In 2006 the first of the demographic cohort called the Baby Boomers turned 60. Usually with milestone birthdays people stop, reflect and take stock of their lives. And the BIG Six-OH! really sends people into reflection and introspection.
After looking in the mirror and asking, "How did that happen?" …followed by "Wow, I don't look 60, and I sure don't feel THAT old…" the next thing that follows is usually "Oh! My! God!… that sure happened FAST!"
Meryl Streep in the movie "It's Complicated" is redefining what 60-year-old women look like. Thank goodness, it was about time.
This actually happened to me a few years ago, so I know what I'm talking about. Frankly, it's all good, a little better than I expected, and fortunately, the down-hill part hasn't hit yet.
The most frightening thing? Seeing a few older friends start to fade, health-wise. The next scary thing is seeing a few Boomer friends who do not know what to do next. When they realize they still have 25-35 good years ahead, they are increasingly concerned about meaning, purpose, and energy.
Dan Pink in his new book, Drive, points out there is a possible tsunami coming as the Baby Boomers face questions like:
- What can I do that really matters?
- How can I start to make a big difference in this world?
- How can I live my best life in this next part of it?
