Baby Boomers Facing Homelessness And Trend Is Growing

I was sad to read a multitude of articles about the growth of homelessness among Baby Boomers. a problem with no end in sight.

In cities like Miami, Dallas, and others, the greatest increase in homelessness has become members of the Boomer generation, people who had careers, homes, families, insurance – all of the things we take for granted, who found themselves “downsized” and after spending years looking for a job, could no longer afford even the smallest amount of rent, let alone to continue to own their own homes.  Literally, out on the streets.

The old economy doesn’t exist, the government is not going to save them, their families can’t or won’t help them, and many members of the unstoppable generation have simply given up.  This is disastrous for society, and heartbreaking to observe – watching the death of the human spirit, the total loss of hope, and the growing despair among a generation that created and gave so much to the development of society, technology, thought, and excitement to their world over the years.

The world the Boomer generation expected to exist as they trundled into their older years no longer exists.   Perhaps it’s the human normal reaction of denial in the face of trauma that has led people to this level of despair and giving up.  For some, perhaps circumstances really left some no other choice – they are not to blame.

But if we’ve learned anything from history, life is about change.  If you asked someone in the first century A.D. how long they thought the Roman Empire would last before it collapsed – they would have laughed at you.  The Roman Empire collapse?  That was beyond comprehension.  It lasted 1,000 years; no one would have believed it could end – it controlled the world.

But POOF – it was gone.  Just as the Baby Boomers expectations of how their older years would pan out.  The old economy is dead and Baby Boomers are beginning to learn it.  Denial, that life preserving force that is meant to protect the psyche just long enough until it can deal with the tragedy, is hopefully chipping away.  The way out is not simply re-doing what no longer works, something drastically different needs to happen to change the outcome of the Baby Boomers older years.  Maybe it is not what they expected, but it does not necessarily have to mean homelessness or poverty – it can be light years better than we ever dreamed.  Isn’t that so often the case?  God chuckles as we make plans, because He knows He has so much more planned for us.  IF we are willing to dump the denial and move on.  Cut all the ties and learn to cast aside almost everything we once believed was true.  If we are willing to become a first century Roman, who knows that the empire will not last forever.

What does this have to do with the growth of homelessness among Baby Boomers?  For some – nothing, their plans will move forward as they anticipated long ago.  But for the huge number of Boomers whose lives have not turned out as they thought they would – either through economic collapse, divorce, chronic illness, downsizing, loss of interest in their careers and wanting to do something different – whatever – it can mean the difference between a secure, fulfilled and (yes) exciting.

Yes, it takes faith, courage, determination, and a total change of mindset to reinvent yourself at 55.  People start over every day, but maybe it seems like it would be easier at a younger age.  But maybe not.  With all the years of experience, learning and discipline behind you, a Baby Boomer often has a better chance at reinventing their lives than someone 30 years younger.

If your economic situation or your dreams leave you sleepless, what choice is there?  To remain in denial (head in sand) or to change – with a commitment and  passion.  You know the old adage:  go to school, get a job, work hard, climb the ladder and collect your pension did not and does not work or was killing you.  Change seems frightening – but it is really a boogeyman hiding under the bed.

Once your mindset changes, you can and will do everything in your power to change your life and your income.  You will not give up until the the final whistle blows.  You have access to the power to undo years of subconscious “I Can’t” chatter and turn it around into a “Can Do” attitude.  Once you change your mind, you can change your circumstances, your life and your income.

Beware of sharks, however.  They swim in whatever waters are available to them at the time, looking for desperate fish to devour.  Run to the Internet in search of an instant answer to your problems, and you may find yourself worse off than before.

The “gurus” are out there, ready to take your last time, promising the world and delivering hot air.  Yes, there is more money to be made on the Internet than ever before but the only way to do it is to align yourself with people you get to know and trust.  Throw away the allure of the glitz and automatic systems and realize that this, too, is work.  And realize that there are communities of people out there who are not only full of integrity and honesty, but who genuinely want to know you and help you.

It is the era of the relationship economy, it does not happen overnight but so long as you do not quit it does happen.  You do not need to be an expert at any of the details to start – but if you don’t start your head is still in the sand thinking the Roman Empire will last forever.

But there is HOPE beyond what your circumstances may now lead you to believe.  Baby Boomers need to help other Baby Boomers prevent despair, economic ruin and homelessness and together WE CAN and WILL do it!

Tags: excitement, homelessness, multitude, roman empire collapse, trauma