The media likes to scare us with dire predictions of what is going to happen when the huge boomer population grays - apocalyptic pronouncements dominate the news. Bankrupting social security and Medicare; streets full of walkers instead of strollers; overstressed health care system; fears that young people will be neglected in favor of this large population of needy "codgers."
Marc Freedman's new book, The Big Shift: Navigating the New Stage Beyong Midlife, urges readers to invent the parameters of an entirely new stage of life, much like we needed to do 100 years ago when there was no such thing as "adolescence. This new stage is so new, that there is not even a name for it. It encompasses decades in between middle age and old age. Contrary to what media pundits say, people in this new stage are ripe for contributing to society in hugely meaningful ways. A far cry from codgers ambulating with walkers.
Freedman is known for his groundbreaking book, Encore: Finding Work That Matters in the Second Half of Life, and for creating the Purpose Prize and Civic Ventures, programs that showcase active, vibrant Third Agers, who contribute to society in the spheres of health care, education, and social service.
Freedman makes a plea for relinquishing our love affair with youthfulness as we age, for abandoning the designation "senior," and instead, for celebrating the opportunities that 3rd agers have to contribute in a significant way beyond self and family. This is a time of "active wisdom, " of "robust personal growth," he writes.
"So how do we turn the period that's been opening beyond midlife from a season all too often characterized by identity-void, economic disengagement .... into something that has a shot of being the new crown of life?" He offers 10 steps toward creating a new stage, including, e.g., an Encore Bill, reminiscent of the GI Bill, to "help people develop their human capital and transition into new roles." As ever, Freedman is the consummate spokesperson for making this new stage one that showcases the many opportunities that this group has to make the world a better place for future generations. A far cry from the apocalyptic predictions we normally read in the media.
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