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We are in a new decade in a new century in the midst of a huge political season.

Take some time and reflect. Decide what you believe in today. Challenge yourself.

Don’t settle for status quo.

What we thought was most important in the past might have changed. We are not the person we were 20 years ago nor is the world the same.

I recently was at a networking event and we were asked “What is important enough to you that you would protest for it?” That’s a pretty deep question to answer when you don’t know those around you. My answer was “our basic rights” The freedom of speech. The right to assemble. The right to bear arms and the right to vote.

For others it was the ocean or the environment. We all know there are many important issues. Some have been around for a very long time and resurface. And this country was founded so we as individuals could not be suppressed. We have freedom of speech which enables us to voice our beliefs and we need to continue to exercise all these basic rights.

We need to be a part of the process. We need to stand for what we believe in. We need to be different. Have different beliefs and wants.

But we need to hear each other and be respectful.

Look around at the candidates running for office. In your town, state and nationally.

Who stands out? Who is expressing what you are thinking? Who do you think would do the best job?

Pick a campaign or pick a cause. Get out there. Get involved. I don’t know of a group that isn’t welcoming others to join them. Campaign for what and who you believe in.

Remember we don’t all need to agree. But we must respect our differences and listen to those other opinions.

And as Margaret Mead said, “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed’ it’s the only thing that ever has.”

Now go out and be a part of that change!

For those who aren’t certain – Baby Boomers are the children who were born after World War II. As the soldiers returned and married there was a population explosion creating a baby boom thus the name Baby Boomers! These babies were born between 1946 and 1964. They now are between the ages of 55 and 75. And there are more than 76 million Baby Boomers!

As this bunch moved through the different stages of live, society needed to adapt to accommodate the vast number. Schools were built. TV programming was geared towards them. Advertising was directed towards them. They protested the Vietnam war. Held sit-ins. Woodstock, The Beatles and TVs in every home happened because of the Boomers. And now society needs to continue to adapt as this massive group moves through the third stage of life.

This group is competitive, self-assured, goal oriented and has a strong sense of community. They are independent and make up their own mind. They are smart, confident and do their own research. Plus, they don’t part with their money easily.

As they become retirees’ changes will continue to develop and evolve. Boomers will need everything retirees have always consumed but in a much greater number and in a much different way. One example is the Boomers are generally staying in their homes. Not going to Florida. Not relocating. But “Aging in Place”.

Baby Boomers will live better than the generations before them as they live and work longer. Baby Boomers, also, had smaller families and are apt to be alone when their care needs change.

Society will need to again adapt and change to fill the void all of this will create. They will have more needs than the present aging system can supply. The current workforce will not be able to support this group’s future needs.

We already see some of these changes starting with the resourceful development of new ways to do things.

Uber and Lyft offer the beginnings of affordable on demand transportation.

Technology offers assistance to varying degrees. Alexa, Fitbit, telemedicine and fall monitors all offer various levels of help. We even have a TV we can talk to. And new devises are being developed and promoted as we speak. Updates continue to be made on existing devices and apps weekly.

The more we are able to talk with devices the more support we can get at a very low cost. They are not the robots we pictured as we watched “The Jetson’s”. But we can vacuum with iRobot. See who is at the front door with Ring. Call for help with our Medical Alert. Change the channel of the TV. Play music, make phone calls, monitor the thermostat and more with Alexa. Even start our car with our Smartphone.

What will we be doing with devises in say 5 years?

As Baby Boomers strive to live the lives they imagined and maintain their independence, they will be looking for those companies and products that market to them. They want companies that provide useful information. Have clickable ads. Give better than average customer service. Companies that understand $3+ trillion of the disposable income is in the hands of Baby Boomers will win those Boomers over with targeted marketing campaigns. One excellent example is SeniorCenterCt.org. A Collective website that’s easy to navigate and filled with useful information designed for the Baby Boomer.

There is much more on the horizon so as we look at change but sure to welcome it!

I recently got a puppy and I can’t tell you how much richer my life is because of our new little beagle, Harriett! She makes us laugh. She gets us up and moving. She’s funny and smart. I think we are going to be in trouble cuz she might be a little too smart.

The CDC article I was recently reading states that studies show the bond between people and pets lowers stress, increases fitness and brings happiness which can lead to decreased blood pressure, decreased cholesterol and triglyceride levels, decreased feelings of loneness with increased opportunities for exercise and socialization. Plus, pets can help us with weight loss.

When considering what to get for a pet we should be considering how long the pet will live. What they eat. How much exercise they will need? How big or small will it be when full grown. Are pets allowed where you live. How much time you have for a pet? How much will the pet cost between vet bills, food, grooming, etc.

Another thing is pet insurance. This is becoming more popular and can be quite affordable. And can cover those unexpected illnesses and accidents.

And before you get your pet. Figure out what pet you might want. The cost and time commitment. Reasons why that pet might not be a good idea. Ask yourself – will my life be richer if I get this pet? Or should I consider a cat instead? Maybe fish?

If you haven’t had a pet before you might want to consider a parakeet, a gecko, a gerbil or guinea pig. They are pretty easy to care for.

And remember the benefits!! Companionship, movement and laughter. Pets can give us a new meaning and purpose in life. My grandkids have come to visit more so they can see the puppy.

Most households in the US have at least one pet. You just need to pick the right pet for you and your household. We all are better off for loving a pet.