Today, I was reading a March 22 posting on AolHealth.com and had a revelation about what Baby Boomers have contributed most to Society. The article hammered aging stereotypes, myths and misconceptions about aging and well being and presented a very upbeat overview about the aging process. As it did in previous decades, the size of this generation/cohort/segment’ elevated issues in each life stage: adolescence, college, couple, child rearing, middle age, and saving for retirement. Finally, the importance of aging issues and positive aging are coming to the forefront of media attention as the first Boomer reaches the traditional age of “retirement” next January 1.
A decade ago, there were few stories about brain fitness, positive aging, staying active, eating right, life planning, and spirituality as we age. Oh, there was a cover story when the first Baby Boomers turned 50 then 60 and will not doubt be covered big time in 2011 and the first of us turns age 65, but not the daily stories about Boomers that now dominate both the professional and general circulation media.
Although much of the Boomer commentary and coverage, in my opinion, is myopic and ignores what we already know about aging, I am thankful that the overriding impact on the media so far is very positive. Life after age 65 was a reality for decades, but the media was following the Boom as it grew up, which is to be expected I guess. After all, as bank robber Willie Sutton said, “That’s where the money is.”
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