“The best years ahead?”

What does this mean, exactly? Something different today from what it used to mean? And how does that specifically affect Baby Boomers?

Let’s face it – “the best years ahead” has always been applied to the life after 65. For the parents and grandparents of Boomers, it was often called “the golden years.” It was defined by “retirement” – you could finally stop working, rest, relax, and (hopefully) have a relatively pain-free and gentle glide path toward the finish line. And that finish line was maybe 10-15 years away.

The typical message was seen in numerous TV commercials from the financial services industry: a white-haired man is out on the golf course, playing a chip shot on to the green, and as he walks up to the ball he tells his much younger playing companion that he’s sure glad he invested in XYZ because now his golden years are safe and secure. Is he actually going to do anything new or challenging? Of course not. He’ll be gone before long.

Under that scenario – and it still dominates much of the discussion – “the best years” are (a) relatively few and (b) relatively uneventful. You’re strictly playing defense.

But a new model is quickly emerging. We call it SuperAging, and it’s led by the Baby Boomer generation. SuperAging is based on the premise that at age 65, you still have enough time left to do new and exciting things. Sure, you have to be conscious of your health – which means wellness, diet, fitness. But you don’t just seek to survive. You can actually thrive. You can get older without getting old.

Longevity is triggering the most important social revolution we will ever see. A 65-year-old today has a realistic shot at 85, 90, or more. Maybe much more. The fastest-growing age group, in percentage terms, is centenarians.

For a 65-year-old, the SuperAger mentality is:

• I’ve got plenty of time left
• I’m heading into a new phase of life where I can learn and accomplish new things
• I am in charge of this future, so I need to be better informed about resources and options

Could you be a SuperAger?

Take this quiz to see. Give yourself 5 points if you STRONGLY AGREE with each statement, 4 if you SOMEWHAT AGREE, 3 if you’re NEUTRAL, 2 if you SOMEWHAT DISAGREE and 1 if you STRONGLY DISAGREE.

1. It’s exciting to believe I have a lot more years to live than I thought previously. ____
2. I’m always interested and curious about new discoveries. _____
3. I don’t see why retiring at age 65 should be considered “automatic.” _____
4. I’m eager to accomplish new things. Why should I stop now? _____
5. I think “ageism” is a real problem – and I’m willing to do my part to combat it. _____

Add up your total score. If you scored 15 and up, you could be a SuperAger. Now turn it into a real-life program. Check out SuperAging.info for more.

About the Book
SuperAging: Getting Older Without Getting Old
Why settle for getting old when you can thrive?

SuperAging is already a reality for millions. But the science, business, and culture of aging have changed at such a rapid pace that they can be hard to keep up with. That’s where authors David Cravit and Larry Wolf can help. They’ve broken SuperAging down into seven simple components—Attitude, Awareness, Activity, Autonomy, Achievement, Attachment, and Avoidance—and in this groundbreaking book, they show how you can put these forces to work in your own life. From taking control of your health and health care to revolutionary ways of thinking about retirement, money, housing, and even relationships, you’ll discover how to make your seventies, eighties, nineties, and beyond some of the best years of your life. 

About the Authors

David Cravit has an established profile and track record, both as author of two previous books on the subject of aging, as well as his ongoing role as an executive at ZoomerMedia, the only media company in Canada specializing in covering the “older” market. He is also a member of the Board of C.A.R.P., the largest and most influential association advocating for the rights and interests of Canadians as they age (equivalent to AARP).

Larry Wolf is the founder of the Wolf Group. His expertise lies in new product branding and marketing communications. He has worked with a number of major corporations and governments on branding and communications issues. His latest project, reflected in his new book co-authored with David Cravit, SUPERAGING: Getting Older Without Getting Old, has been to identify the opportunity to positively brand aging itself.