By Julie E 
(Credit: Pixel)
During a marathon he ran last year, Professor Stephan (Kyusuk) Chung of California State University, Northridge’s health sciences department witnessed directly how Baby Boomers are altering the image of aging.
Running more than 100 marathons, veteran Chung, who has completed 13 races and is training for his 14th, recalled jogging alongside a 75-year-old woman. “We stayed side by side for the first 15 miles, but suddenly, she left me behind and surged ahead,” Chung said. “That’s where today’s older generation is—they’re not letting age hold them back, and they’re outpacing the rest of us.”Baby boomers, those born between 1946 and 1964, make up over 20 percent of the US population. As they age, they are purposefully debunking deeply held beliefs about aging.
Citing data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Chung claimed, “Many Baby Boomers are working well beyond traditional retirement age,” noting that over 40% of persons 55 and older were either actively seeking employment or still worked in 2020.
“This ‘unretirement’ trend challenges the outdated idea that older individuals stop contributing to society,” Chung said. He also talked about how many Baby Boomers are returning to school to get new degrees or certifications because they enjoy learning new things and want to keep their minds active.Professor Chung of CSUN’s College of Health and Human Development emphasized that Baby Boomers prioritize their health more than previous generations did. “They’re focusing on wellness, eating better, and staying physically active to maintain their lifestyle,” he stated.
Over half of Baby Boomers routinely engage in physical activity, with many of them participating in sports like cycling, hiking, and running, according to CDC data. As to the Physical Activity Council, they comprise about one-third of the customer base in the fitness industry.
“Not only are they keeping fit, but in many cases, they’re outdoing younger generations in their physical activity levels,” Chung said.
In addition to maintaining their physical activity, Baby Boomers are busting the stereotype that aging people have trouble utilizing technology. Citing data from a Pew Research Center poll conducted in 2021, Chung said, “They’re adopting tech at a remarkable rate.” Of Baby Boomers, 82 percent possess a cellphone, 64 percent use social media, and 70 percent use the internet on a regular basis.
Baby Boomers are eradicating the myth that becoming older means being less engaged in society by utilizing technology, physical health, travel, and volunteer work in addition to their retirement years.
“Throughout their lives, Baby Boomers have been associated with major social movements and activism,” Chung continued. “Now, as they age, many continue to defy societal expectations and stay involved in causes they care about, proving that age doesn’t have to be a barrier to making an impact.”Chung claims that the Baby Boomer generation is fundamentally altering how society views aging. “Older adults today are active, tech-savvy, and eager to learn and experience new things,” he stated. They are proving that growing older does not mean you have to lose relevance or productivity. Instead, it may be a time for growth, engagement, and contribution.”
“80 is the new 70, and 70 is the new 60,” is a proverb that sums up how people’s views of aging are evolving as life expectancy increases and overall health gets better. “People in their 70s and 80s often have the health and vitality once associated with those in their 60s,” Chung said. He did, however, give a warning: while lifestyle choices, financial status, and access to healthcare all have a significant influence on how people age, this is a general tendency that may not apply to everyone.
“For many Baby Boomers, having access to healthcare and resources has allowed them to redefine what it means to grow older,” Chung stated. “Hopefully, future generations can learn from their example.”