It’s December! Where did the year go? It seems like just yesterday we were looking forward to the start of 2017 and now 2018 is staring us in the face!
I remember my mother used to comment on how quickly the years sped by, the older she got. As a second-wave Boomer, I can see what she meant. I may not be in the December of my life, but I can see it coming!
Which makes me recall a comment that was made to me by a fellow student when I was doing my doctoral work. The project I was creating for my D. Min. thesis was designed for Baby Boomers, to help them transition into the second half of life while growing spiritually. When discussing how to market the program, my Boomer friend Paula turned to me, looked me straight in the eyes, and said: “Whatever you do, do not identify this as a program for seniors. If you do, I will not come. I am not a senior!” I took Paula’s advice and am happy to report that I had so many register for the first course that I had to develop a waiting list for a second course, which was offered later in the year. The program will actually be available in book form early in 2018.
Boomers have always done things their way, and they are doing the second half of life their way too. Someone once said, if you are planning a program for Boomers at your church or synagogue, think of it as a youth group for mature adults. I like that. As Mom also used to say, “Inside I feel as though I am only 18. It’s only my knees and other aching joints that tell me otherwise!”
Check out two articles on this subject which I found recently. Let me know what you think. What moniker would you like?
“Don’t Call Us Seniors”: The Baby Boomers at 65 by Doug Norris, Ph.D.
“I Say Senior, You Say Señor” by Frank Kaiser
Boomerality 