Turning What You Love into What You Do
By Patrick O’Connor
An important aspect of turning what you love into what you do is to support healthy communities. Volunteering is a primary way to do so. Road Less Traveled subjects contribute to the places they live to improve them for everyone, especially those who have limited resources. This is also true for the Baby Boom generation.
Boomers: A massive community resource
76 million Boomers have been and will continue to define American society and life. They are the largest population group in history, shaping much of our society and economy. They are a very active, healthy and adventurous group and have the resources (time and money) to enjoy life and retirement.
Considering Boomers have additional time to volunteer and there are millions of them, we can expect a significant increase in the amount of community service they can provide. This has a significant impact when even small amounts make a difference. For example, the Salvation Army estimates that two hours of volunteer bell-ringing equates to feeding 104 people a meal.
millions of boomers + extra time = giant community resource
Most Boomers were raised by WWII vets and Depression survivors who became parents in the 1950s. One of the desires of this group was their children would have it “better than they did.” And they did! Wants (televisions) became needs and luxuries (automobiles) became necessities. They are the most affluent, prosperous generation in our history with the highest standard of living.
They grew up at time when “movements” seemed to be everywhere. Movements for women, minorities and people with special needs originated with young Boomers. This group was very socially conscious as indicated by campus activism, the Peace Corps, VISTA, and frequent civil rights marches.
Redefining Aging
As Boomers have throughout history, they are once again adapting in their “golden years.” They have new views on aging, lifestyle and the role of work in retirement. All indications are that Boomers are hardly their parents’ retirement generation.
“…the torch has been passed to a new generation of Americans.” ~John F. Kennedy, Inaugural Address, 1961
The latest adaption is to redefine the meaning of aging, old age and elderly. Many Boomers even dislike the term “senior citizen.” Rather than give a retiree a rocking chair at a retirement party these days, Boomers are more likely to receive a set of golf clubs, jogging shoes or zipline gear.
Boomers are a very active, healthy generation. The Silver Sneakers program is a good example of keeping millions of boomers active and healthy through access to excellent wellness facilities and fitness courses. And pickleball is the fastest growing American sport, in part due to all the Boomers who are playing it.
Another indication of the active nature of Boomers is the number who delay retirement. Many continue to work full time, even past social security age. And, about 50 % continue to work in retirement. Some work for financial reasons and others to keep active, engaged and mentally sharp.
Win-Win-Win
The win-win situation is where two parties benefit from something. There are also win-win-win situations where three parties benefit from the same thing. This is typical of the community service of Baby Boomers. When Boomers volunteer, they benefit (psychic income) as do the individuals benefitting from their generosity and the community is better off, as well….win-win-win.
There is no shortage of need, and it is easy to connect. There is even a Volunteer Match service that connects volunteers with needs simply by entering a zip code. Boomers looking for local volunteer opportunities in Northeast Ohio can start with these exemplary examples.
Volunteering as a family is a great way to give back to the community and make a difference in the world. It can help bring your family closer together, start important discussions with your kids about how each of us can make an impact, and teach us valuable life lessons. See Places to Volunteer as a Family (northeastohiofamilyfun.com)
Greater Cleveland Volunteers recruits volunteers age 18+ to serve at numerous nonprofit organizations in Cuyahoga County. They assist people in finding the right opportunity to serve based on their interests, skills and availability.
AARP Foundation Tax-Aide provides in-person and virtual tax assistance to anyone, free of charge, with a focus on taxpayers who are over 50 and have low to moderate income.
Americans are a generous culture. The notion of doing things for others is ingrained in our values. We grow up with it. A service expectation is even built into high school and college education. Boomers can continue to contribute in many ways for a very long time. Everyone benefits when they do.
My next blog segment looks at how Boomers can combine their interests into satisfying activities in retirement enabling them to turn what they love into what they do.
Child Advocacy Artist George E. Miller
Nice! I learned about a half dozen new things.