The aging of the baby boom generation represents an unprecedented societal shift with enormous implications—for our community and for our country. As the population over 65 doubles in the next 30 years, this massive generation will present a host of new challenges and opportunities. The big question is whether we are prepared to tackle the challenges and capitalize on the opportunities.
Recognizing that our region’s demographics make it a bellwether for the nation in understanding the boomers’ aging experience, Gulf Coast Community Foundation of Venice partnered with Village on the Isle in 2006 to explore how we can engage the coming baby boomers in our growing community.
In April 2006, the Foundation and VOTI co-hosted “Baby Boomers or Bust,” a regional dialogue facilitated by noted gerontologist John W. Gibson and family and business transition-planning consultant Bonnie Brown Hartley. Gibson and Brown Hartley led a discussion of what shaped the baby boom generation, what the boomers will want in retirement, and how our community can plan for the opportunities they will present. Participants were invited to complete an online survey about the specific issues that mattered to them, and more than 150 community members responded.
In March of 2007 the Foundation and VOTI partnered again to invite University of South Florida associate professor and expert on aging Dr. Larry Polivka to discuss the trends he sees emerging from the aging
experience of the boomers over the next several decades. Titled “The Future of Aging,” this event featured Dr. Polivka’s analysis of the economic, health, and civic/political implications of the aging of the baby-boom generation. He also proferred suggestions of how community members might work together to effect the most desirable outcomes. Attendees then offered their own questions and comments about local issues and partnership opportunities in areas such as geriatric care, job-training for seniors, and volunteerism.
Through this series of regional dialogues, the Foundation engaged a range of stakeholders—from faith, community, and elected leaders to nonprofit executives, business owners, financial advisors, educators, health-care practitioners, and philanthropists. Many of our region’s nonprofits already are preparing for the challenges presented by the swelling wave of boomers coming to our shore, and the Foundation welcomes their ideas and grant proposals. While many important questions were raised through these events and the dialogue they sparked, it is clear that all of us—individually and as a community—must continue to work together to address these issues if we are going to thrive in our growing community.
