Posted on 02/27/2011 3:03:31 AM PST by Scanian
Baby Boomers are having a hard time. Not just with the economy, or the health issues that crop up in your 50s and 60s, or even getting caught between taking care of our aging parents and unemployed kids.
No, I’m talking about the fact that many Boomers, of which I am one, do not want to grow up.
Those of us born in the Baby Boomer period, between 1946 and 1964, range in age from 47 to 65. We are either on the young side of old, or we’re just a hop, skip and hopefully not a fall into 70.
I don’t know that we mind growing up, but many of us don’t want to grow old. But certain Boomer minds have somehow merged the two. In order not to grow old, they have taken the position that they will simply not grow up.
You see it in the absurd notion put forward by journalists and advertisers — “50 is the new 30.” “60 is the new 40.” We buck each other up by dressing and behaving like it’s true, as though if we repeat it enough we will actually make it so.
And because we are Boomers and have been at the forefront of so many innovations, from rock ’n’ roll to the computer, some have this misguided impulse to act hip. Have you ever seen so many 50-year-olds dressed like teenagers? In my grandfather’s and even my father’s era, grown men did not wear sneakers, shorts, T-shirts and caps unless they were actually involved in an athletic activity. Grown men did not go to work looking like they were headed for sleep-away camp.
My grandfather dressed in slacks and a shirt and sensible shoes and a suit every day for work.
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Ditto.
We could be like our parents who look 40 in their high school yearbook photos.
No thanks. I’ll wear what I want when I want (as long as it’s comfortable).
The “greatest generation” raised a batch of real winners. Guess their parents didn’t want them to be exposed to the horrors of their own generation and went too far in the other direction. Here’s hoping that eventually this infection will work its way through the system.
Yes, I can. It sounds to me like you are the one throwing a hissy fit mister, now go to your room and calm down.
Sounds like you lost that girl to an older guy and just can’t get over it. Sorry.
I am a baby boomer and unfortunately you are 100% correct.
“I didn’t know that a tin can in a typhoon could cause that.”
Being an Airdale I don’t differentiate between Destroyers and Submarines.
You were born into the boomer generation, but you are not a boomer.
I wear the same clothes my daughter wears. I am only a size 4 and it is difficult to find anything that fits me in the women’s department in stores.
I was trying to remember what my Aunts dressed like when they were in their 60’s. Typically elastic waist band polyester slacks and an overblouse, but they were all slightly overweight. The Aunts on my Father’s side of the family always wore house dresses, never saw them in slacks of any kind.
I think many of the Baby Boomers are in better shape than the women of previous generations.
Boomer submarine or boomer baby?
I’m 62. Ihave always been a right winger. I gave pro Nixon speeches in college. I got married at 24, worked every day since, been married 36 years, paid for college, saved for retirement and hate the Kenyan Impostor.
The only ME I have is golf. So hate me.
Whatever. Jusk keep paying your FICA.
The Boomers whose parents help understand what happen to them in the 1920’s to the 1940’s have grown up. The Boomers who have been protected from that have not. My parents taught me what happen.
I think I am humbled by that statement - thanks!
Mel
You remind me. I’m 62. When my mom turned 45 back in the ‘50’s, I asked her when she would switch to high-button shoes (”old lady shoes” as we kids called them) like her mother wore.
Now, how many FReepers could answer THAT question?
LOL - yeah I think my Dad always looked old - he is still going and probably looks better without the suits nowadays!
I would add as long as it’s comfortable and bits don’t fall out!
Cheers
Mel
Good to start the day with a laff.
We got yelled at for wearing jeans when we were kids and we’re stilled taking heat for it. LOL!
They turned women and men against one another, pitted races, religions and cultures against one another so now lets pit children and parents against one another in a generational back and forth. The end result will be to soften the conscience when it is time to say, just let the old farts die already...they had their time and made this mess.
P.S. The “Greatest Generation” parented the boomers so the premise requires the admission that the “Greatest” were not so great at parenting, but indeed were the worst. Raising children to become responsible, moral and honest adults is a very important part of life. The Gen Xers who think they are “better people” should thank the Baby Boomer parents.
LOL Well I understand that prior to my time jeans were seen as:
1. Working clothes only
2. The new communist uniform
So I suppose I can understand why their would have been some kick-up but nothing fits better than a pair of Levi’s 501’s and even though I take a few sizes bigger than waht I did as a teen - they still don’t look half bad on me (vanity)
Cheers
Mel
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