AGING BABY BOOMERS MOURN THE LOSS OF TIME

AGING BABY BOOMERS MOURN THE LOSS OF TIME

Aging Baby Boomers' life-clocks are ticking so loudly it sounds as if alarm bells are announcing our remaining time is dwindling. Gulp! Gasp! Deep Breath!

Does this solemn news re-inspire you to emphatically say 'Yes' to do what you have always wanted to do (but kept postponing), with whomever you choose ... or alone?

And, to say 'No' to whatever you do not want to do and to those with whom you do not want to spend precious time? No exceptions. No excuses. No regrets. No more waiting.

Pre-Covid-lockdowns, most boomers were completely over-and-done with the process of regretting the time we had wasted and disrespected on silly things, and even sillier people.

Once that was accomplished, boomers - especially retired first-wavers and midpointers - got busy sorting through and emptying bucket lists, as well as organizing and fulfilling wish lists.

Overall, we focused on achieving our aspirations - new ones or those put on hold, decades ago.

Last-wave boomers who are still working, with children living at home, were looking forward to retirement and empty nests.

Except ... we know what happened. Covid-lockdowns put our bucket and wish lists on pause. Each passing day, week, then month of lockdowns stacked another layer of mold on our bucket and wish lists.

Post-lockdowns, albeit the sadness and tears may linger, let's wipe away the mold and move forward with a renewed commitment to respect and appreciate time.

Take a step forward by reaffirming the intention of doing what you want, when you want, and with whom you want.

By the way: Thank you for spending time reading this blog.

COMMENTARY

A popular item on Baby Boomers' wish lists is to have at least one more fantastic adventure. Well, a lot more. Why not?

CONTACT INFORMATION

Email: drwendykyman@gmail.com

AGING BABY BOOMERS' LOCKDOWN ACCOMPLISHMENTS

 AGING BABY BOOMERS' LOCKDOWN ACCOMPLISHMENTS

Baby Boomers do not need Captain Obvious to tell us the Covid pandemic and subsequent lockdowns have adversely affected our lives. We. Know.

Despite all the hardships, there were a few positive outcomes.

One positive is that a lot of boomers, who pre-lockdowns were not computer proficient, have become tech-savvy. Most used this improved ability to explore the virtual realm. That is, connect more fully to the outside world, from home.

Being online gave us the opportunity to upgrade skills, awaken dormant talent, be entertained, and, of course, shop - either out of necessity or boredom.

A large portion of boomers enrolled in online classes to study languages, learn to play musical instruments, write memoirs, do DIY home improvements, and ... 

A number of us rekindled lost friendships via Internet searches. Did you?

Remember life before computers? Yep. All of us do. Thus, we do not need our imaginations to envision what the lockdown year would have been like if computers/Internet did not yet exist.

What was your initial reaction to computers and the Internet? Were you eager, tentative, or not interested?

Our interest levels were irrelevant if we had careers that compelled us to learn how to use this new technology, and learn quickly. It was especially helpful if we lived with, or near, 14 year-olds.

Even though it may have been a struggle at first, eventually most boomers acquired the basic skills to maneuver the mouse, picked-up 'geek' terminology, and overcame computer-intimidation. One huge challenge was overcoming the fear of making mistakes that would cause irreparable damage. Ahhhh... the good ole days.

COMMENTARY

Baby Boomers have indeed come a long way. Big applause to us for our amazing accomplishments.

Case in point: This blog exists and you are able to read it thanks to our awesome computer skills. Cheers!

STAY TUNED ...

CONTACT INFORMATION

Email: drwendykyman@gmail.com

AGING BABY BOOMERS' POST-LOCKDOWN 'TO-DO LISTS'

AGING BABY BOOMERS' POST-LOCKDOWN TO-DO LISTS

Moving forward, post lockdowns, will you resume your life exactly where you left off, pre-Covid? 

Or, has lockdown-alone-time (see previous blog) revealed a need/desire for life changes? If so, the next step is compiling a revised To-Do List.

Generally, Baby Boomers' top To-Do List revisions involve relationships and places of residence. As expected, a few will be fairly easy to implement, others very difficult.

Are you one of the boomers who has decided to reconcile with estranged family and/or friends? Are you among those who have chosen to end negative relationships? If you have opted to do both, which will be easier for you to accomplish?

Certainly, a difficult To-Do item is solving cohabitation issues. A number of boomers realized too much lockdown-togetherness revealed incompatibility with romantic partners. For instance, traits that used to be tolerable have become intolerable (get on our last nerve) Now what?

Some couples are waiting for life to get back to 'normal' before making final decisions about cohabitation. Is it possible that reactivating social activities and being busy with outside distractions will lesson relationship tension? If not, it is decision time. Gasp!

Conversely, boomers who live alone realized too much isolation revealed the need/desire for companionship. Where do we find companions at this age?

One suggestion is to seek buddies: people to share specific activities and interests - without expectations and pressure for deep connection, i.e. workout buddies, movie buddies, concert buddies, et cetera.

Quite a few boomers have decided to relocate because travel restrictions revealed the need/desire to live closer to loved ones.

Moving to a new home in a new location is always difficult. It just is. However, the difficulty is usually temporary and worth it.

Additional To-Do List topics range from important resolutions to organize and complete 'end-of-life paperwork (Groan!) ... to trotting out the eternal pledge to be more active and improve eating habits. Didn't we ditch the fitness/lose weight pledge eons ago? But hey, maybe this time?

COMMENTARY

Baby Boomers are wise enough to expect obstacles to pop up throughout the To-Do List revision process.

Ideally: All obstacles are trivial and changes will go smoothly. Please!

Realistically: Several obstacles will be challenging to overcome and will require time, effort, patience, and commitment.

Harsh Reality: Lack of financial resources and/or medical issues may prevent boomers from reaching all goals. Hopefully, solutions are found to at least partially fulfill your list.

Whenever we encounter obstacles it helps to repeatedly remind ourselves why we are updating To-Do Lists. The intention is: To 'Live Our Best Lives.' Go for it!

STAY TUNED ...

CONTACT INFORMATION

Email:  drwendykyman@gmail.com