Talking about a revolution – Lifestylers set to take centre stage

THERE’S A REVOLUTION COMING WITH YOUNGER BABY BOOMERS AND OLDER GEN X-ERS DETERMINED TO DO THINGS THEIR WAY.

What that means for today’s active over 50s is the subject of a fascinating presentation by popular Australian social commentator and demographer, Bernard Salt at the Over-50s Lifestyle Forum presented by GemLife on 19 September.

He calls these ‘The Lifestyle Years’.

“The kids have left home – finally!” he said. “The mortgage has been paid off or the end is in sight, both partners are working and there just seems to be less pressure on the household budget.

Plus, there’s the realisation that ‘life’s too short’ and that it’s now or never to do what you’ve always wanted to do.”

He says with a lot of those economic pressures easing, many people begin to take stock and think about the next stage of their lives.

“This is a concept that never occurs to most people in their 40s, let alone earlier,” he said.

“By mid-50s with the kids gone and the mortgage gone, it suddenly dawns on people that time is shrinking. Perhaps a friend of a friend has a health incident – that shakes people up and they immediately think ‘this could happen to me; I’d better start living life to the fullest’.”

This demographic is ready to take advantage of the golden opportunity their health and financial security is affording them, but there are some other important things they should consider, said Bernard.

“The first thing is to understand your superannuation situation,” he said.

“Super may have been ignored for decades but now it’s time to confront the truth about your balance and the lifestyle it enables. Also, start having regular check-ups and begin an exercise and healthy lifestyle regime.”

Bernard said he is looking forward to GemLife’s Over-50s Lifestyle Forum next month.

“Do not miss my session,” he said. “There’s a lifestyle revolution coming with Boomers and older Xers boldly redefining the best years of the lifecycle—the fit 50s and the healthy 60s.

“This generation of retirees and lifestylers are going where no generation has gone before. And it leads to a longer, better, more fulfilling life. Come along and say hello!”