For us baby boomers, getting old is simply a minor adjustment

By Jim Shea

Baby boomers.

It’s always been about us.

And why not?

We had the numbers.

We had the chutzpah.

We had Wavy Gravy, who once said: “If you can remember Woodstock, you probably weren’t there.”

Yeah, we were cool, all right.

Now, though, we’re “Reelin’ in the Years.”

Time isn’t just no longer on our side. Time is changing sides.

Other generations might see this getting older thing as a problem.

We see it as a minor adjustment, such as reading glasses, Lipitor and forgetting stuff — like your spouse at the store.

Big freaking deal.

Hot flashes

So what if our flashbacks have given way to our hot flashes: 60 is the new 40; 40 is the new 20; 20 is the new, what, “terrible twos?”

All baby boomers, of course, are not created equal.

While baby boomers are identified broadly as people born between 1946 and 1964, the demographic is often divided into two groups.

You have your “Leading-Edge” boomers (1946-55).

You have your “Trailing-Edge” boomers (1955-64).

Trailing-Edge boomers are just entering the Fabulous 50s and trying to figure out how to send the kids to college and save for their golden, make that graying, years. (Hint: Either be really rich, Powerball lucky, or plan on working into your 70s.)

What’s next?

Leading-Edge boomers began turning 62 this year and are starting to think about — retirement is definitely the wrong word here — what to do next.

For the first time in a long time, the nest is empty. They not only have freedom but also the time to spend it. So what’s it going to be?

Kick back in a rocking chair — oh, please!

Run (or power-walk) with the bulls — maybe.

Write the great American novel — an option.

Change the world — been there, done that.

Learn to program your cell phone — anything’s possible.

Trip the light fandango — turn cartwheels across the floor — bingo.

Los Angeles Times-Washington Post News Service