Most people know about the baby boomers. The term applies to all people born from 1946 to 1964. The appellation has also been applied to designate how this generation is very different from the generations that preceded it, and now more than ever, is different from the generations that follow. The number of people born during this period is staggering. Now as the boomers are rapidly turning 50 their impact on society and services will be just as dramatic as their numbers.

What does the major population shift mean for the future? What changes in service demands and service provision will the growing number of people approaching and passing 50 years of age have on counties?

AARP (formerly the American Association of Retired People) feels boomers are such an important segment of the population that they have been conducting extensive research on them for some time. Some of their research shows 50-somethings of the future are not the 50-somethings of the past.

Baby boomers have often been considered as a group that “lives for today.” Several studies, including one conducted by Douglas Bernheim of Stanford University, show the boomers saving about one-third (36 percent) of what will be required to maintain their current standard of living once they retire.

Brookings Institution researcher William Gale believes two-thirds are saving at least as much as they should. Even though this represents a much higher percentage of savers than the Stanford report, the savings level is dependent on continuing real wage growth.

The AARP report continues by showing that the most vulnerable boomers will be those who are:

• poorly educated and likely be heavily dependent on Social Security benefits and other social programs in their retirement
• single parents, mothers particularly, who have been unable to prepare for retirement because of low wages and irregular work histories
• non-homeowners because housing is the single most important asset, and
• racial and ethnic groups because many lack pension coverage, which is the most important income source for many.

Sixty-two percent of whites have coverage of their own or through their spouse, compared with 54 percent of African Americans and 47 percent of Hispanics.

What is interesting about AARP’s scenario of vulnerable boomers is they have pinpointed the same aggregate of people who have been the most heavily dependent on county services in the past. There is substantial belief they will continue to need assistance as they age.

Boomers as a group are healthy and plan to work and play longer than many of their age have in the past. Counties have increased the availability of recreational facilities including pools, tennis courts and golf courses, most used by boomers.

County recreation programs have increased the availability of classes that will keep boomers physically fit. These classes include swimming, aerobics, and other forms of exercise. In addition to being fit, boomers like to learn and will continue to learn as they age.

Many counties have created adult education programs that feature computer training, foreign languages, cooking, field trips or the arts, while others offer adult education courses through community colleges or junior colleges.

Boomers have always been considered the “me” generation, but now many find they are facing the challenge of being the “sandwich” generation. Since many boomers established their careers and delayed starting families they are still raising children at home, paying tuition and attending school and sports activities.

At the same time many have the responsibility of caring for aging parents and making decisions about their long-term care. Their need for services and assistance from counties has increased dramatically, as they demand good schools and programs for their children and programs that provide services for their elderly parents.

Counties across the nation have already begun to face this new challenge brought by the baby boomers and their growing numbers in their communities. Some have developed successful special programs and opportunities for seniors.

Ulster County, N.Y. created Live, Laugh and Learn Senior Day Conference. This conference is a one-day free event. The program included fun, education and self-improvement workshops. Courses included creative writing, computer training, introduction to opera, elderlaw and consumer issues.

Other counties, such as Arlington County, Va., established volunteer networks that work with and contact seniors on a daily basis. Counties have established special transportation systems that meet the needs of seniors who can no longer drive. These programs allow many seniors to maintain their independence and relieve family members who may be miles away.

Other counties have developed programs that use the skills of retired seniors to advise new business owners. These retirees assist with the development of business plans, computer training, accounting and other financial matters.

In addition, counties, such as San Diego County, Calif., have developed volunteer corps through the sheriff’s department and use seniors for routine patrols such as parks and compliance with parking regulations.

Others have developed volunteer programs that use seniors to do routine administrative tasks for the county.

The Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP), is a program funded by the federal Corporation for National and Community Service. Counties, individually or regionally, as well as other communities, can establish senior corps. These groups use their life experiences to better their communities. The skilled, experienced and talented retired seniors serve in public and non-profit community service roles.

(For additional information about programs for seniors go to www.seniorcorps.org/joining/index.html. For additional research information about baby boomers, their characteristics and their beliefs go to www.aarp.org)

(Research News was written by Jacqueline Byers, director of research.)