Clyde's Corner
by Clyde Lindley
"Quotable Quotes"
It is fitting to pay tribute to our Charter Members and to those who have been with us a long time. These "Quotable Quotes" are dedicated to them.
"The first forty years of life give us the text; the next thirty supply the commentary."
- Shopenhauer
"You are young at any age if you are planning for tomorrow."
- Unknown
"I'm old enough to know the rules and smart enough to break them."
- Unknown
''One way to live a long life is to abstain from all the things that make you want to live a long life."
- Unknown
"Retirement: when every day is Saturday."
- Unknown
"Nothing goes swifter than the years. Slow down and live this day to the fullest."
- Ovid
The Challenge for Baby Boomers
(and the rest of us)
The age of persons in the workplace is changing rapidly. The first "Baby Boomers" (those born between 1946-1964) are now 50 years old. Their numbers will increase to about 78 million. The number of young workers is decreasing while older persons age 60's and 70's are increasing. Older persons 85 and over are the fastest growing part of the population, and older persons 60 and over are living longer.
Baby Boomers face some real challenges:
1. Developing a financial plan (for current expenses, health care, eventual retirement, etc.). See financial publications for suggestions.
2. Retaining present job. In today's changing work environment it is important to contribute to management's goals. Focus on your own productivity, improve skills and develop new ones, eliminate non-essential activities; and just as important, help others in a non-threatening way to do the same.
3. Let change of career become an opportunity. Objectively evaluate job experiences; list assets and accomplishments. Seek information from friends, vocational counselors, others.
For possible job opportunities contact: Career Path (free) http://www.careerpath.com - provides listings of positions and places to work from The Boston Globe, Chicago Tribune, Los Angeles Times, The New York Times, San Jose Mercury News, and The Washington Post.
4. Examine your life-style. Use self-analysis to chart and control your future. Your behavior now will determine many aspects of your life in later years. Productivity and life satisfaction depend on good health.
"In health, behavior counts. What we do - or not do - can determine whether or not we will develop a serious illness. If we do become ill, our behavior can determine whether we live, die, or suffer from major disability. Each of us has in some measure the power to protect our good health, to prevent some of our own suffering, and to improve the outcome of diseases we cannot avoid." (1)
Behavior refers to what we do both mentally and physically. The mind has a powerful influence on our health and we need to direct it in a positive way. Being able to have self control seems to improve mood and apparently has some impact on having an improved immune system. (2)
Keep active both physically and mentally - they are interrelated. Physical fitness makes one feel better, reduces stress and anxiety, may slow age related mental decline, and bolster mental performance.
Start now for a present and future life that is satisfying and productive.
References
(1) "Doing the Right Thing. A Research Plan for Healthy Living." Human Capital Initiative, Report 4. Observer, April 1996. American Psychological Society, Washington, D.C.
(2) The APA Monitor. Vol 26 No. 12, December 1995, American Psychological Association, Washington, D.C.
Others: Health Letter, Public Citizen Health Research Group, Vol 5, #12, Dec 1989.
Also see references, "Clyde's Corner," p.24, Assessment Council News, April 1996.
Clyde is the Director of the Center for Psychological Service. He may be reached at: 1698 Sanford Road, Silver Springs, MD 20902. Phone: (301) 754-1070.
© Copyright 1996 by the IPMA Assessment Council. All rights reserved.