Trends among affluent, more "Global Awareness"
Starting in 2006, every eight seconds a baby boomer will reach a sixtieth birthday. That's 11,000 people daily or 4 and 1/2 million a year.
This is a different type of animal, this generation. This may be the youngest generation of people, of this age, that the world has ever seen. In some cases this generation seems to be younger than it's children, who seems to be enslaved by a conservative, constricted, and compliant life style that is politically correct. This generation of people in their 60's is by no means boring or complacent.
We see them all over the world, some traveling to exotic places, some doing charity work, some involved in new political efforts, and some simply doing things they wanted to do, but were too busy when they were younger.
One of the fastest growing trends among affluent, educated men, is having children. Yes, having babies! More and more affluent men are conceiving children, and most report that it is the most fulfilling period of their life. One man said: "I am now affluent, I can afford to give the child and the mother all the support they need, and this has been wonderful. Life is so much fun now. It gives so much inspiration and reason to live!" Jim Lane, Attorney in Fort Worth recently announced that he and his wife had adopted a new baby. Jim is 61 years old. "I put a photo of the baby on the steering wheel of my car to remind me of why I go to work every day." he said.
What will these folks, the leading edge of a 78 million-member generation, do next? Will they pick up their golf clubs and head to the age-segregated links? Or choose a path more in keeping with their character? After all, this is the generation of sex, drugs and marching in the streets. What reports throughout the world are telling us, is that this generation is the most exciting, the most creative and the most intent ever on making the world a better place.
The salient point seems to be that this generation, unlike any other, seems to want to "make a difference" and has the money, the initiative, and the drive to do it.
Award-winning writer Joan Fitting Scott's new book, Skinning the Cat: A Baby Boomer's Guide to the New Retiree Lifestyles is the result of extensive research and interviews with dozens of boomers. Scott offers a look at their trailblazing idea of retirement. Her book provides cutting-edge options for life's second act, whether that means continuing work, returning to school, philanthropy or travel." www.joanfittingscott.com
One of the interesting things is that this "Retiree" age group, does not retire, or retreat. It re-engages life in a more energetic and dynamic way than ever. It even has changed the definition of what is acceptable in marriage. It is not unusual now for successful affluent older men, to marry younger, talented women, who share goals of achievement. As one man of 57 said: "I will never retire. All of my staff are young, and yet non of them can keep up with me." His significant other in the room nodded and smiled. She laughed and said: "I am much younger than him, and I can't even keep up with him!"
Carlos Moore, married Terry Moore, an attorney, who has run for District Attorney of Fort Worth. "She is 20 years younger than I am, yet, we keep each other energized. I have ideas and experience and she has drive and talent. Our marriage has been wonderful and good for both of us." he said.