Booming into the golden years

They are not worried about wrinkles or the thought of dying, but if you call them “old” you had better watch out. Baby boomers, the generation that once powered a youth movement, say they are nowhere near growing old.

A new British poll found three-quarters of all baby boomers still consider themselves middle-aged or younger, and that includes most of the boomers aged 57 to 65 years.

Younger adults call 60 the start of old age, but baby boomers are pushing that number back, according to the Associated Press-LifeGoesStrong.com poll. The median age they cite is 70, with a quarter of boomers insisting “you’re not old until you’re 80”.

Overall, boomers are upbeat about their future, and Americans born in the population explosion after World War II are more likely to be excited about the positive aspects of ageing, such as retirement, than worried about the negatives, like declining health.

One retired 64-year-old participant said he believed he had years to go to be able to do the things he has always wanted.

The poll indicated a strong majority of baby boomers are enthusiastic about some perks of ageing, such as watching their children or grandchildren grow up, and spending more time with friends and family.

However, to baby boomers, the best thing about ageing is accumulating wisdom throughout their lives.

“The older you get, the smarter you get. The physical part of it is the pits,” one participant said.

British baby boomers are not alone in their opinion of ageing with dignity; Australian boomers are becoming increasingly interested in taking control of their own health.

According to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW), older Australians today have a longer life expectancy than ever before, and are generally healthier than previous generations.

What are baby boomers most concerned about?

• Physical ailments that would take away their independence (45%).
• Losing their memory (44%).
• Being unable to pay medical bills (43%).
• Many also fret about running out of money (4%).
• Only 18% say they are worried about dying.
• Wrinkles and grey hair bugs only about 12% of baby boomers, while the majority say they would not consider plastic surgery as an alternative anti-ageing method.