Let's Talk about the Baby Boom
This past week I was invited to be one of the guests on a local radio program with two of my colleagues from the University of Nebraska at Omaha. The topic? You guessed it…Baby Boomers. One of the things I appreciated most about the program were the demographics presented by David Drozd. While some of the stats in the program are specific to the state of Nebraska, there are lots of national and even global implications. For example, in the state of Nebraska, before the baby boom, the average number of births per year was 22,000. When the baby boom began (and throughout those nearly 20 years that followed) the number of births per year was 32,000. I’ve known the baby boom was a big deal – but just hearing the way David presented the numbers really put things into perspective. I’ve included the program below if you care to listen. It is divided into 2 parts.
One of the questions the host of the show posed to us was (I’m paraphrasing), “Knowing what you do about the huge numbers of baby boomers entering the later years of life, what is it specifically that preoccupies your mind when you go to bed at night?” Please post a comment regarding your answer to that question. I’d love to hear your thoughts.
Amy,
Interesting Broadcast? What do you think Miss America (Miss Nebraska – Teresa Scanlan) has to say about Encore Generation Ministry?
Bob
Several items in regard to boomers coming of age bash around my little pea brain when i awake in a cold sweat late at night. Beside the usual problems that will become increasingly prevalent and confront this and subsequent generations: rising health care costs or changes in health priorities, changes in housing and other infrastructure, the lack of care facilities for the aging population, lack of progress in positive attitudes toward the aged, transportation changes, etc, i wonder about the nation’s ability to capture the huge investment that has been made in the boomers in terms of stories, capital, and wisdom. Are there enough ready audiences for their compelling stories, worthy projects in need of their vital assets, and competent conveyors of their hard earned wisdom for the boomers to continue, or for some, begin releasing the dividends of their collective, accumulating lifestyle?
Jeff,
You have articulated this so well!
Not only do we need to motivate boomers to share their wisdom and give of their years of experience – we ALSO need to create a culture/church/society that values what they have to offer! I’m really glad you posted this.