“It is not so much what we have in this life that matters. It’s what we do with what we have.” ~Mr. Rogers

As we wrap up our Baby Boomers and Beyond series where we have addressed: mind, body, health, exercise, community resources, Blue Zones and lifestyle choices and more, we wanted to leave you with some Boomer cultural “blasts from the past.” We are the generation born between the end of World War Il (1946) and the mid-1960’s. We are considered the “pig in the python”—referring to the population bulge as it moves through life’s stages. We were a huge population explosion! Yup, all 76.4 million of us! Previous generations were happy to blend in, to “fit in”, Boomers wanted to stand out. We began the movement towards individuality and uniqueness, and instilled these values in our children and grandchildren. We were the first consumer generation. We grew up in the television age watching mass media emerge and embracing cultural change—Elvis, Jimi Hendrix, Beatles, Joni Mitchell and others. We listened to blues, soul, folk music and it was the advent of the electric guitar that really kicked off the musical revolution!

How did we change society? Here are some of those things that wouldn’t exist without baby boomers, proving we made the world a better place: We made driving safer; we immortalized road trips and travel in general; we pioneered rock ‘n’ roll; we invented the internet; we created personal computers; we ushered in the era of screen time; we launched Saturday Night Live; we turned movies into cultural events; we took volunteering to new heights; we stood up for LGBTQ rights; we fought for gender equality; we protested war; we kickstarted environmental activism; we made waves in forensic analysis; we ended the Cold War; we reduced the stigma around divorce; and we increased life expectancy.

We are a unique generation that was molded during a time of radical changes in U.S. culture. Our culture was one of consumerism. On one hand, boomers were a generation that was experiencing wealth and an influx of gadgets like never before. On the other hand, we lived under the shadow of the Cold War. How many of you remember the mock air raid drills ducking under our desks in case of a nuclear attack? And who had a bomb shelter?

If you are not a baby boomer, it might help you understand the drives and motivations of this generation a little better. Boomer attitudes and behaviors go well below the surface. What an exciting and tumultuous time!

Have a safe summer!
Be well,

Andrea Kaye and Peggy McKleroy, Co-chairs of the Hampton Seniors Vision’s Committee

A special thank you to Andrea and Peggy for their contribution of “Baby Boomers and Beyond”. Entertaining and enlightening, the column provided us with various and great information for the last few years. And what a dynamic ending to this column! Reminding younger generations — as we, the “baby boomers”, honor our predecessors, “the greatest generation”, in this very issue — of our various and valuable contributions. Thank you, Andrea and Peggy.