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Nu Nu Zan, a Burmese immigrant, helps refugees from the country of her birth navigate their new lives in Philadelphia.
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Topic: Transition
What's Next When the Bottom Falls Out?
A lot has been written about the boomer experience...we are, after all, 79 milion people strong... and interested in what age 50+ looks like. An interesting addition is "The Nextnik," a six-episode online video written by movie-maker Mike Kravinsky that follows the tribulations, and triumphs, of Larry Zimmerman, a 55-year-old, upper management family man, who was fired and left with no clue about what comes next. His exploration of what really matters and how he makes a transition is the focus of this series. Tune in and let us know what you think.
Working Out with a Retirement Coach
So, you've worked hard for 40+ years...been achieved status and made enough money to retire comfortably...and what do you do when you reach retirement age? Hire a retirement coach! Doing retirement-like things might be fun, at least for awhile, but how do you let go of being the boss, having control, a schedule to follow, and a card to hand out at cocktail parties? How do you "do" retirement? This article provides a number of scenarios of how retirement coaches are helping people think about their future in a framework that fits their past.
Learning the Power of Compassion
Award-winning author, Gail Sheehy, wrote an article in USA Today about Lee Kravitz, a 54-year-old "master of the magazine publishing universe," who unexpectedly, ""brutally," lost his job, but managed to find a silver lining...and discover an invaluable life lesson. Following the initial shock, the realization that he had lost contact with his family...and himself...while totally immersed in his work, hit home. Lee began a journey into the next phase of his life that included a true understanding of the word, "compassion," a focus on connecting in many different ways, and a book chronicling his transition.
Younger Boomers Reinventing their Lives
There are so many terms to describe the boomer experience... the Encore Years, the Third Age, Coming of Age...and now, the "In-Betweeners," a term coined by well-known author, Gail Sheehy. In this USA Today article, Sheehy highlights the state of the largest cohort in America, those 45 to 55. They are not young, but are a long way from old; more unmarried than married; not sure about their work future...and above all, resilient and eager to find companionship. These traits are picked up in another article describing the growing interest of this age group and older in online dating on 50+ sites. Whether looking for a friend or spouse, they are staying in the game and doing it their way.
10 Must-Have Conversations for Couples Entering the "Encore" Years
Roberta Taylor and Dorian Mintzer, psychologists and life coaches, have written The Couples Retirement Puzzle: 10 Must-Have Conversations for Transitioning to the Second Half of Life, a user-friendly guide for boomer couples as they redefine their lives and relationships during the "encore" years. This book acts as a road map for communication that helps couples understand their individual needs more clearly and craft a shared vision. To learn more about the book and how to get a copy, click here.
In this New York Times article, ninety-year-old Rabbi Joshua O. Haberman reflects on his life and the advantages of aging. His list of the "compensations" he feels at this point in life include a sense of tranquility, gratitude, and greater involvement with family. His positive approach to life... and death...are a counterpoint to sterotypical views of aging ... and an inspiration to us all.
http://newoldage.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/...
“When you’re doing something you really love, it’s not really a job." This is the sentiment of a struggling real estate agent turned nature guide, who has turned her passion for the outdoors into a part-time business. Some boomers are taking the plunge by choice; others have been laid off or have to bolster sliding retirement funds. No matter how the change occurs, there are positive stories in re-invention.
http://jacksonville.com/news/metro/2009-...
You’ve reached age 50… or more. You’ve gained experience — and experiences. You’ve accomplished things, personally and professionally. So, now what? With many more years likely ahead, the question to ask yourself is: What will I do for the rest of my life?
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