DuPage group helps boomers to unite
By Jimmy Strong For The Sun December 28, 2010 2:18PM
Updated: September 24, 2012 6:25AM
As a card-carrying member of the largest demographic in the United States, I belong to the generation born between 1946 and 1964. Whether religious or not, our parents heeded the words of God to Adam and Eve in Genesis when he advised them to “go out and multiply.” Strike that. God doesn’t give advice. He issues commands to be obeyed, and obey they did.
Seventy-four million of us who were born between 1946 and 1964 are floating around the country at various stages of life, work, career, family health and leisure — if we have the time. The youngest of us are approaching our 50s, and the oldest are over 60 and are either retired or contemplating retirement if we can afford it.
Baby boomers control more than 80 percent of personal financial assets and more than 50 percent of discretionary spending power. They are responsible for more than half of all consumer spending, buy 77 percent of all prescription drugs, 61 percent of over-the-counter medication, spend $500 million on vacations per year, and make up 80 percent of all leisure travel. We are watching our grandchildren being born in Edward Hospital, as I will be doing any day now. We are strolling the Riverwalk. We are watching our kids go to one of four high schools, a new one being built every 10 years or so. With the population of Naperville about 140,000, about three in 10 of us are boomers.
So if we are the kick-off generation, we owe it to ourselves to start an organization, too. The DuPage Boomers have done just that for their namesake county.
Twelve thousand of us turn 50 every day, according to the DuPage Boomers’ council, and they want to hear from you. This new organization is sponsored by the Bloomingdale, Carol Stream, Glen Ellyn, Naperville, Roselle, Warrenville, West Chicago, Wheaton and Winfield park districts. DuPage Boomers is designed to promote healthy lifestyles and is open to adults 50 and older.
Throughout the year, DuPage Boomers will be offering events, leagues, trips, educational series and programs designed for the active adult (50 and older). Programs may include softball, volleyball, soccer and basketball leagues along with one-time clinics in platform tennis, bocce, disc golf and cricket. In addition, other offerings may include educational programs, extended vacation trips and community-wide events such as Senior Olympics.
If you would like to get involved or have program suggestions, contact your local park district or Peggy Wilson at 630-681-0962 or peggyw@wdsra.com. She would love to hear your ideas.
Are you one of the 12,000 boomers who turn 50 every day? Check out DuPage Boomers!
Jimmy Strong writes about work life, health care and leisure time in Naperville — three things an aging baby boomer can’t live without. Contact him at jrstrong63@msn.com.
