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Society is changing, so will life after retirement
By Nelson Ramos Modesto Bee, July 8, 2003 The
start of summer not only represents a rite of passage for younger folks,
but it is a time for retirements for older people. Generally, those entering retirement today represent the latter
part of the 75-million strong traditionalist generation, born between 1900
and 1945. People of this generation are characterized by their high work
ethic, self-discipline and motivation to benefit their children and
families through major sacrifices. Members of what has often been called
the "other-centered" generation typically worked long and hard.
In their retirements, they justifiably look forward to the rewards that
come from years of sacrifice and deferred indulgences. Traditionalists will probably get the last laugh on most of us. For
in sizable numbers, they probably will be the last generation that in
their elder years will be able to really enjoy and appreciate those things
they passed up while they were busy working. Next come 80 million baby boomers (born between 1946 and 1964),
followed by 46 million Generation X-ers (born between 1965 and 1981).
While the retired traditionalists relax, regain their health and focus on
giving back to their families and communities, boomers will probably still
be trying to find themselves and question where they've been and where
they're going. Baby boomers represent the first generation with a truly optimistic
focus on individual and career growth opportunities. After all, a boomer's
next accomplishment was always going to be better than the one before.
People in this "me" generation also felt privileged because they
had the opportunities to focus on individual growth instead of
sacrificing, as did their traditionalist parents. Until recently, all of this tended to create in boomers an almost
ambivalent view toward retirement. However, after several years of
recession, downsizing and dwindling governmental benefits, many a boomer's
knack for self-expression has been kick-started and transformed into
either self-reliance or perceived expertise with the pop gurus of personal
finance. Unfortunately, boomers also grew up during history's greatest
availability of consumer goods and services. To many, that means that
money always will be an issue. Thus "work till you drop" also
will become a sad reality for many. "Retirement" will be significantly redefined during the
next 10 years. In addition, workforce shortages will accompany Gen X-ers
as they get older. Thus, a "typical" retirement may mean moving from a
formal long-term career path to successive shorter-term employments. Thus,
ordering from white-haired 80-year-old servers at McDonald's may one day
not seem out of place. But boomers always will push toward jobs that offer challenges and
self-expression. So, coupled with the declining number of traditionalists,
we shouldn't expect an increase in demand for those little umbrellas that
sit atop drinks. As for me, I'm definitely going to start to raise the quality of
snacks around the house. After all, one of those kids hanging around with
my children may one day be my supervisor should I decide to continue
working. Copyright
© 2002 Global Action on Aging |
