Boomers: Change Agents for Aging

By Kevin Brown | Bio

Earlier in the spring, I wrote an article titled The Care and Feeding of
Seniors
in which I stated "I view aging: as a natural progression of life that embodies endless possibilities. This view is the core reason why I joined the Eldering Institute, an organization that promotes a life of power, purpose and possibility for Elders. I choose to live in a world in which individuals, regardless of age, are committed to continually creating new possibilities for their lives.  I am speaking of possibilities that allow individuals to share the very best of who they are.  In the world I envision, imagine the impact that Elders, collaborating with other generations, will have on the communities in which they live, learn, work and play!" Through my work with the Eldering Institute, I continue to be exposed to the work of other organizations around the world that share our concern for collaboration among the generations within community, for re-defining the way aging is experienced, and for seniors living a life in which new possibilities are generated.  What I am beginning to observe is the active influence that ‘Boomers’ (those born after World War II) are now exerting in re-defining the way in which aging occurs for society.  As Boomers experience aging for themselves, their interest appears to be shifting from a focus on family, work, and freedom ’55’ to a focus now (either directly or indirectly) on aging in which experience, wisdom and grace are willingly contributed back into community. Boomers are emerging as active in organizations around the world that are focusing their individual and collective efforts on the quality of life in the communities in which we live, learn, work, and play. For example:  The Vital Aging Network (VAN) is dedicated to creating vital communities in which people of all generations work together to find the right balance between meeting individual needs and achieving the common good.  Community Earth Councils (CECs) are groups of local citizens (young people and elders) in thoughtful, heartfelt conversation about their interests and concerns, followed by meaningful and productive action addressing both local and global human and environmental needs.  The Ashland Institute helps individuals, organizations and communities manifest their potential for wholeness. They seek to create opportunities for renewed alignment with purpose combined with a passion for emerging possibilities.  Here at The Eldering Institute we are a stand for people of all generations collaborating to create a world that works for everyone.  We offer courses and products that guide people to create satisfying, fulfilling lives, demonstrate their wisdom in action and collaborate in inventing possibilities that support a sustainable future.  Visitors to our web site are encouraged to sign the Eldering Manifesto in support of transforming our view and experience of growing older from one of decline, loss, boredom, isolation, loneliness and resignation to one of power, purpose and possibility.  What is increasingly clear is that new opportunities to collaborate to meet local, regional and global needs are being created as possibility each and every day.  No matter what age you are, the opportunities to impact your world have never been greater. As a ‘Boomer’ myself, I consider it a privilege to collaborate with other generations in which each one of us contributes the very best of who we are to enhance the quality of life in the communities in which we live.

Is the possibility of being a ‘Change Agent for Aging’ in your future?

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