History is a great teacher. When we experience an event that's new to us, chances are that others before us have been there and done that. So, when we're faced with a challenge, we check out what those others did, make any necessary adaptations, and re-introduce or implement. How straightforward can you get?
But what if something is new: it's never happened before?
This is a situation facing the current 'boomer generation'. Never before in history has there been such a large percentage of the population reaching this (3rd) stage of their lives. Given that this group has adopted the stance: if it doesn't exist, invent it, what will you do?
There are four main options open to boomers: sit-tight, do as little as possible, and go with the flow; return to a world with which they're familiar; consider the opportunities and explore new frontiers; adopt a smorgasbord-approach and sample a bit of everything.
Sitting-tight, doing next-to nothing, and going with the flow involves just that. The assumption is that someone else will take care of things: 'I've brought-up a family, paid taxes all of my life, now it's time that someone else looked after me'. Returning to a world that they're familiar with is a predictable human response. Consider, for example, when people lose their jobs, they're quick to re-enter the workforce doing a similar thing to what they've previously done. Whether it's topping-up their nest-egg, seeking companionship, feeling valued, or whatever, a return to the security and predictability of the past is not uncommon. Exploring new frontiers is a third option. This choice takes substantial resolve, with loads of support from those sharing-in the gain (or pain). A smorgasbord-approach enables consideration of all possibilities.
All four options have their upsides and downsides.
The upside of option one is that, if it can deliver the desired outcomes, it's hassle-free. After all, if in the past you've been successful in getting others to do something in your interests, why not expect that this will continue? The upside of option two, if you're returning to the workplace, you're probably a different person from the one who exited this world: your motivation has changed. If this is the case, a new world awaits you. The upside of option three is that opportunities abound. Choosing the one that suits you best could be your toughest challenge. And the upside of option four is that being able to pick-and-choose is a great enabler.
The downside of sitting-tight, doing nothing, and going with the flow is that history has taught us that the one person we can rely on most is ourselves. Counting-on someone else to come to our aid and support us is a big gamble. The downside of doing what you've always done is that the best you can hope for is that you'll continue to get what you've always got. Epictetus told us that nearly 2,000 years-ago. And that's OK if you're satisfied with what you get. The obvious downside of seizing the day, grasping the opportunity, and all that inspirational stuff is that it's 'cold' outside. Not only are there not many people who choose this option but also achieving success can be tough-going. The downside of any smorgasbord is that you have to select from what's on offer: other people's left-overs, even
What we're experiencing is new territory for all of us: no one has been here, before. There can be no one, best option. I am prepared to predict, however, that this 'bulge' that we boomers are part of, will result in a few changes.
- No governments will be able to provide the support (welfare and health, for example) required by an ageing population.
- Not only does age discrimination exist now, but it will also increase.
- One's use-by date will continue to be decided by someone other than you.
- There will be an increase in the number of people and agencies that want to get in the driver's seat of your life.
- What you're worth in your eyes will be significantly different from what others are prepared to pay.
- Lessons learned from The School of Hard Knocks may be life-changing, but don't expect anyone else to to give a damn ('I care, but not that much').
- Most change will be incremental (muddling-through), rather than critical. Today will be pretty much the same as yesterday.
Dr Neil Flanagan is an active participant in the ageing process. If you'd like a free copy of his bestselling book BLINK! The Speed of Life (How to add years to your life and life to your years), or have him speak at your next event, just go to http://www.neil.com.au and while you're there have your say about anything mentioned in this article.
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