On January
1, 2006 the first Baby Boomers will turn 60. It’s a generation 76-million
strong, born between 1946 and 1964. They grew up in a hopeful, expansive
time in America, but also during the menacing years of the Cold
War. Boomers were the first generation raised on television and
rock ‘n’ roll. With the election of President Kennedy they saw power
pass to a new generation. They took to the streets to protest against
the war in Vietnam, and in favor of civil rights and the women’s
movement. From Haight Ashbury to Woodstock, from Richard Daley’s
Chicago to the campus of Kent State, it was a generation hell-bent
on questioning authority.
Because of their sheer numbers Boomers have always had a big impact
on American society. And they are about to do it again. Unwilling
to slide quietly into later mid-life, Boomers are prepared to re-invent
the concept of aging in America.
As the first Boomers reach the milestone age of 60, a new television
series will join in the celebration. Boomers! Redefining Life
After 50 will explore the issues, challenges and opportunities
facing Boomers as they contemplate their 60s, 70s and beyond. A
13-part series of half-hour magazine style programs, Boomers!
will examine this generation’s innovative approach to work, family,
health, finance, learning, travel and volunteerism.
At an age when Americans have historically throttled back and withdrawn
from the mainstream, Boomers will be channeling their energy down
new avenues. Rather than retire, many plan to remain in the workforce
or start a business. Boomers are looking for help with their finances,
and advice and guidance on maintaining a healthy lifestyle. The
Boomers! series will provide personal profiles and
expert advice on all these areas.
It is a time of transition for many Boomers. Millions are becoming
empty nesters. Some are coping with divorce and being single again.
Caring for elderly parents is a major concern. Career change is
a powerful theme with those in their 50s and 60s. They have worked
long and hard, and many now hope to follow their passions into new,
meaningful careers. Boomers! will tell the stories
of people going through life transitions, while providing practical
guidance on how change can lead to a successful new chapter in life.
An affluent generation with a proven record for spending, Boomers
are already targeted by marketers with products to fit their energetic
view of life after 50. Financial service companies, home builders,
food producers, automobile makers and the travel industry are among
those tapping into the Boomer Zeitgeist. One Boomers!
segment will join up with the Road Scholar program, designed for
Boomers who want adventure and education packed into their travel
plans.
Boomers! Redefining Life After 50 is hosted by a Boomer
couple, former NBC correspondent Nancy
Fernandez Mills, and her husband,
Mark Mills, a seasoned broadcast financial journalist. As a
certified yoga instructor and massage therapist, Nancy brings years
of health expertise to the program. Mark, who holds a Certified
Financial Planner (CFP) designation, has long experience in explaining
the complexities of personal finance issues.
The Boomers! series will be taped in communities across
the country. Each program has three feature stories, and shorter
segments on health, personal finance, and lifestyle. Boomer trivia
questions will be woven into the mix. While some programs include
nostalgic images from the 1950’s, Boomers! is forward-looking
and substantive, exploring the central life concerns facing the
Boomer generation. A companion web site will provide supplemental
information for each program.
Boomers! Redefining Life After 50 is based on the
premise that with longer life spans, a penchant for blazing new
trails, and a drive to be active participants in the 21st century,
Boomers can look forward to decades of contributing to society and
enjoying vigorous, fulfilling lives. We invite you to come along
for the ride.
Boomers! Redefining Life After 50 is a production
of Boomer Media Properties, Inc.
Program funding is provided by Fidelity Investments and Del Webb
Corp., a division of Pulte Homes, Inc.
The series is available to all public television stations in the
U.S. via American Public Television.
SOURCE
: http://www.boomerstv.com