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In his new book Encore, Freedman insists that demography is not destiny. As he describes them, "Instead of the freedom from work, they are searching for the freedom to work; instead of saving for a 'secure retirement,' they are underwriting an encore career."So what could Boomers do in Freedman's bold new world. For the sake of individual Boomers, he recommends changes that will allow them to remain gainfully employed, self-sustaining, and engaged in meaningful roles.Today individual choices are often limited either to: a) 30 years of mind-numbing TV, golf and shuffleboard in the "Golden Years;" or b) greeting bargain-seekers as glorified doormen in the "Wal-Mart Years." While such retail sector bridge jobs might provide needed sustenance, they do little to maintain self-esteem or to benefit society in general. For example, retirees may now earn additional Social Security benefits by working from age 65 to age 68, but gain nothing more by continuing past that point. Freedman shows many ways in which tomorrow could be better than today, through a series of individual portraits of new American pioneers.
Further, they are discouraged from doing so by being forced to pay into Social Security even when they could be receiving payments from it. Even those who do have adequate funds might not want to be set out to pasture, however. Leading-edge Boomers today, as a group, are healthier than any such age cohort which has come before them. For the sake of the economy, he asks that Boomers choose to - and be allowed to - remain productive;.
Freedman argues that actions we take today could simultaneously improve the national economy, strengthen our society, and improve the lot of aging Boomers throughout the land:. Experts like the Federal Reserve's Ben Bernanke and Alan Greenspan have aired similar views on occasion.Now comes author and social entrepreneur Marc Freedman to suggest that such doom and gloom are not necessary. Others, however, might value the opportunity to continue as productive citizens. Articles about the coming "Social Security Disaster" vie for attention next to those on industry's inability to overcome the "Loss Of Baby Boomer Talent" or even fears that "Baby Boomers Will Retire Into Poverty." And these are not all the ravings of radio talk show hosts trying to build audience share. Take on social entrepreneuring activities, much as Freedman has himself, in order to improve the world around us.He also suggests ways in which today's rules about retirement could be modified, in order to help everyone involved. For the sake of society in general, he encourages Boomers to continue sharing their talents and experience; and.
Marc Freedman, by the way, does put his own energy where his mouth is. Stay on in their current roles instead of retiring, perhaps with more varied schedules or lesser work demands;. Tabloid-style headlines have infected even mainstream magazines and newspapers in recent years. Similarly, employers are forced to provide equal benefits for all, even if some could be covered by Medicare. Changes to each of these policies, among others, could encourage both employers and employees to rethink today's typical forced-retirement scenarios.Those facing medical or other issues should certainly be protected by the same options and benefits available today.
Many, in fact, will have no choice but what Freedman calls "the practical necessity of extending working lives" - there's certainly more than a few grains of truth in all of those stories about Boomers not being financially ready to retire.
Turn to helping professions such as teaching or nursing, which desperately need staff in many parts of the country;.
As founder and CEO of San Francisco's Civic Ventures, he has helped establish new activities including the Experience Corps, the Next Chapter, the Lead With Experience Campaign, and the Purpose Prize.
Sub-titled Finding Work That Matters In The Second Half Of Life, this excellent volume describes a number of alternative futures that could benefit us all.
You can learn more about these and other new ideas at his website, www.civicventures.org.His book is a clearly-written and exciting vision of an alternative future that we can begin building today.
As he shows in his examples, they could:.
Learn and grow into entirely new careers, either in new interest areas or simply in response to changes in the economy; or.
They are likely to remain physically and mentally able to be productive for ten, twenty or even more years into the future.
Buy it now and start own encore career.
This is an amazing book with anecdootes and resources for anyone looking for an encore to their life's adventure. I recommend this to everyone and appreciatethe focus and passion. It is a perfect complimant for Three Cups of Tea.
Society may never see another demographic group like the baby boom generation - people born between 1946 and 1964. Their stories are inspiring. Unlike previous seniors, boomers are not content to trudge quietly off the stage.
The boomers' idealism and social activism branded the 1960s and 1970s. In the process, boomers are redefining not only retirement but also work. During the 1950s, their great numbers dramatically changed everything, from manufacturing and construction to education and health care.
Instead, many are choosing second careers in public service. In subsequent decades, baby boomers changed the workplace and all other areas of life. Now, as this generation enters its retirement years, it is shaking things up again.
Marc Freedman discusses this phenomenon and what it means for society by presenting profiles of baby boomers who took up second, service-oriented careers when they reached retirement age. getAbstract recommends this book to professionals in their late 50s and beyond who want to put their hard-won expertise to work on behalf of others.
As a career counselor for individuals in the second half of life, I found Encore to be an excellent resource for seekers as well as those of us guiding the next generation of "non-retirees". Freedman aptly describes the frustrations that this pioneering group faces as they attempt to identify their next endeavor and find or create an appropriate match in the marketplace. I hope that Freeman's comprehensive work is recognized by policy-makers, funders and employers who will support the evolution of encore careers and the generation of individuals who will serve in them.
I found the book to be a rather fast read and always interesting. With people living longer and having the opportunity to remain in the workforce longer, this is a book that needed to be written. We can continue to work, we can retire, we can travel, etc. Thus you had best be prepared, financially, mentally and emotionally. You have important decisions to make. The author, Freedman, spells out in delicious detail those choices, and the result of whatever one we choose.
The FUNNIEST book on the subject is Martha Bolton's "Race You To The Fountain of Youth." Hysterical. Americans have more options than ever upon reaching retirement age. I'd go so far as to say it's the best book about the second half of life I've read. The book makes a point that others have made, but perhaps spells it out more directly. That point being that you may live longer, and be healthier, than your grandparents, and even your parents. Race You to the Fountain of Youth: I'm Not Dead Yet (But parts of me are going fast)I think Freedman's book about the second half of life is worth reading for anyone approaching retirement age.
Make then wisely or possibly pay for them later.
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