Just Turned 65…So What?

It is the year 2012. I like walking hand in hand on the beach at sunset; but not pina coladas. I like long slow wet kisses that last for three days, the theme song from "Rocky," and the sound of a well struck tennis ball.

I'm happily married with three kids and four grandkids; and I'm being truthful about the happily married part -- not just because my wife is reading this, but because we both know how to keep smiles on each other's faces.

I'm turning 65, and I have lots of company. Did you know that for the next 17 years Boomers will continue to turn 65 at a rate of 8,000 per day, and today 13% of the U.S. population is 65 or older. By 2030, people 65 and over will make up nearly 20% of the U.S. population...almost one in five of us. And here's one I like: The first person to live to be 150 has likely already been born! We will transform the institution of retirement, as we have transformed other aspects of American life.

How will this transformation affect you? Today's economy is showing faint signs of recovery, but the world's recessionary tsunami already damaged the land. Our retirement nest eggs are cracked, and it's "Hi ho, Hi Ho," back to work Boomers go.

Half of us expect to work at least part-time when we "retire." We'll have offices in our homes, high-speed Internet, computers, and smart phones. We'll buy homes at beaches, in mountains and college towns, where physical and intellectual action is the place to be. We have a renewed interest in health and fitness, because we have to keep up with our realigned passions and goals. We not only retire FROM something; we retire TO something!

But now, more about the birthday boy. I ask myself: "What have I been doing for fun over the last 65 years?" Anything to show for it? After graduating college and pursuing a career as a professional athlete, operating and selling two businesses, connecting with my loving wife and family, and actively supporting my community, all of my running and all of my cunning, led me to a couple of positive light bulb moments:

Work smart, play often, and encourage others. 

Create value for yourself and others. It feels good.     

Surround yourself with positive people, events and places. They help make life worth living, and they are fun to watch.       

Make your healthy decisions a lifestyle; not just the beginning of a diet or fad.     

Laugh at stuff...yourself mostly.              

All living things move. Shake your booty, and keep moving.

Maintain your spirit of youth. Remember what it was like when you first saw the ocean or accidently stepped barefooted onto a bee? 

Tell her you love her, and hang on for the ride of your life.   

Keep learning! Do new things and get better at something, even if it's playing the guitar.

Eat and drink things that boost your lifestyle, not weigh it down.   

Smile, and people smile back.

Walk with a "feel good" posture, and you'll feel better. "Things are literally looking up."

Above all, never try to light 65 candles at one time!

Turning 65 this year -- what are you doing for the second half of your life? We'd love to hear from you!