to come back to bite you some day. Apparently that day is close at hand.

Right now about 36 million people in the U.S. suffer hearing loss. But as you might guess, that number is increasing as boomers grow older. One hearing loss education organization estimates that number will double by the year 2030.

Yep, that’s 72 million folks constantly uttering, “Say what now?”

A couple of thoughts come immediately to mind:

First, it might be a smart thing to start buying stock in the Miracle Ear company.

Second, your parents did try to warn you that going to Alice Cooper and Black Sabbath concerts would damage you. Although they were talking about your moral character…not your ear drums.

Another day, another insult. This time from a major television network, as reported by Deadline Hollywood:

After separating contestants by race and gender in recent editions of Survivor, it was probably inevitable for the CBS reality series to also play the age card. Indeed, the network this morning announced that the 20 new castaways on Survivor: Nicaragua will be divided into “two tribes of 10: Young vs. Old.” What was surprising for me was the criteria: The “old” tribe features “individuals over the age of 40,” while the “young” tribe is comprised by “individuals 30 years of age and younger.” Given CBS’ demo makeup, 40-year-olds are actually on the young end of the spectrum. Looking for a way to alienate your younger viewers? Just call them “old.”

Way to go CBS.

Here’s the conundrum that everyone but CBS seems to realize: If 30 and under is young, and 40 and older is old…what are you if you’re between 30 and 40? Is that stage of life some kind of age purgatory?