EXTENDING MIDDLE AGE TO 70

Daily Mail 14 July

Young people, and this applies especially to young reporters, kindly take note that people born between 1946 to 1964 (baby boomers) get offended when they are labelled 'elderly' or looked upon as frail and senile. Quoting findings from a US study, the Daily Mail reported that these senior citizens do not consider themselves 'elderly' till they reach at least 70.

My U3A Digital Photography class on a field trip to the Floria Fest in Putrajaya two weeks ago. We are all in our 50s and 60s. (Click on image to enlarge.)

Middle age has been extended to 70 for this generation of 50plus who are more educated, enjoy better health and a longer life span. More seniors are now adopting an active lifestyle. For them, retirement is no longer a dreary life-sentence of staying at home watching telly, sipping tea and nursing their aches and pains. They are busier than ever before. Their weekly planners are filled with events, appointments and even classes. Many are also giving back to society by volunteering their time helping NGOs and charity organizations.

No slowing down for Angeline, 70. Here she is on her electric bike outside the Balai Raya (community centre) where we have our weekly line dance class.

It's not just an active lifestyle that's keeping seniors happily occupied. They are looking younger than their age and fitter than they were pre-retirement. And why not? The stress of working under pressure, of raising children, and of settling financial commitments are all gone. This is the time where ME comes first, followed by spouse, children/grandchildren and friends in that order. To add more meaning and purpose to their lives, they get involved in community service. They find it rewarding and satisfying when they are able to help others who are less fortunate.

Community service - donating rice to the poor and needy.

It goes without saying that to enjoy this extended middle age, we must lay the foundation when we are in our 30s and 40s. Insufficient funds and poor health make for a miserable retirement.

So the message to our young people is: Get an early start on saving for your retirement, look after your health and develop a positive outlook on life. If these three pillars are in place, middle age for the current Generations X and Y might well extend to the 80s!