Traditions offer anchoring reassurances that life can still make sense and be simple again. Boomer blogger Tim Lybarger says, "As I age, I have resolved to hang onto the traditions that truly reflect the core of who I am. The world can toss me about, but it cannot loosen my grip on the things that matter most to me." What are your traditions that provide hope for green fields and dandelions?

How does one of little means make a real difference? Just do it. Do not wait for the perfect plan and the feeling of confidence to come. If we doubt ourselves but are still motivated to act, then we are ready. We are competent enough to begin by taking the first step.

There are only three things in life to manage: Time, energy and attention. Boomer blogger Tim Lybarger says that attention is the key to a fulfilling and satisfying life – at any age. It is through our ATTENTION that we direct the ENERGY available to us within the precious units of possibility (TIME), to create the realities of our lives. The goal for maximizing the quality of our lives is to gain deliberate control over our attention so that we do not squander our limited energy on things that are distractions rather than what we really care most about. 

Despite Covid-19 and the opioid crisis, the overall trend line is unmistakable. We are living longer. Almost all of us know of someone who has breached the century mark. Please welcome Boomer's newest blogger, Tim Lybarger, who focuses on strategies for working and living toward the goal of a remarkable 100-year life. In his new blog, In it for Life: Maximizing Longevity, Tim says it's time for older adults to look forward to all the opportunities a long life has in store for those who have eyes to see the enriching potential. It's all a matter of perception... embracing the possibilities rather than assuming further limitations.

Approaching retirement means discovering new purpose. Beginning the journey feels like facing a dark entrance into the deep forest. The pathway through the forest is where purpose, meaning and our legacy lie. Time is short, so you need to be about it. Begin with single steps to explore the forest that, in the end, holds not fear, but wonder.

Grandparenting has fundamentally changed. The pandemic redefined the role for many elders who found themselves “substitute parenting” their grandchildren. When the ones we love need help, we may be in a unique position to provide it, even if it saps our patience and energy to the bone.

My goal: to qualify for, and run, the 2023 Boston Marathon at age 70. Explaining “the why” of it all is pretty simple, actually. To quote Bob Hayes, “By the time I finish the race, I’ll be really glad that I did it.” Will you be glad about the race you’ve run — the life you lived? Guarantee it by committing to doing the hard things — starting right now!

Aging has the potential of bringing on isolation and cynicism. We can too easily find ourselves glued to the television, joining the news station chorus on bemoaning the state of world affairs, because of what that other group is doing that is not right, by our own group’s definition. I don’t do Us and Them-ism anymore. I personally choose connection and understanding over cynicism and isolation.