Archive for February, 2009

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Happy Valentine’s Day to all of us Baby Boomers

Thursday, February 12th, 2009
Happy Valentine's Day

Happy Valentine's Day

By Boomeryearbook.com

As the day nears there are many who are pro and against Valentine’s Day. But, I just say this to everybody, there’s nothing wrong with a day of extra special lovin’! I’m a woman whose statistics classify as part of the baby boomer generation. I’m hmm, a mature woman of a certain age. Yet, while age has a number, a state of mind is ephemeral. You are truly as young or as old as you feel. Obviously, your state of mind has positive correlations to age, you hopefully become more mature and more composed. But, that doesn’t mean you become dull. All you baby boomer women out there, have no shame in looking forward to Valentine’s Day!

In the past few years the baby boomer generation has possibly been sending more V Day cards to their grandchildren and relatives, and not their loved ones. Maybe they’re single, or maybe they’ve just been married so long they just don’t bother. Many single individuals of the baby boomer generation complain that most everyone their age is already in a committed relationship. Well, that is simply not true. You’d be surprised how many “single” people you can find that ‘are of your time’. Some people grumble about networking sites or V Day parties for singles above 50 … they call it unfair classification. Look, if you’re single and above 50, you’re single and above 50 … what’s wrong with that!

This weekend please forget all your anti V Day principles and inhibitions (well not ALL!) and do something special for a loved one. For the baby boomer generation I have good news. There are so many websites and other information outlets about gift ideas and romance.

What do you buy a fellow baby boomer for V Day?

I think gift baskets are a great idea. Buy stuff that will remind you of the 60s and 70s. Remember those tie dyed shirts and slinkies? Remember “Leave it to Beaver” and silly putty? Remember Tootsie Rolls and peace necklaces? You get the idea. Find things relative to the baby boomer generation. Dig in your stuff and pull out things from the past. Wipe off that dust and sit down with a loved one and reminisce. Baby boomer women; this can be with your loved one or your best girlfriend.

Another thing that most everybody, young and old, from or not from the baby boomer generation, likes is gift certificates. I go crazy for spa gift certificates. There’s nothing like a great day at the spa. While that may seem too exotic for you, give it a try, it’s so relaxing. If spas aren’t your thing then that is just fine. All women out there who don’t know what to buy their baby boomer men: offer to have all of their music updated to CDs or to MP3 format. Trust me, they’ll never do it themselves and it makes for a great, if not very romantic, gesture.

Happy Valentine’s Day to all Baby Boomers. Cheers to us!

www.boomeryearbook.com is a free social networking site connecting the baby boomers generation. Whether you are a member of the baby boomers generation or are related to someone who is, you will find plenty to do here. Free psychological articles on a vast variety of topics such as dream analysis, coaching and self-help, elderly problems, examinations and proposed solutions for types of discrimination along with weekly updates on mental and medical health. You can also become a non-member subscriber to our free newsletter to receive these articles directly in your inbox so you don’t miss out.

At Boomer Yearbook you can share your thoughts, upload pictures and find old friends, or use our online optical illusions and brain games, provided by clinical psychologist Dr. Karen Turner, to expand your mind and help ward off the possibility of depression, dementia and Alzheimer’s. Join now to discover the numerous ways in which this online social networking site for the baby boomers and boomers of all ages can contribute to optimal physical and emotional wellness. The baby boomers generation changed the world. We’re not done yet!

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Favorite boomers flicks: new and old

Thursday, February 12th, 2009
Natalie Wood in West Side Story

Natalie Wood in West Side Story

By Boomeryearbook.com

I love going to the movies, I love watching movies at home, I love my DVD collection … I just can’t get enough of movies! There’s nothing like curling up with a good book, but by the same token there’s nothing like a good movie and some popcorn. I grew up watching movies, and like most baby boomers, I remember it being an all day affair as it was never just one flick but always two. The boomer generation wasn’t all about rock and roll or hippies, we managed to fit in a few movies too! We were theater goers, but with increasing technology, many of the baby boomer generation are perfectly content to watch DVDs at home.

Here’s a list and a line or two about some great movies from our time: the boomer generations time. And some movies that are recent releases.

Shirley Valentine: This movie was actually based on a play. An unhappy wife was going through a mid life crisis when a holiday in Greece changed and refreshed her in more ways than one. I loved it.

West Side Story: The film released in 1961 and it wasn’t just another spin off of Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet; we remembered it. The songs were amazing, and while watching the movie might not be as great as seeing the play, I’d definitely count it as an all time favorite of the boomer generation. Wasn’t Natalie Wood just breathtaking?!

Dr Zhivago is another favorite of the boomer generation. (So far all the movies listed were either books or plays before being adapted to the big screen … hmm interesting) Anyway, this epic romance/war movie starred a gorgeous Omar Sharif in the lead role and an equally gorgeous Julie Christie. The film was released in 1965.

GREASE (Yes, originally a play). Do I need to explain this movie? Everybody, not only the boomer generation loved this movie. Olivia Newton John and John Travolta set the screen on fire.

The boomer generation has adapted rather well to today’s life. Really, it takes a great effort on our part to tolerate and digest some of the stuff our children and grandchildren watch and some stuff that is ostensible stimulating adult cinema.

However, we were fortunate as this past year turned out quite a few good movies. “Slumdog Millionaire” has been making waves ever since it was released. I think the movie is ageless and particularly relevant for those of the boomer generation in the sense that we grew up in a prosperous time and yet, so many years of ‘development’ later there are still those who don’t have what we had decades ago. While I thought the actors were impeccably played, I found the movie “Revolutionary Road” (another movie adapted from a novel), set in the post war, pre-Abortion era, a little slow and being one of millions of baby boomer women, I personally couldn’t relate to the world “prior” to the right to choose.

Do you have favorite flick; old or new? Come share your thoughts with others at Boomeryearbook.

www.boomeryearbook.com is a free social networking site connecting the baby boomers generation. Whether you are a member of the baby boomers generation or are related to someone who is, you will find plenty to do here. Free psychological articles on a vast variety of topics such as dream analysis, coaching and self-help, elderly problems, examinations and proposed solutions for types of discrimination along with weekly updates on mental and medical health. You can also become a non-member subscriber to our free newsletter to receive these articles directly in your inbox so you don’t miss out.

At Boomer Yearbook you can share your thoughts, upload pictures and find old friends, or use our online optical illusions and brain games, provided by clinical psychologist Dr. Karen Turner, to expand your mind and help ward off the possibility of depression, dementia and Alzheimer’s. Join now to discover the numerous ways in which this online social networking site for the baby boomers and boomers of all ages can contribute to optimal physical and emotional wellness. The baby boomers generation changed the world. We’re not done yet!

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GIFTS FOR YOUR POOCH ON THIS VALENTINE’S DAY

Thursday, February 12th, 2009
The baby boomers best friend

The baby boomers best friend

By Boomeryearbook.com

Let’s face it guys, in many cases our dogs are truly our best friends. Sure they take a lot of work, but as baby boomers, our dogs are oftentimes our “most faithful” Valentine; always happy to see us, always there for us, and always filled with love. Maybe the aging senior generation preferred owning a less high maintenance white Persian kitty cat or other docile animal; but for many baby boomers there’s no better alternate than the company of dogs. This Valentine’s Day I plan on buying my pooches (I personally have 3) some cute ‘presents’.

While I know this article might seem frivolous to some, and a little along the lines of ParisHilton-esque behaviors, I’m going to talk about gifts for the baby boomers dog. I guess the first question is ‘What are boomer dogs?’ The answer to that is simple: dogs that are, in dog years, well matured and er “middle”aged. Or, dogs that are owned by baby boomers can also be classified as boomer dogs. I don’t want to use the word old because that might make some baby boomers, including myself, feel a little touchy.
No matter what the reason was for baby boomers buying dogs, the fact is that dogs are just so lovable. My husband and my dogs are the only ones in my baby boomer empty nest house this Valentine’s Day so I thought to myself: why don’t I buy my dog something? It’s not as ridiculous as it sounds.

Dog breath STINKS. The solution: “dogtoids” … breath mints for dogs! It’s ingenious because really, you’re doing yourself a favor by buying them.

You can also buy your dog cute t shirts. I’m not really into buying dog clothing, especially in the summers, but some of the t shirts are just adorable and aren’t such a bother for dogs in the month of February. “To love, obey” is one of my favorite slogans on a dog t shirt.

Another fun gift could be balls that glow in the dark. You can play fetch with your dog at night too. Most balls will also float in the water and are made out of extra durable rubber. You probably already have treats for your dog but indulge this weekend and buy heart shaped treats to get into the full V Day fervor. You could also buy your dog a cute and plush heart shaped cushion for their bed, crate or favorite spot. (LOL, the foot of my bed).

What I just love buying for my dog is collars. I can’t get enough of them. You can buy such adorable heart-shaped collars for your dog, and your dog can wear one of those all year round. Heart shaped dog toys also make for useful gifts. Dog bowls and dog feeders can also be bought that have a Valentine theme.

All you baby boomers out there, if you’re not doing anything special for Valentine’s Day, at least make it special for your dog!

www.boomeryearbook.com is a free social networking site connecting the baby boomers generation. Whether you are a member of the baby boomers generation or are related to someone who is, you will find plenty to do here. Free psychological articles on a vast variety of topics such as dream analysis, coaching and self-help, elderly problems, examinations and proposed solutions for types of discrimination along with weekly updates on mental and medical health. You can also become a non-member subscriber to our free newsletter to receive these articles directly in your inbox so you don’t miss out.

At Boomer Yearbook you can share your thoughts, upload pictures and find old friends, or use our online optical illusions and brain games, provided by clinical psychologist Dr. Karen Turner, to expand your mind and help ward off the possibility of depression, dementia and Alzheimer’s. Join now to discover the numerous ways in which this online social networking site for the baby boomers and boomers of all ages can contribute to optimal physical and emotional wellness. The baby boomers generation changed the world. We’re not done yet!

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FASHION: From the baby boomer generation to now

Thursday, February 12th, 2009
Pres. Obama Inauguration Day

Pres. Obama Inauguration Day

By Boomeryearbook.com

Do you want to know what John F. Kennedy wore to his inauguration? I’m bringing this up because of two things. Well, firstly, we all know what the Obamas wore on inauguration day and the balls following that so I thought I’d briefly discuss presidential fashions of yesteryear. Secondly, my grandchildren and children often ask me “Well, what’d you wear, you know, back in the day?”
(JFL wore a formal suit, coattails, vests and all, minus top hat.)

JFK Inauguration

JFK Inauguration

Fashion for the baby boomer generation always changed. And I don’t just mean that fashion has changed now that we’re older, fashions changed continuously while the baby boomers were growing up. Many boomers, both the first stage boomers and the second stage boomers, will recall that hats (tall top hats, frilly brimmed hats etc) started to slowly disappear. It’s true though that clothing was a lot more formal for adults. Suits were a must for professionals and women’s pant suits were just beginning to gain in popularity towards the end of the 60s. Many of the baby boomer generation won’t remember their mothers wearing pants the way women wear pants today. However, that doesn’t mean that the baby boomer women were “traditionally clad” domestic creatures doing housework in pearls and dresses.

In the 60’s we wore saddle shoes but by the late 60’s they were “out”. Tie dyed shirts became popular in the 60s too. Really tight straight legged pants became popular for boys in the mid sixties. But in the early seventies, bell bottoms became ‘the’ thing for both baby boomer men and women.

The Beatles were huge fashion setters for the baby boomer generation; and they didn’t follow trends, they set the trends. In the early days, The Beatles wore ‘mop-top’ hair, but in later years, The Beatles’ hair was much longer. The baby boomer generation parents were appalled at the long hair of their “hippie”, baby boomers generation children, but as in many things, the sheer number of the baby boomers generation allowed them to “march to the tune of their own drummer.”

The baby boomer generation was hip and always up to date with the latest trends, no matter how ‘wacky’ or unconventional they appeared to previous fashions. The problem these days, for both aging baby boomer men and aging baby boomer women, is to find clothes that are comfortable, modern, wearable and flattering. Fashion isn’t ageless, no matter what the pundits say. But, by the same token, the baby boomer generation just needs to keep in mind that they should think about shape more than age. Separates are a great way to get the kind of look you want. Fashion over 50 doesn’t mean you wear drab dull, unfitted shapeless stuff … baby boomer women out there, please take heed and chuck that beaten handbag and buy something colorful, along with a non-stretch waist pair of jeans. Aging boomer men, chuck the common misconceptions and dress the way you feel is flattering to you, concentrating on cut and fit rather than if your clothes are up-to-date or out-of-date.

We at www.boomeryearbook.com would love to hear your opinions. Come share your thoughts on fashion and your pics.

www.boomeryearbook.com is a free social networking site connecting the baby boomers generation. Whether you are a member of the baby boomers generation or are related to someone who is, you will find plenty to do here. Free psychological articles on a vast variety of topics such as dream analysis, coaching and self-help, elderly problems, examinations and proposed solutions for types of discrimination along with weekly updates on mental and medical health. You can also become a non-member subscriber to our free newsletter to receive these articles directly in your inbox so you don’t miss out.

At Boomer Yearbook you can share your thoughts, upload pictures and find old friends, or use our online optical illusions and brain games, provided by clinical psychologist Dr. Karen Turner, to expand your mind and help ward off the possibility of depression, dementia and Alzheimer’s. Join now to discover the numerous ways in which this online social networking site for the baby boomers and boomers of all ages can contribute to optimal physical and emotional wellness. The baby boomers generation changed the world. We’re not done yet!

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Marketing for Baby Boomer Women

Wednesday, February 11th, 2009
Dove Pro Age

Dove Pro Age

By Boomeryearbook.com

Many aging boomers, especially the baby boomer women, have been noted as saying that they feel as if they are slowly becoming invisible and fading into life’s background. That is a huge economic mistake as baby boomer women should not be ignored! We are too huge a force and part of the baby boomers generation fueled by mammoth spending power. You’d think advertisers would take note of us, but since our culture stresses the young and beautiful, a significant portion of advertisers, (with some notable astute exceptions), ignore the massive economic power of the baby boomer women. Watch any commercial on television and you’ll hardly ever see a boomer woman, or something made for the boomer woman. Thankfully, Dove and their pro-age campaign (i.e., one of the astute advertising notable exceptions), has came forth and developed an ad campaign that lets baby boomer women know it’s perfectly great to be ourselves, and not pretend or try to become our ‘younger’ versions.

Psychological articles have reported that Dove seems to leading the way as one of the first companies to strive to effectively communicate with older women, and lately, other advertisers and marketers have listened and are beginning to follow the economic signs.

Until very recently, baby boomer women, and even women 40+, were never really recognized in consumer circles. However, with Dove in the vanguard, now companies are changing their demographic focus. Women will soon control two thirds of consumer wealth in the United States. Furthermore, baby boomer women are aging, and in the next few years, there will be a 30% increase in the number of people over 60.

Specialized focused marketing groups have been sprouting up to meet the demands of boomer women; mature females with sophisticated needs and tastes who are seeking to make the most of their considerable purchasing power. While marketing to the baby boomer women may be new terrain for some, many companies are stepping up to the demand, learning through trial and error what will please this discriminating group of boomers, and propelled onward by the promise of huge financial rewards. Companies like Dove seem to be big winners, while some other marketers may miss the boat and try to re-use and slightly update old strategies. strong>Baby boomer women will be spending more on consumer goods and services than echo boomers or any of their younger cohorts. Currently at the peak of our earning potential, many boomer women plan on working through retirement years, meaning that baby boomer women will have even greater purchasing power. Additionally, since women statistically outlive men, many baby boomer women will be experience additional financial resources by way of inheritance and pensions, and returns on long term investments.

While the industry may just be waking up to us baby boomer women, I want to stress that I don’t want them to change us, or try to make us conform to ‘young’ norms. We, the under-represented, and yet enormously powerful consumers, will demand tailor perfect baby boomer women products. That’s the opinion of Boomer Yearbook. Come tell us yours.

www.boomeryearbook.com is a free social networking site connecting the baby boomers generation. Whether you are a member of the baby boomers generation or are related to someone who is, you will find plenty to do here. Free psychological articles on a vast variety of topics such as dream analysis, coaching and self-help, elderly problems, examinations and proposed solutions for types of discrimination along with weekly updates on mental and medical health. You can also become a non-member subscriber to our free newsletter to receive these articles directly in your inbox so you don’t miss out.

At Boomer Yearbook you can share your thoughts, upload pictures and find old friends, or use our online optical illusions and brain games, provided by clinical psychologist Dr. Karen Turner, to expand your mind and help ward off the possibility of depression, dementia and Alzheimer’s. Join now to discover the numerous ways in which this online social networking site for the baby boomers and boomers of all ages can contribute to optimal physical and emotional wellness. The baby boomers generation changed the world. We’re not done yet!

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Retirement Boomers: Their Impact on the US Economy

Wednesday, February 11th, 2009
Retiring boomers as toxic spheres in US economy

Retiring boomers as toxic spheres in US economy

By Boomeryearbook.com

Baby boomers were the most prosperous generation in all of history. We had the highest collective annual spending power. However, it does appear that many of us have spent more than we have saved. Much of our money has been used to find the proverbial fountain of youth, as we boomers seem obsessed with keeping ourselves forever young. While we might have been prosperous and while many of us still are, we are also, whether you want to face it or not a “threat” to the US economy. Psychological articles and sociologists observe that we boomers of the population of America that is 60 and over (fast becoming retirement boomers I suppose) are the most obese, and the most drug abusing.

Many may call this a gross exaggeration but most of us grew up partying, dabbling in drugs, attending political protests, engaging in sexual freedom and experimentations, calling the shots and “ruling the world”. The problem is that too many of us now aging boomers haven’t grown out of the 60s and we are having a negative impact on the US Economy.” People assumed that with age, we boomers would calm down. However, many of us haven’t and thus, speaking from a purely economical standpoint, are looked at as somewhat of a burden. Over 76% of Americans above the age of 50 plan to work through their retirement years mostly because they have to. In spite of this, retirement boomers constitute a problem.

The nearly 78 million baby boomers in the US alone will soon become, if they haven’t already, retirement boomers. The government calls us a “national challenge”. I guess it’s because everybody’s wondering how many tax payer’s dollars will be needed to support all the government programs aimed to helping retirement boomers. (i.e., Social Security, Medicare, etc). Already, many of us can’t afford to retire because Social Security is facing shortages meaning lower benefits for those of us who retire early.

Economists predict a serious problem. Fifteen percent of today’s labor force consists of the defined baby boomers above the age of 55. What happens when we retire? The current tight labor market situation will be aggravated. And, putting all this in the perspective of the global economic recession, things look bleak indeed. The pundits are telling us that private savings are the lowest since the Great Depression, and the ominous age-wave theory predicts a looming economic slowdown as we become retirement boomers.

Many psychological articles on elderly problems say there will be a sort of generational warfare. Why? … because of the fact that there will be less people putting money into the system and more people deriving benefits from that system. But most of us boomers don’t want to look at ourselves as some undeserving burdensome “old person” soaking up the country’s money and resources. After all, didn’t we pay taxes and act as responsible citizens throughout our lives? There is the common misconception that retirement boomers never think of themselves as old and/or economically burdensome. Like most things in life, this is a gray area. Many boomers do recognize the realities of our age and the associated responsibilities, while other retirement boomers seem to be in denial. The boomers in denial may well leave an unjustifiable economic burden on echo boomers (children of baby boomers) and scores of younger generations that will follow.

What do you think? Are retirement boomers a burden or potential asset? Join Boomer Yearbook and let your opinion be heard.

www.boomeryearbook.com is a free social networking site connecting the baby boomers generation. Whether you are a member of the baby boomers generation or are related to someone who is, you will find plenty to do here. Free psychological articles on a vast variety of topics such as dream analysis, coaching and self-help, elderly problems, examinations and proposed solutions for types of discrimination along with weekly updates on mental and medical health. You can also become a non-member subscriber to our free newsletter to receive these articles directly in your inbox so you don’t miss out.

At Boomer Yearbook you can share your thoughts, upload pictures and find old friends, or use our online optical illusions and brain games, provided by clinical psychologist Dr. Karen Turner, to expand your mind and help ward off the possibility of depression, dementia and Alzheimer’s. Join now to discover the numerous ways in which this online social networking site for the baby boomers and boomers of all ages can contribute to optimal physical and emotional wellness. The baby boomers generation changed the world. We’re not done yet!

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Boomer Generation: Truly Blessed

Wednesday, February 11th, 2009
The Truly Blessed Boomer Generation

The Truly Blessed Boomer Generation

By Boomeryearbook.com

I am a class onto myself. Look me up, you’ll find “baby boomer” definitions most everywhere. The term is loosely applied to all those, such as myself who were born post World War II. You’re probably part of the boomer generation too if you were born a decade or so after 1945. The New York Post called the baby boom the “biggest, boomiest boom ever known in history.” I am one of 76 million American baby boomers. As of 2006, most of us became “aging baby boomers”, i.e., we turned 60 … yes, the big 6-0. The statistics on us are endless, so is the literature. We are considered a truly blessed, special segment of the world’s population; just be careful about what you read and what conclusion you come to about our boomer generation.

A lot of people write about us; and it isn’t always positive. But, you have to understand we grew up during a unique historical time. There was a sense of prosperity and hope for the future. In the cultural context we, the boomer generation are often thought of as people who felt a sense of entitlement or a sense of a right to prosperity. You can’t deny the fact that the 25 odd years or so leading up to 9/11 were years of relative peace and prosperity. So, yes, in that sense we were truly blessed to grow up in such a time. However, today, there is much debate about the legacy that we, the boomer generation have left behind.

Statistics show that the baby boomers were the wealthiest generation in all of history. Our collective spending power was a reported $2 trillion annually. We’re generally associated with privilege because we were the ‘healthiest and the wealthiest’. I suppose we were lucky to be born at the right time. But we all grew up with hope and fear in our hearts. There was an expectation for the world to improve in the future, because after World War II, we truly reasoned that things could never worsen. The boomer generation heard stories of what their parents had been through, and indeed what the world had gone through in order to give the baby boomers generation a chance to live a life of advantage.

We had it good, there’s no denying that, especially if you’re speaking relatively. But that’s not to say that the whole boomer generation should be labeled as a generation different and superior to others, or one insisting on maintaining entitled detachment. Rock and roll was our music (The Beatles or the Rolling Stones anyone?) and it set us apart, but these days who doesn’t identify with rock and roll? We remember JFK’s assassination, the walk on the moon and the Vietnam War. We were blessed, I suppose, in the sense that we grew up in a time of true change and revolution; the birth control pill, sexual freedom, the civil rights movement, social consciousness as well as respect for differences, and mass educational advantages coupled with individual freedom beyond what any other generation had ever experienced. While history will evaluate our legacy, the boomer generation should not be counted out. We changed the world! We are not done yet.

Are you a baby boomer, an echo boomer, or a booming senior with an opinion on the subject? Come let your voice be heard at Boomer Yearbook.

www.boomeryearbook.com is a free social networking site connecting the baby boomers generation. Whether you are a member of the baby boomers generation or are related to someone who is, you will find plenty to do here. Free psychological articles on a vast variety of topics such as dream analysis, coaching and self-help, elderly problems, examinations and proposed solutions for types of discrimination along with weekly updates on mental and medical health. You can also become a non-member subscriber to our free newsletter to receive these articles directly in your inbox so you don’t miss out.

At Boomer Yearbook you can share your thoughts, upload pictures and find old friends, or use our online optical illusions and brain games, provided by clinical psychologist Dr. Karen Turner, to expand your mind and help ward off the possibility of depression, dementia and Alzheimer’s. Join now to discover the numerous ways in which this online social networking site for the baby boomers and boomers of all ages can contribute to optimal physical and emotional wellness.

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The Baby Boomers: How We Plan to Live Out our Days

Wednesday, February 11th, 2009

The Baby Boomers Generation and Retirement

The Baby Boomers Generation and Retirement

By Boomeryearbook.com

The baby boomers are a unique lot unlike any preceding generation. While earlier generations believed in the idea that senior citizens ought to retire and sit home enjoying their life’s earnings, it is a completely different story for the boomers generation.
Numerous outlooks on social culture have undergone changes due to the distinct character traits of the boomers; as the baby boomers generation has re-ascertained and reformed cultural norms in ways no other generation had ever dared. In the past, we have seen this one-of-a-kind group of people carve a niche for themselves in all walks of life, and there is no doubt they will continue doing so in the future. The world has witnessed the baby boomers creating their own mores and values and being mavericks in carving out creative and trailblazing belief systems. When it comes to the baby boomers generation we should never assume that aging will in any way change that?

Nearing retirement, psychological articles and surveys show that as many as 76 % of the baby boomers plan to stay in the workforce for as long as they can. Contrary to preceding retirement generations, this amazing generation of boomers believe that their ‘retirement’ senior years will be as important and productive as other stages of their lives. But by no means should anyone assume that the baby boomers generation is the die-hard nine-to-five job fans. For the boomers, post retirement can mean volunteering, a second career path, a part time job, a new “paid” hobby, a full throttle launch into the entrepreneurial world of starting a small business, or if they are in the lucky percentage of those who can afford to, using their hard earned money to stimulate the economy by purchasing cars, retirement homes, sports equipment, or embarking on luxurious cruises around the world.

In the US alone, the baby boomers are 78 million strong; thus comprising a significant and influential segment of the working population. If age mandated retirement is enforced, the country will lose a large portion of its work force resulting in heavy burdens on state coffers and retirement benefits.

As psychological articles and research on elderly problems have noted, due to advancements in medical science, the baby boomers generation is expected to have a long life expectancy. This may pose a problem as retirement funds may not sufficiently cover requirements. In addition, the new administration in the US is proposing programs that will lower the rate of retirement benefits. As we age, it is inevitable that we will require additional medical services, and these services may not be readily available to the aging population of the baby boomers generation and if available, the cost may precipitously rise.

This leaves the majority of the aging baby boomers generation with no option but to continue to seek paid employment after “official” retirement. Seventy eight million baby boomers in the US alone with 76% planning to stay in the workforce after “official” retirement. Those are big numbers! Are you amongst the group that plans to work after retirement? Come join other boomers and share your thoughts and strategies.

www.boomeryearbook.com is a free social networking site connecting the baby boomers generation. Whether you are a member of the baby boomers generation or are related to someone who is, you will find plenty to do here. Free psychological articles on a vast variety of topics such as dream analysis, coaching and self-help, elderly problems, examinations and proposed solutions for types of discrimination along with weekly updates on mental and medical health. You can also become a non-member subscriber to our free newsletter to receive these articles directly in your inbox so you don’t miss out.

At Boomer Yearbook you can share your thoughts, upload pictures and find old friends, or use our online optical illusions and brain games, provided by clinical psychologist Dr. Karen Turner, to expand your mind and help ward off the possibility of depression, dementia and Alzheimer’s. Join now to discover the numerous ways in which this online social networking site for the baby boomers and boomers of all ages can contribute to optimal physical and emotional wellness. The baby boomers generation changed the world. We’re not done yet!

signup

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Illusion In Motion: Psychological or Physiological?

Wednesday, February 11th, 2009
Spinning Girl Optical Illusion

Spinning Girl Optical Illusion


Spinning Girl Copyright: Nobuyuki Kayahara 2007

By BoomerYearbook.com:The Online Social Networking Site Connecting the Baby Boomers Generation

We have likely all been introduced to optical illusions that either appear to be in motion or have varying directions of motion dependent upon the person observing the illusion. Many a psychological article has been written to explain how and why these optical illusions either appear to be moving or appear to be moving in different directions. Regardless of which psychological articles we read and who we listen to, the explanations are in the very least really interesting.

The Spinning Girl is a more popular illusion that takes observers by surprise. Psychological articles generally agree among their reasons for the difference in directional perception of The Spinning Girl. Most psychological articles’ explanations include the dominance of either the right side or the left side of the brain. Depending upon brain dominance, the observer of The Spinning Girl illusion perceives the silhouette’s motion to be either clockwise or counter-clockwise. There are, however, psychological articles that refute such rationalizations, noting the brain’s plasticity and flexible nature when affected by illness or injury. The Spinning Girl is not the only optical illusion in motion receiving attention in a large number of psychological articles. Other illusions that either include definite motion or simply perceived motion are addressed in multiple ways by various online psychological articles and postings.

Spinning Dot Optical Illusion

Spinning Dot Optical Illusion

This classic online optical illusion is an example of how easily our brains can be fooled. At first glance, the red stripes seem to move in only one direction, but if you stare at the black dot, the red stripes will shift directions.

This candy stripe circle is another optical illusion that has been addressed by psychological articles focusing on illusions in motion. The candy stripe circle differs from The Spinning Girl simply because the movement of the circle is simply perceived rather than actually existing; in contrast, The Spinning Girl is in motion, but her direction is in question. What psychological articles and other medical explanations offer us regarding the supposed motion of the candy stripe circle is related to our vision and how the structure of the eye relays messages to the brain. Scientists and psychologists alike are interested in how and why motion is detected simply from the design and color of a still object. What some psychological articles suggest is that visual perceptions in combination with images familiar to the brain create the optical illusion of motion. Other psychological articles explain the sense of movement by noting the juxtaposition of colors and shapes, forcing the eye to engage in small movements of its own. Kitaoka and Ashida profess in a 2078 psychological article that both color and luminance contribute to the optical illusion of motion.

Whatever the explanation optical illusions are a fascination on multiple levels. While some are easily explained in the simplest psychological articles, others are investigated in-depth with no concrete explanation at all. What is your opinion regarding why we see motion that does not exist or differ in the type of motion we do see? Tell us what you think at BoomerYearbook.com.

www.boomeryearbook.com is a free social networking site connecting the baby boomers generation. Whether you are a member of the baby boomers generation or are related to someone who is, you will find plenty to do here. Free psychological articles on a vast variety of topics such as dream analysis, coaching and self-help, elderly problems, examinations and proposed solutions for types of discrimination and weekly updates on mental and medical health. You can also become a non-member subscriber to our free newsletter to receive these articles directly in your inbox so you never miss out.

At Boomer Yearbook you can share your thoughts, upload pictures and find old friends. Use our online optical illusions and brain games, provided by clinical psychologist Dr. Karen Turner, to expand your mind and help ward off the possibility of depression, dementia and Alzheimer’s. Join now to discover the numerous ways in which this online social networking site for the baby boomers and boomers of all ages can contribute to optimal physical and emotional wellness. The baby boomers generation changed the world. We’re not done yet!

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Successful Aging for the Baby Boomers Generation

Tuesday, February 10th, 2009

The Baby Boomers Generation Aging Gracefully

The Baby Boomers Generation Aging Gracefully


By Boomeryearbook.com

The baby boomers generation is a unique group of people with our own singular ideals and idiosyncrasies. We are a very different lot from any other generation. Every facet of our lives be it career, home, or our sweet time, is marked by our unique characteristics. The ultimate goal of every boomer is to ‘gracefully’ age at home in a successful manner. We have led very busy lives and especially in our younger years, our demanding lifestyles have often encroached upon our leisure time.

Who doesn’t want to age in a graceful manner? Same is true for the baby boomers generation. However, like every generation of aging people, we are also vulnerable to diseases and medical conditions leading to mortality. What makes the baby boomers generation special is their firmness in the face of adversity and as such we are going to try our best to prevent the adverse effects of aging by indulging in routine exercise regimes and treatments for anti-aging. We will most probably even go to extremes to find alternative health treatments to help us curb the trappings of aging.

The distinctive character traits of the baby boomers generation will be an important factor in enabling us to successfully age at home. Being responsible for a large number of breakthroughs in medical science, the baby boomers generation will be reaping the benefits of these advancements including those made in the field of successful and hearty aging. The boomer generation is very health conscious and truly believes in the virtues of regular exercise and healthy eating habits. In our quest to age in a graceful manner, we are very vigilant in taking the steps necessary for maintaining our health. As a result, the baby boomers are considered the most active generation as compared to previous ones, and numerous medical and psychological articles believe we are going to enjoy a longer life expectancy.

The baby boomers generation have always been very active participants in community and self-help programs. To age successfully is important to the baby boomers generation as it assists us in staying mentally, physically, and socially active. As long as we can avail ourselves of personal or financial assistance when/if needed, we look forward to a process of independent aging; remaining in our homes and close to the community groups and activities we enjoy and support.

Being very open-minded to advancement in all walks of life, it comes as no surprise that boomers enjoy using computers and all sorts of high-tech gadgets. As such, we are and will continue to be comfortable making use of technological breakthroughs that will help us to successfully age at home. An example of this is the popularity of Wii’s among the baby boomers generation who are buying Wii’s and demanding more tech gadgets to maximum home entertainment.

An essential characteristic of the boomers is their rejection of authority. This has resulted in a marked effect on their retirement. A large number of us have been forced into age related retirement. But, this has not dampened the spirits of the baby boomers generation as we have moved on to setting up businesses and other careers; putting our knowledge, experience and skill to optimum use. Thus, we have enabled ourselves to age in a well-designed manner without compromising on productivity. Dormant is not a word the baby boomers relate to and we are taking every measure to ensure we don’t go quietly off into uselessness.

Are you one of the baby boomers generation who has made a successful retirement or life stage change? Come join thousands of others at Boomer Yearbook and let us know.

www.boomeryearbook.com is a free social networking site connecting the baby boomers generation. Whether you are a member of the baby boomers generation or are related to someone who is, you will find plenty to do here. Psychological articles on a vast variety of topics such as dream analysis, self-help, elderly problems, types of discrimination and weekly updates on mental and medical health can be accessed here for free. You can also subscribe to our newsletter (again, for free) to receive these articles directly in your inbox so you don’t miss out on anything.

At Boomer Yearbook you can share your thoughts, upload pictures and find old friends. Not only this, you can also use online optical illusions and brain games to expand your mind. These are developed by an expert in the field of clinical psychology, Dr. Karen Turner. Hurry and join to explore the numerous ways in which this online social networking site can contribute to optimal physical and emotional wellness. The baby boomers generation changed the world. We’re not done yet!

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