H. Frances Reaves is the author of the book Boomers Booming: How to Thrive After Sixty Five. She is also an attorney in Miami.
Q: How would you define the Baby Boom generation?
A: Mid-1946 to mid-1964 is defined as the “baby boomer” generation. We’re the second largest generation next to Gen Z, which just overtook us.
Baby boomers are defined as the creators of “sex, drugs and rock & roll.” Sex actually started in the Garden of Eden, and drugs in its many forms probably started in the same place (perhaps the apple?), but rock & roll is a definite boomer trait, and is still around.
AARP is the major sponsor of The Rolling Stones tour in 2024! Queen, although Freddie Mercury died long ago, still has cover bands that tour in theatres!
But the reason we have such staying power is because of our:
Strong work ethic. Baby boomers aren't afraid to put in a hard day of work.
Self-Assured. This generation is independent and self-assured.
Competitive. Baby boomers like competition.
Goal-centric.
Resourceful.
Mentally focused.
Team-oriented.
Disciplined.
Q: What do you see looking ahead regarding the lives of older people in this country?
A: I worry that Gen Xers and Millennials are unaware of “old age.” Boomers are great about saving and philanthropy. Studies show that this is not the case for GenXers.
If you have $1.5 million or less in assets and have no income other than Social Security, there is an excellent chance Medicaid is your ultimate option. Home health care costs are skyrocketing, and Medicare does not cover long-term care. Most of our population does not understand the difference between Medicaid and Medicare.
The more I write and speak on this subject, the more I sense a culture change in how boomers view dementia. We’ve watched older parents and friends struggle with it, and no one wants the dreaded “dementia diagnosis.”
In Miami (where I practice law), Dr. Marc Agronin is changing the attitude of how to treat dementia. The Scaduto Mind Institute, which he founded, treats dementia in a “wellness” environment.
Dementia, in all its forms, is a progressive disease. His core theory is that each patient is treated according to his or her ability. Mind games and exercise are part of the curriculum.
Other dementia-focused studies and clinics throughout the United States are working on the non-pharmacological side of dementia. I credit the boomers with this change. Our generation wants to live a quality life. We want to travel, party, and dance the night away!
Q: What do you hope readers take away from the book?
A: The takeaway from Boomers Booming is that now, as you look towards the last part of your life, you should become selfish. There is no need to worry about anyone but yourself. It is time to live your life, your way.
My only caution is to have an estate plan to prevent theft by trusted professionals and family.
Q: What are you working on now?
A: Besides my law practice and speaking engagements, I am working on qualifying my husband, who has Alzheimer’s, for Medicaid. We are then moving him into a Medicaid Advantage program which will assist him with his medical care when he’s moved into an assisted living center.
Q: Anything else we should know?
A: Age is a superpower!
--Interview with Deborah Kalb
No comments:
Post a Comment