Myths and Truths

I was listening to one of the morning news programs recently while getting ready for work and a segment on baby boomer myths caught my attention — and probably the attention of everyone else between the ages of 44 and 62. It wasn’t a long piece, but interesting, so I investigated further when I had a minute. What fascinating stuff!

The study was released by AARP Services and Focalyst and titled, “How Well Do You Know Boomers? Counting Down the Top 10 Boomer Myths.” You can get the full report at www.focalyst.com/Sites/Focalyst/Content/KnowledgeCenter.

A few of the myths surprised me. Like Myth #9 — boomers are downsizing their homes. In truth, three quarters of boomers plan to live in either a same-sized or larger home five years from now. So much for small condos. Maybe this matches up with the phenomenon of adult children moving back in with parents.

In fact, they found that most boomers are not married empty nesters. Seven million boomers recently started dating and 1.7 million do online dating. Who said boomers aren’t techno-savvy!

Myth #6 was that boomers are brand loyal and will not switch. After I thought about that for a while, I agreed. I used to only drive a Buick. That was about three or four cars ago — all different and all non-Buick.

Myth #1 said that boomers are all the same. I actually wasn’t surprised by that one. I’m eight years older than my sister and even though we grew up in the same household for many years, it was a different household for each of us in many ways. For example, my mother didn’t work outside the home while I was growing up, but did after I went off to college. My sister was in grade school. My sister has children; I don’t. Her son mows her grass. I pay a lawn care company.

On that myth about sameness, the study reported that more life events occur between the ages of 50-65 than in any other time in one’s life. That’s on average for sure, but still, that’s interesting, isn’t it? Events during that time span could be health issues, retiring, losing a job, getting grandchildren, a parent moving in with you and many more.

Well, how does all of that fit into healthy aging? It might mean that we don’t know ourselves as well as we think we do or that others don’t really know as much about older adults as they presume. Take stock of each situation. Decide what makes sense for you. Rejoice in the fact that one size doesn’t fit all and that we are not all from the same cookie cutter. If you’re stuck in an old groove, use this information as inspiration to explore the world in a new way!

Has your myth been that you are just too old to learn how to swim? Or, you’d look silly riding a Harley? Or that date night for seniors doesn’t sound quite right? It’s a mind, body, spirit thing. Get out and do what’s right for you. Turn your myths into truths about what you want to do to be happy and healthy and to stay that way.

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Past Post

Knowledge Is Power (April 8, 2008)

Getting on the Same Page (March 10, 2008)

Ticking Toward 100 (Feb. 25, 2008)

Smart Aging Requires a Full Dance Card (Feb. 11, 2008)

Time on your hands (Jan. 28, 2008)

Getting Ready for Retirement — Can You Hear Me Now? (Jan. 14, 2008)

Karen Talbott

President, Visiting Nurse Service and Affiliates

I am a native of Cadiz, Ohio (the infamous birthplace of Clark Gable), a resident of Fairlawn, Ohio, and am the president of Visiting Nurse Service and Affiliates, which is the largest comprehensive home health care system in Ohio. I am also a Fellow of Hospice and Home Care, one of only a few so designated in the United States by the National Association for Home Care. At Kent State University, I received both bachelors and masters degrees.

I’ve always been interested in the health care industry and especially as that relates to services for the senior population. That has led me to be involved in many community organizations such as the Senior Independent Living Coalition and Social Services Advisory Board in Summit County.

I’m privileged to have been recognized for my professional work over the years, including Crain’s Cleveland Business’ Woman of Note; Northern Ohio Live’s Top Woman Rainmaker Award; 2006 Extraordinary Woman Award from the Akron Beacon Journal; and more.

I’m a baby boomer. One of 78 million in fact. Lost in a crowd — no way! Baby boomers and those before us will leave and have left their mark on America for generations to come. Now that’s exciting.