Birthday No. 65

Many people of the Baby Boomer generation are turning 65 this year. Some already have. I was wondering how this group of people will be celebrating their 65th birthday. Will there be a big party event, small party, no party? Or just saunter off to the senior citizen centers?

Many have varying opinions of how they see themselves and their place in society. What are their dreams and goals, if any? Some who have retired from active work-life are wondering what's next. Many are talking about reinventing themselves - but what does that really mean? Many have started taking courses to refresh their skills to become economically viable. But after learning new skills, will they be able to get a job? Any job at all?

One of my friends who retired three years ago told me last week that she has been sending off applications to various companies but so far she has had no responses. She has now come to realize that the recruiters take one look at her many years of experience and conclude that she is too old (even if she didn't put her age on her Resume). So she thinks her application goes in the wastebasket. I wonder if this is true for other baby boomers who have already left the workplace.

From what I read in the news some older people have done very well and can live comfortably on their nest egg. Others have to work to make ends meet even in their 70s and 80s. For some their years of waiting for retirement have been shattered by the market crash, poor investment returns, while others were duped by fraudulent investors who ran off with their life savings, or uncertain get rich quick schemes, the real estate market debacle etc.

To make matters worse for some Baby Boomers and older people, many parents are now having to help out older children who have lost their jobs or have to fully support them with children in tow. So where is that rosy picture about retirement that people had when they were younger? Thoughts of permanent holidays, foreign travel, beautiful tropical beaches and golf, golf, golf? All shattered, that's what! Some have lost their nest-eggs in to various ponzi schemes that we all learned about from the media. So where do they go from here?

This is a call to all Baby Boomers to start making plans - just like when we were still working. Some may not be in the habit of keeping a planner but even if you didnt in the past, there is no better time start. Today go out and buy a planner and start making daily plans. Plan what you are going to do for every hour of one full day. If you are at a loss for things to do, run a search on the weekly events page on yahoo.com or other websites. Then think of what you will do the next day and the next. Soon you will have a whole week of activities! Then you will see the weekly plans filling up your calendars and before you know it you will be making plans months ahead of time! Make plans to look for jobs, select the companies you want to work for, do your research, update your resumes and get that job, sell your skills, what you already know including hobbies can bring in cash. Develop strategies for the holidays, promote your products or if you have enough money to live on, then pursue the happier path - visits friends and relatives near or far, enjoy hobbies, your favorite sports, trekking, kayaking, touring by land, sea and air (if you can afford it) There are many tours and travel agencies to choose from or go to your favorite travel agency. Make plans to volunteer your expertise to various local charities or even overseas. There are many social service organizations, and church groups that are in dire need of volunteers to help the most vulnerable here in the USA and overseas. Being happy with yourself and with what you are doing are the best gifts you can give to yourself. Good luck!