Consumer Focus Column: Creating a Platform for a Meaningful Life

Katie Sloan

Recently, I was involved in a fascinating discussion about some of the issues that today’s providers of aging services might think about as we anticipate the aging of baby boomers. One thing became clear to me during the discussion. There isn’t ONE answer or ONE design or ONE model that will meet the wide variety of needs and expectations we’ll be facing during the coming decades.

There are a lot of boomers. And they don’t all think or act alike.

Organizations will need open minds, the ability to listen, the agility to adapt and a deep respect for fierce independence and individual desires. We need to pay attention to surveys and studies about boomers’ health and wellness, and about their financial security. We need to be mindful of their migration trends and workforce patterns.

The reality for boomers will be different from today’s elderly or even that of the Silent Generation. In terms of financial independence alone, boomers simply don’t have enough time to make up for the losses they experienced during the recent economic downturn. They have seen their home values plummet and their 401(k)s diminish.

As we think about services and supports for this generation, there will be three primary drivers: affordability, accessibility and choice. I believe that creative solutions will emerge in an organic way. But we need to begin now to listen, understand and partner with boomers.

Ultimately, as one boomer suggested, the most important thing aging services organizations can do is create a platform for a life that is meaningful for boomers on their terms.

Are we up to the task?