Baby Boomers are the generation born between 1946 and 1964. They were a special generation because they were so large, and today they play an integral part of what is happening in the world today.
That means the Boomers are from 79 years old to 61 years old.
There are many things that older Boomers have in common.
They have watched their parents pass away. They have seen their friends die from disease and accidents. One thing about getting older is our bodies tend to wear out, our organs begin to fail and as I have seen in our own neighborhood if you tempt fate too many times, many die in accidents.
We also have in common that we have thought of "What will happen to us in our older age"? There seems to be a rush of thinking, grab on to a younger person who can help you and keep you out of a nursing home. None of us want to go to a nursing home, no matter how nice they say they are.
However, there is one thing that is more disturbing than the prospect of going to a nursing home, and not being able to do for ourselves, like we have been doing for others all our lives.
It is an unspoken fear -one that is on the tip of our tongues, that we dare not speak out loud.
As we say goodbye to our parents and even some of our siblings, and we face the fact that we find our school mates have died and our neighbors are dying. Not all of them however, I have some 91 year olds in our neighborhood that are still driving. Of course I plan on not going on the road when they are out and about. Remember the part about tempting fate.
However, if you want to know what is ever present on the minds of baby boomers, more than staying out of a nursing home or having someone help them.
It is simply this, and we suppress it and we don't verbalize it generally.
However, "the most difficult thing about growing older, is having to say goodbye".
THERE I SAID IT, AND IT IS ON THE MINDS OF MOST BABY BOOMERS AND WHAT IS LEFT OF THE OLDER GENERATION BEFORE US -- Saying "Goodbye to friends can be a life altering experience, because it is a final goodbye".
About the Creator
Susan Payton
I love to write in every venue. I am 75 years old and try to make every day count,. I am learning a great deal about poetry on Vocal, and I am glad to be here.
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Comments (6)
So true, Susan...just turned 71 and am having so much fun with the cardiologist of late...the only significant other in my life at the current time...lol This health situation is all new to me because I have been disgustingly healthy most of my life and am a retired RN. I'm not ready to turn in my party hat, though. Booming on and forward :)
Well written, Susan. For this Boomer, the hard part of goodbyes to friends is more about not knowing whether they'll be final. That applies to younger friends, as well as family, too. After all, I may be the one who won't be around next time.
Just enjoyed a nice visit with my parents who are both boomers, my dad is starting to have some health struggles for the first time at the age of 78 and it's certainly been a difficult season. Both of his older siblings have passed away in the last several years. This is such an honest an vulnerable piece with some very valuable insight into what it means to be a boomer today. Thank you for sharing it, Susan!
I've never liked saying goodbye to anyone even when I was young
Every goodbye has sadness to it, and the final ones are the most saddest of all. I'd like to echo the great Lamar below about how thought provoking your post is. Seeing everyone around you slowly go is such a harrowing sight and thought. I'm so sorry Susan. I know these thoughts aren't controllable, as much as we wish they were. Just always remember how wonderful you are and how much of an impact you have made on so many lives. Always, stay strong.
So much truth in these words. Things I try not/don't like to think about but it's reality for everyone. Nice entry, Susan! Very thought provoking.