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In Retirement, Boomers Pushed to Think Outside "Me" Box
June 15, 2004, Pioneer Press (St. Paul, Minnesota)

By KAY HARVEY

"What will you do with the rest of your life?"

Billboards and TV ads will likely flash that question at baby boomers soon and often to get them thinking hard about their golden years.

Boomers, the huge post-World War II generation now ages 39 to 58, have never been the civic servants their parents' generation is, says a report being released today in Washington, D.C. Fewer than a third of boomers say they expect to do community service in retirement.

That has to change, say national planners, who wince at a "me generation" approach to the nation's future. They say boomers need a push.

Prepared by the Harvard School of Public Health and MetLife Foundation, the new report lays groundwork for a national campaign it promises will exceed the scope of a designated-driver promotion in the 1980s.

"If the foundations of social capital are established early in life, is it too late for the boomers, who didn't grow up that way?" the report asks. "Or is it still possible they might lead the way for the generations to come?"

In some ways, they already have. Many boomers acted out against tradition and authority to change many social norms. At this stage of their lives, they are better educated, healthier and bound to live longer than any previous generation. As they continue to age, people 65 and older soon will make up 20 percent of the country's population. The extra years that remain offer them the chance to leave a valuable social legacy.

"Much may depend on the first wave of boomers," the new report suggests.

Some could be primed by President John F. Kennedy's call to service in the early 1960s. Those who take up the charge could create a model for younger boomers and younger generations.

Based on several other studies, the report doesn't blame boomers alone for a low interest in volunteerism as they look toward retirement. The report cites these other influences:

The average age of retirement is rising. While the rise is slight among American men, it is dramatic among women. Reasons for it include improved health, a decline in defined-benefit retirement plans and Social Security changes that eliminate disincentives to work.

More people volunteer in midlife than retirement. The percentage of people who volunteer peaks in the midst of child-raising and multiple other commitments. Boomers' parents show a second peak in their 70s, which may underscore the G.I. Generation's civic commitment. It wasn't true for the preceding generation.

The current language of aging is obsolete. Such words as "retirement," "volunteer," "senior" and "active senior" oversimplify reality and act as barriers to change. The report looks to the entertainment industry and advertising to expand images of aging.

A wider range of volunteer opportunities may be needed. Broad options, trial runs and flexible times and commitments could add appeal.

The report also suggests third-party institutions may need to get involved to train, recruit and refer boomers. Ahead of the curve in Minnesota is the Vital Aging Network, a forum designed to enrich older people's lives and foster advocacy and community involvement. The network and its monthly meetings are based in the University of Minnesota's College of Continuing Education (www.van.umn.edu).

"As we look forward to an increase in older adults … how do we maximize the engagement of older adult leaders in shaping vital communities?" asks Jan Hively, the network's founder and senior adviser.

One of the network's approaches is a leadership certification program. Among 30 older adults who graduated from its first nine-month class in May was Georgiana May of Minneapolis.

"I was looking for what to do with the rest of my life," says May, 82. She has long volunteered at a nursing home, where she plays piano and bridge and visits with residents. She attends all her grandchildren's school and community events. A Spanish student, she hopes to become an interpreter for Spanish-speaking people in the Twin Cities community. And that's not all.

"I'm open to other possibilities as the rest of my life happens," she says.

Minnesota boomers ponder their futures

We asked six Minnesotans the question a national campaign soon will ask of baby boomers across the country: "What will you do with the rest of your life?"

• "I hope to retire at age 65, then work part time as a bicycle technician in northern Minnesota. I hope to continue hiking, camping and bicycling. Volunteering would be limited to endeavors that encourage individual responsibility … maybe Boy Scouts." - Paul "Gus" Davis, 53, St. Peter, Minn., franchise business owner

• "I have five years to work - figuring age 60. I see myself then doing an independent job - writing, designing, planning events, things that are creative. I have three children. I see myself in the role of helping family. I volunteer doing what I like best - bowling. " - Peggy Engman, 55, St. Paul, operating-room nurse

• "I want to pursue my photography. I want to publish a book. I will volunteer with my local senior center and at my future grandkids' schools. I want to take seniors on trips. I want to be in a musical with other seniors who do performances in care centers." - Kim Prayfrock, 45, Maplewood, marketing/communications director

• "I have a feeling you retire who you are. My plan is to relax, travel with family and friends, pursue hobbies and volunteer at church and in the community. My dream volunteer job would be for the United Nations or Peace Corps. I want to be ready for a surprise, too!" - Ann Reidell, 54, West St. Paul, first-grade teacher

• "I play golf. I'm on a couple of committees at the golf course. I visit my kids and grandkids in Alaska and Wisconsin. My mother just moved to a retirement home here from South Dakota. Like a lot of baby boomers, I feel sometimes my plate is full." - Randy Stoneking, 57, Mendota Heights, retired insurance executive

• "I have seven sons, seven grandsons and a granddaughter. I've been involved with youth through coaching baseball, church and the community. I expect when I retire I'll stay with what my interests are. Maybe I'll be coaching my grandsons." - Rand Winspear, 55, Eagan, investment consultant

Which boomer group is a fit for you?

Survey researchers from Roper-ASW, in collaboration with AARP, have created these broad-based groups to describe baby boomers as they think about heading into retirement:

• The Strugglers have few financial resources and are pessimistic about the future. They describe their health as less than "good" and have little money saved for retirement. They expect to work to make ends meet or rely on Social Security alone for retirement income.

• The Anxious have some retirement savings but not enough to instill much confidence in the future. They are especially concerned about health-care issues. They see retirement more as a hardship than a time for increased travel, recreation or community service.

• Today's Traditionalists are middle-income boomers with moderate retirement savings. Some expect a degree of intergenerational family support. Most are at least relatively healthy. They are fairly confident Social Security and Medicare will be there but still expect to do some work for pay in retirement.

• The Self-Reliants are economically well fixed, with significant retirement savings. They're fairly connected to the community through employment or community service. They have an expectation of working part time for interest and enjoyment, if not for extra money, and expect to do some volunteering.

• The Enthusiasts are economically upscale, with retirement savings that are considered more than sufficient. They look forward optimistically to springing free from work to enjoy hobbies, travel and relaxation and have no plans to work during retirement. Some say they'll get into volunteering; others say not.