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Now that summer is here most New Seniors will, no doubt, have some favorite recollections of their youth.  From playing with friends and neighbors to get-a-way cabins by the lake or cottages by the ocean to going to camp or being involved in local activities the time was full but we always wanted to have more things to occupy our time.  Over the years, the reality of youthful impetuousness and the desire to be constantly entertained has given way to an appreciation, maybe a yearning, for those easier softer times.

Younger people may look at nostalgia as an older person’s day dream.  This may be because the young are not far enough away from life’s events for people, places and things to have a lasting impact or meaning on them.  Another reason that the past is significant is when the product, service or circumstance no longer exists.  And, the older you get the more things disappear and the more attractive those memories become.

In due time the Gen X, Y and whatever other generational groups come along will find their own moments of nostalgia.  These may be the quiet days before the Internet was invented, remembering their first cell phone, what was “in” prior to body piercing and tattoos becoming popular, or how enjoyable life was before the great recession.  Time will reveal what is worth remembering for today’s younger people when they become tomorrow’s older people.

New Seniors who were born in the ‘30s through the mid-‘40s are considered pre-boomers.  While the depression is not stored in their memory banks, WWII is.  They remember the war years and the ultimate victories.  The coming on the scene of television, 45rpm records, the Korean Conflict, 3-D movies, moving to the suburbs, and the birth of rock and roll were all important events in the lives of pre-boomers. 

Boomers did not start arriving until 1946, but they took what their older brothers and sisters had and expanded on it.  They experienced Vietnam with its protests, civil rights and the women’s movements, plus a whole lot more.  They are turning 65 at the rate of 4 million individuals per year and will continue to do so through 2030 until all 76 million of them have attained New Senior status.

What will be nostalgic in the minds of boomers as they continue the aging process?  Will it be the historic events such as those mentioned above, those that are frivolous in nature like or strictly personal situations that can be conjured up anytime they want to take a break from the stress and strain of modern life?  Whatever the reason remembering the good times can’t be a bad thing.   

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At the beginning of the last century, the average lifespan for Americans was 47.3 years.  By 1950 that jumped to an average age of 68.2.  Today, we can expect to reach age 78.6, but women outlive men by 5.5 years, 81.2 versus 75.7 respectively.  And, by 2030 (the year all Baby Boomers will be 65 or older) the US average lifespan will reach 81.2.  However, by that time, women are expected to live less than 4 years longer than men.

But there’s much more to the subject than statistics.  New Seniors, those 65+, have firsthand experience that America is living longer.  Many of us got to be introduced to our great grandparents and most of us grew up having grandparents in our lives.  Probably we did not pay much attention to this phenomenon, but we did benefit from the mere fact that it happened. Now, as we reach the next phase of our lives, the subject of life expectancy has become more personal. 

The life expectancy numbers improve at birth because infant mortality rates have improved markedly in the past century.  Childhood disease in this country, such as scarlet fever and polio, have been controlled to the point were reaching adulthood is a better bet than ever before.  The deadly diseases such as cancer, diabetes, coronary and even AIDS have been arrested while not being eradicated.  And, death by influenza, the plague and dysentery are no longer a threat to most of our population.

So upon reaching 65 the majority of us are in pretty good shape, especially if we have watched our diets, exercise and have regular physical checkups.  Even with once fatal or debilitating illnesses, there are treatments that allow people to live longer, more productive and comfortable lives.  Nonetheless, all good things must come to an end, and that’s were the debate centers.

Some experts believe aging is a natural part of living.  They suggest every one over 65 has one or more disorders or diseases that must be addressed now or in the future.  As symptoms for these issues arise, specialists should be called in to deal with each individual problem with the family doctors acting as coordinators and overseers of the patients’ wellbeing.  Another group takes the holistic approach and treats aging as the disease with the various conditions that occur being part of  this disease.

Either way, we are not going to get younger, so New Seniors will have to let those following us be the guinea pigs.  In the meantime, if you want to live longer you could move to any of 20 countries with longer life expectancies than the US.  Or you could move to a location in this country that you don’t like.  This won’t extend life, but it will sure seem like it got longer.  Better yet, spend as much time as possible with those you love and your life will be richer and more enjoyable.  Isn’t that what it’s all about?     

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These men and women, many not even out of high school and having just gone through a decade-long depression, put the safety of their family, friends and community ahead of themselves.  They came from rich and poor families, educated and nearly illiterate ones, some were famers others city dwellers.  The make up was as diverse as America itself. 

Everyone was part of the war effort.  Besides those fighting the war, defense work was a priority at home.  Rationing of food, gas and luxuries was commonplace.  Even the children were involved with paper and scrape metal drives plus selling War Bonds in conjunction with the schools.  Virtually all families had someone in the armed services and every community suffered when one of theirs was lost in the war. 

World War II was fought by every American in some way.  That’s why New Seniors and those older remember it so vividly to this day, nearly 70 years later.  Sadly, the people who lead us to victory are leaving us at an increasing rate.  The Greatest Generation is big in its accomplishments, but their ranks are becoming smaller.  We already miss their wisdom, and the courage they displayed is remembered in stories rather than in news reports as it once was.

Before it’s too late, we should talk to these true American heroes and find out why they did the unselfish things they did without asking for praise or reward.  This is something New Seniors are well equipped to do.  In fact, it is our responsibility to honor these patriots and get the word out to the rest of the population, starting with the aging Baby Boomer who benefited so much from what these folks did.  Tell them to get over Viet Nam, when the only thing many of them did was to complain rather than serve.  If they can’t do that, the future of America looks bleak, indeed.

Then, pass the word on to the Gen X and Y groups who never had to sacrifice anything until recently when jobs became scarce, cars and homes were reposed and their credit cards got maxed out.  This are the generations that have not paid their dues but seem unwilling to pay more for services they intend to use in the future.  They don’t realize that unless we all help finance Social Security and Health Care there won’t be any programs to aid them.

And, last but not least, what about the politicians?  They are not being asked to sacrifice their personal money.  We just want them to have the courage to make the right decisions, without regard to party lines.  Government programs must be fixed so people can start earning money in order to pay for the changes that will ensure funds are ready when needed and the United States can collectively have the courage and wherewithal to remain the land of the free and the home of the brave.        

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Many of the brands we buy today are those we were first introduced to as kids.  Mom was the families purchasing agent.  During the ‘50s and ‘’60s most of us lived in homes with just one TV so family members were often exposed to commercials at the same time.  As a result, everyone had some influence on what products to buy, but mom was the ultimate decision maker.  Of course, if we joined her as she strolled the aisles of the local supermarket, there was a change to lobby for a cereal or snack food that was not included on the shopping list.

Studies over the years indicate that when people move out of their parents’ homes, they usually buy products their mothers used.  This ranges from laundry brands, to paper goods, to household cleaning products.  The same is true for food brands, although individual tastes come into play here as with personal care items.  Once they are on their own, product usage is determined by personal satisfaction.  However, new or improved products that are heavily advertised may receive trial, which could result in repeat purchases thereby replacing the old brand.

Retro packaging is a means to instantly differentiate a brand from all the others, and remind shoppers that this was a product they liked back when times were better.  Such a strategy is fine for Boomers and New Seniors who combined represent the largest purchasing demographic in US history.  But modern moms don’t remember the old packages – they had yet to be born.  However, with the aid of advertising, they can be made to realize this is a bit of nostalgia they can enjoy, too.

Some of the brands that have dabbled in retro marketing include Doritos, Pepsi, Cheerios, Hostess Cup Cakes and Twinkies as well as Tide and Downy.  Results for these products have been favorable.  One notable brand that tried using elements from its original label design dating back to 1933 was Kraft’s Miracle Whip.  Research told the company that younger consumers were not attracted to the look, so the company took its label in a new, more contemporary, direction.

Some products have not changed their look over the years, but these are usually specialty items.  New products, often premium ones, may use old-style graphs and type to give them a distinct look and make the brand synonymous with old-fashioned quality. 

The outside of the package may attract us to buy, but what’s inside is the reason we keep buying it.  If food processors made a good tasting item with honest ingredients rather than a bunch of chemicals and preservatives or manufacturers offered a product that was as good as its advertising they might find this is the best way to create real brand loyalty.    

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Another New Senior landmark event took place this year as the first of the more than 76 million Baby Boomers began turning 65.  This translates to someone becoming a New Senior every ten seconds through 2030.

The Greatest Generation, after doing so much for our country, has passed the baton to the New Seniors.  So it is our job to uphold, the values those before us fought for and sacrificed to protect for all generations.  New Seniors Day was established to memorialize this responsibility. 

New Seniors accept this honor and make the commitment to connect with other New Seniors by engaging in honest and civil discussions, sharing our experience and getting involved in our communities and reaching out to others in an effort to bring our great nation together, once more.

The 65+ crowd is a more homogenous group than most other demographics – partly because we share similar concerns about living our own lives in relative comfort and safety and partly because life’s lessons endowed us with an understanding of the importance of  unity.  New Seniors are not from one race, political party, religious affiliation, education level, job background or geographic area.

Our numbers are impressive.  There are more Pre-boomers than there are adult Hispanics living in the United States.  Pre-boomers and Boomers together represent a larger population than Generations X and Y combined.  By 2015 the New Seniors population will be about 50 million, which is just 17% of the population.  However, we will account for a third of the discretionary income and half of the country’s assets. 

Politicians should note that this year those 65+ accounted for about 1 in 4 of the votes cast in the last election.  And our concerns about Medicare, Social Security, government debt and tax increases will continue to be expressed at the ballot box.  New Seniors are also concerned about the future of our grown children and the education and opportunities for our grandchildren.  We expect the nation’s problems to be solved in a common sense way that will benefit all Americans.

So on June 5^th (6/5), join in the celebration of New Seniors Day.  If you’re not one, take a few minutes from your busy schedule to call a New Senior and get to know us.  Learn from what we experienced by living life on life’s terms.  And, most important, enlist our guidance to navigate the bumpy road that lies ahead.  You’ll discover that we are ready and willing to help if you are prepared to accept it.    

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Fewer than 3 in 10 of the respondents between the ages of 18 to 39 followed the news reports about the presidents proposed budget.  However, a Gallup/USA Today poll showed young voters overwhelmingly siding with the president’s budget by a margin of 23 points (53% for and 30% against).  About half those 65+ preferred the House plan, and the 50 to 64 age group was not far behind.    

The Rasmussen study also shows a great disparity between races.  With whites, 56% of those surveyed opposed the president’s plan.  Only 3% of blacks were against the plan, while 55% of “others” (primarily Hispanics and Asians) responded negatively.

When asked about the appropriateness of the spending cuts in the president’s budget, 54 % of the total sample thought it was too little as did 58% of whites, 56% of others but only 16% of blacks.  In terms of the proposed deficit reductions 40% of white respondents said the president’s plan relied mostly on tax hikes with 14% saying spending cuts.  The other category answered 47% and 11% respectively.  Blacks, however, answered 11% and 33% when asked the same question.

There are obviously differences by political party affiliations as well, but the lack of understanding regarding the fiscal condition of the country and what is required to fix the problems may be coming from the misinformation machines.  Scare merchants on both sides of the political fence are accentuating the negatives and ignoring the positives regarding changes in established government programs.

Medicare and Social Security are two subjects that get a great deal of media attention without helping the general population understand the problems and solutions needed to get the nation’s finances under control.  The fact that more and more people will be eligible for Social Security and fewer people will be paying into the system must be addressed.  Medicare is also in trouble as the 76 million boomers continue to turn 65 at the rate of 4 million people each year for the next 19 years.  Americans must understand that something must be done before the country goes the way of Greece, Ireland, Portugal and other European countries.

In the meantime, the media has got to stop scaring the older part of our population, those 65+.  This age group, in fact those 55 and older, won’t be affected by any of the proposed changes.  The costs will be the basic responsibility of those who will ultimately reap the benefits.  So, let’s get the information needed for everyone to make enlightened decisions that will help turn the country around and allow the USA to be stable once more.

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The definition of an extended family household is one that has two or more adult generations or a grandparent and one other generation living together.  According to a 2008 Pew Research study, 49 million Americans, 16.1% of the total U.S. population, are part of such a family.  This trend is growing.

In 1940, 25% of the population lived in extended family households.  This fell to 12% by 1980.   At the early part of the last century, 57% of adults over 65 lived with their adult children.  During the 1980s into the 1990s just 17% of those 65+ lived with their families.  This climbed to 20% in 2008 and continues to increase. 

Only 10% of the total population lives in a single person household.  In 1980 nearly 29% of those living alone were over 65.  More recently, this has dropped to just over 27%, even though there are more people over 65 than at any time before.

The wave of immigration that began in the late ‘70s, the ethnic makeup of the new multi-generational households reflects this phenomenon.  Hispanics 22%, Blacks 23%, Asians 25% and Whites 13%.  All segments have increased since the recession began.  Of total U.S. households, 34% consist of one generation, 47% are two generation (parent with child), 16% are multi-generational and 2% are living in group quarters.

Another Pew study (2005) indicates that 56% of the public believes it is the responsibility of adult children to take in elderly parents, but a strong minority (39%) disagree.  However, with economic uncertainty and an aging population, many families are forced to reconsider having grandmom and granddad move in.  Often the elder family members are able to help with some of the expenses as well as the childrearing duties.

Establishing a multi-generational family is not easy.  Is there enough room for one or two more people?  Will an add-on room or separate unit be needed?  How are finances and other responsibilities to be split up?  What about privacy issues?  And, most important, will the various personalities be able to get along?

Assuming all parties involved are willing to make an extended family household work, it can be a great experience for all.  The grand parents bring family history and years of personal experience to the table.  Mom and dad get some help and hopefully ask for advice.  And the grandkids get the opportunity to receive adult guidance from someone other than their parents while learning about the roles of different generations.  All-in-all, this is the kind of arrangement that can do much to re-establish family values in America.   

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Growing up in Philadelphia, I was exposed to the thoughts of one of the great early American’s, Ben Franklin.  His common sense philosophy about how to live one’s life was published in Poor Richard’s Almanac, and all the city’s school kids had to memorize the important sayings.  Things like “a penny saved is a penny earned” and “early to be, early to rise makes a man healthy, wealthy and wise” and “time is money” are but a few of the adages we recited.

Few take exception to the words of Franklin; yet, through the years these maxims have lost their importance.  Maybe it’s time to give the proverbs a second look and incorporate these simple truths into our daily lives.  While we’re at it, the words of the other Founding Fathers may lead us back to understanding the fundamentals on which this country was built.  A good place to start is with the documents many of them contributed to: The Declaration of Independence and The Constitution of the United States.

Reading these sacred documents won’t require much time and the process may remind us of what freedom means and why it must be embraced and maintained at all costs.  Those who framed these documents also offered their personal thoughts reminding us to be ever vigilant lest our freedoms be eroded, and they provided words of wisdom by which we might pursue and better enjoy individual liberties.  It’s easy, just go online and you’ll find many quotes from Washington, Jefferson, Franklin and the other great patriots.

This leads us back to the issue of money.  Since the prosperity years following the end of WWII, our generation never looked back.  Sure, there were bumps in the road, but we had confidence in the future and lived that way.  Many of us did not save for that rainy day or the retirement years ahead, at least not to the extent we should have.  Fortunately, there were things like company pensions and IRAs (Individual Retirement Accounts) to supplement grossly insufficient Social Security benefits.  So we’ll get by.

The sad news is our country didn’t plan for the future either.  The nation is in deep debt, yet government doesn’t seem to be able or want to turn off the spending machine it created.  The politicians point to the people who will suffer if federal programs are cut back.  They seem to forget, it is our tax dollars that pay for all the social and entitlement programs.  And, borrowing or printing more money will saddle generations to come. 

Something has to be done.  All of us must accept some of the blame.  This means everyone gets less and suffers some.  Remember what Ben Franklin said, “when the people find they can vote themselves money that will herald the end of the republic.”

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A look into the study shows 62% of those18 to 29 claim that exercise is important.  This jumps to 77% for those 30 to 39, 79% for the 40 to 49 group, 81% for those 50 to 64 and 77% for those 65+.  Only 51% of men under 40 believe in exercise, but for those over 40 the number climbs to 78%.  Younger women came in at 75% while 79% of those over 40 thought that exercise was important to daily life.

Fully 35% of the under 30 crowd never exercise compared to an average of 20% of the total sample who do not engage in physical activities.  Interestingly, the 65+ group has the lowest  number of non-exercisers with just 14%.  Is this because New Seniors are more concerned about taking care of themselves as they age or a result of them having more free time?  Based on the number of times and the minutes spent exercising, commitment to better health increases with age.

Most age groups exercise 1 to 3 times a week.  But 39% of those 40 to 49 break a sweat 4 or more days a week followed by those 65+ at 30%.  Time spent per session shows 39% of respondents exercise for 30 minutes or less, but nearly half the men 40 and older spend more time working out and do it more days of the week.  So there is a strong indication that as men mature they want to be in top shape in order to compete in business or be prepared to enjoy life in general.

The research did not report the kinds of exercise engaged in by the respondents.  However, cardiovascular activities are favorites among all age groups and sexes.  Both men and women have their own specialties when it comes to elevating the heart rate and working up a sweat.  Team sports are popular among men while exercise classes  get the nod from women.  Bodybuilding is also more male oriented, although it has a loyal core of female devotees. 

Walking, jogging and running are activities that allow people of both sexes and all age groups to participate.  It’s easy to get into this kind of exercise.  The cost of entry is low, all that’s needed is a good pair of athletic shoes.  There’s no need to join a gym or a group, but it is nice to do this with others.  This way, exercising becomes a social activity as well as a way of helping those involved to stay involved.

No matter what people do, doctors will confirm that it is important to good health to do something.  If the kids can be convinced that the “in thing” is to get away from their computers and enjoy some physical activity Americans will be a healthier and happier  now and in the future.

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My dad took me to the school yard after work and on weekends for a few weeks until I got the hang of maintaining balance while propelling myself forward.  There were no training wheels back then.  In fact, bicycles were difficult to come by in the midst of WWII.  Mine was found in relative’s basement and long forgotten before it was discovered when clearing out the storeroom in preparation for a wartime junk drive.  None of that mattered.  I had my own bike, and I knew how to ride it.

At first, my bike riding was close to home.  Soon going around the block again and again grew boring.  A couple of skid outs from turning too sharp and applying the brakes too hard along with a few crashes from not paying attention were painful but helped perfect my cycling skills.  With this experience, I was ready to expand my biking horizons.

I rode all around the neighborhood and then ventured to distances of a couple of miles, but I had to pedal like crazy to move the small bike along with any kind of speed.   As I grew, the seat was extended to accommodate my longer legs.  Being able to ride the full-size, big guy’s bike was my dream.  Over the next couple of years I experienced a growth spurt and shot up to the required height.  Along the way, I stopped riding my bike and borrowed one from the older brother of the kid next door who had graduated to cars.

Then, in 1947, I turned 11.  To my delight I received a shinny, new Schwinn bicycle for Christmas that year.  This was no ordinary bike.  It was the Cadillac of bikes in every way.  Solid and heavy, it was built for comfort and cruising.  It had a two-tone paint job, whitewall tires, a front-end shock absorber, pedal and hand brakes, carrying rack and a battery operated horn along with a guard to keep my pants from getting caught in the chain.  What a bike!

I put lots of miles on that Schwinn.  It looked cool and I knew I looked cool riding it.  I often checked myself in store windows as I rode by — this was a habit I later renewed when I started driving.  The bike took me all over my part of the city.  And, without my realizing it, I got into good shape for the sports activities I enjoyed so much.

When high school came, the Schwinn did not see much action anymore.  My mind was on other things.  In a way, I had out grown it just as I had that little Chinese red one from years before.  But I’ll never forget the fun I had with these bikes or the feeling of independence they gave me.  Too bad today’s kids don’t have the freedom to enjoy riding bikes the way I did.  However, my grandkids seem to enjoy the biking stories even though they’ll never experience these adventures themselves.