Welcome to your weekly Boomer Women Inspiration Series
Chapter Two - Habits, Hopes & Fears: With our community jam-packed with Boomer Women busily sharing their thoughts and getting to know each other, week two saw us delving deeper unto their lives. Across our three tasks this week, we asked them to share their weekly routines - including how they prioritise their all-important spare time - alongside their hopes and fears when it comes to the big areas of Health, Wealth, Retirement, Family and a Sense of Adventure!
Let's jump straight into some of what they shared with us.
Our Boomer Women are busy, and loving it!
When it comes to their spare time, there is a huge range of hobbies, interests and personal endeavours being pursued. While allotments and gardening are a consistent favourite, we also saw many delving into a variety of other hands-on activities such as patchworking, candle-making, embroidery, jewellery and mosaics to name a few. There is also a strong representation of more community-based affairs such as volunteering, including through the church, choirs and local games clubs such as Bridge.
There is a consistently strong sense that these women are eager to make the most of their spare time, particularly for those who are already retired:
"I am very lucky and I appreciate that, now I'm retired, I am totally free to choose what I want to do and when. I also have the energy for my fun activities and time to recover from them. I am aware that at some point, due to health reasons and aging I won't be able to do all the things I enjoy so I am really going for it now, whilst I can." - Jayne, 57-66, Married, Retired
But grandchildren and work are still on their minds
However, many are experiencing the realisation that their available spare time is not always as plentiful as they might have hoped for at this stage of life. Recent economic challlenges have hit home for some; this can result in keeping them in work for longer than they may have planned, forcing them back into part-time employment, or requiring them to help out more frequently with childcare when it comes to their grandchildren. Regarding the latter, they are willing to do it, but also agree that it does have the potential to feel like 'work' in itself, rather than existing as sheer quality time with the youngest members of their family:
"Spending time with my children and grandchildren: this gives me so much pleasure, I don't do regular childcare (which would maybe change things and make it feel like work?) but frequently help out my two eldest daughters who live only 15 and 45 minutes away." - Vicki, 57-66, Married, Part-time Employed
Hopes & Fears: Health, Wealth, Family, Retirement & a Sense of Adventure
Health is a common concern for all
For many, health issues exist as a case of 'when' and not 'if'. Those fortunate enough to still feel physically capable are aware that they need to do what they can to limit future potential risks: losing weight and closely managing their diet are frequent strategies.
But they recognise that much of what might happen is beyond their control when it comes to dread diseases like cancer and dementia, meaning health issues are an ever-present concern. This is particularly true for those already suffering through mobility or on-going ill health.
Uncertain times make for the hum of financial worry
Whilst many feel that they have options to cater to their present, fairly modest financial needs (state and private pensions, equity release through downsizing), the uncertain economic times of recent years mean that many are left feeling unsure of what the future might hold for them, and how this might impact on their aspirations for the years to come.
Family provides a deep well of hope
Family is a clear priority and source of joy, comfort and ultimately hope - for those fortunate to have them in their lives. Spending time with family members, and treasuring special moments together, provides a platform for a brighter view of the future.
But there are fears that future generations will struggle to achieve the same levels of prosperity, success or even comfort as Boomers were able to enjoy. This brings with it a sense of desire (obligation, for some) for many to provide help wherever they're able to.
Retirement is something to be enjoyed!
Life is too short, and Boomer Women and their partners have worked too hard, to simply not enjoy the fruits of their labour. They are excited for the freedom they hope it will bring (and has already delivered for some) in order to pursue the hobbies and interests that truly matter to them.
However, this is tempered with cautious enthusiasm; you simply never know what might happen when it comes to health or wealth that might jeopardise future desires.
Maintaining a sense of adventure takes more effort than it used to
Boomer Women recognise the benefits of seeking out new experiences; it keeps them young, cognitively active and reaffirms bonds of connection within communities.
But as they've gotten older, they've realised that stepping out of their comfort zones has become increasingly daunting. As a result, incorporating a sense of discovery in their lives requires more conscious effort than it might have in their youth, and they fear that they may not always have the energy to pursue it as vigorously these days.
A Good Conversation Thought Starter
Welcome to a new feature: our Charity Thought Starter. This is a small seed of an idea that we've stumbled upon that might have the potential to turn into something bigger down the line. It's something we'll be keeping our eye on throughout the remainder of the community to track its development, but wanted to share it with you now to mull over.
This week's seed is: The ability of charities to provide a sense of purpose to Boomer Women
What else are our Boomer Women talking about?
Finally, we wanted to share a bit of fun that our women are having on our community. With the ability to start their own discussions about whatever they might like, the've been talking about...the community, and how much they're enjoying it!
