The Encore Generation

According to a 2005 Civic Ventures Survey, America is just now beginning to experience a new phase in society – the emergence of the Baby Boomer Generation. Every 8.5 seconds of every day another Boomer turns 50 and these people are living longer, they are living healthier, and they are staying active in all facets of their lives.

Since the 1940s the American model of retired people was that of unencumbered leisure. Not anymore.  According to a USA Today/Gallup poll 63% of American adults plan to work in retirement; two-thirds of those cite ‘enjoyment of work’ is their key reason. Combining years of valuable work experience, maturity, and plenty of energy at their disposal and with the advanced technology that is readily available, many individuals see a more level playing field for small businesses. These factors are allowing them to realize their personal ambition of being the boss and reaping the rewards of finding financial and personal fulfillment in running their own small businesses.

Although Federal data shows that there are now at least three million entrepreneurs who are 55 and over — up one-third from the number counted in 2000 - a vast number of these Boomers are choosing to give back to society through volunteer work.

The term Boomer is being seen more and more as the time to re-define and re-purpose our lives, to re-invigorate ourselves intellectually, socially and physically. Today’s society is creating structures to encourage the Boomer or “Encore” Generation to facilitate socially responsible Second-Act lives. Boomers are not only continuing to be vital for their own well-being, but so they can make necessary contributions rather than becoming long-term burdens on a younger society.

Personal growth, fulfillment, a sense of purpose: all of these play upon them as they attempt to come to grips with the overwhelming nature of starting over mid-life. Couple this with the vast number of Boomers being empty-nesters, some being suddenly single, the choices before them become more varied and can, at the same time, be more daunting. It is then no surprise that the Boomer/Encore Generation is increasingly looking inwardly to find what it is that they are driven by and to.

The issue also becomes one of “I’m 50, Now what do I do?” It is not uncommon to be talking with someone in this age bracket and find that they spent 25-30 years in a career they no longer care to continue pursuing. Their concern then becomes one of re-defining and possibly re-inventing themselves when they have no idea of which direction they should take.

Working to help the poor, elderly and others in need, teaching or other educational opportunities, or working with youth programs are just a few of the possibilities available to the Boomer/Encore Generation. By bringing their knowledge and experience to these altruistic endeavors and career choices, Baby Boomers can and will enjoy more fulfilling and enriched lives.