Baby Boomers Don't want to be Alone!

Take a look at this article .... YIKES! Dating can be scary.

Many baby boomers see themselves as trendsetters. This is great news for online dating sites and the industry itself.

The Associated Press recently reported, “Half of all people ages 40 to 69 are either divorced or separated, and 30 percent have never married. Baby boomers are turning to the Internet, speed dating or the old fashioned hook-up for companionship.”

Many dating websites now report that the over 50 crowd makes up one of the fastest growing segments in the online dating world. In referring to online dating, Stephanie Coontz, a family historian of the Evergreen State College in Washington recently said, "people in their 40s and 50s don't want to be hanging out at bars. Now they have access to this incredible pool of single people their age."

Boomers find online dating very convenient. They have less hang-ups about meeting people online then the generation before them. They appear to be more comfortable with themselves and realize how convenient online dating can be. They don’t necessarily turn to online dating as the only way to meet people, but they certainly see the convenience of adding online dating as a way of complementing the more traditional ways of meeting new people.

How will baby boomers change the face of online dating?

Baby boomers will change the online dating industry through their expectations of customer service levels and their honesty about themselves.

Two of the biggest criticisms of online dating are the level of customer service members receive from individual dating websites and wondering if the profiles that are posted on many of the sites, are real or fake.

Boomers have come to expect first class customer service. They will not tolerate poor customer service from an online dating website site that charges them a monthly fee while not providing an easy way to access customer service. They will not tolerate dating websites that clearly do not have contact information posted. Baby boomers will not tolerate having their credit card charged for membership renewals without their consent.

This is a good thing because it will force online dating websites to increase their level of customer service to attract the disposable income that comes from dealing with baby boomers. In order to attract baby boomers, online dating websites must do a better job of meeting the needs of this very important customer base. Baby boomers expectations will increase the overall customer service level of the online dating industry.

Baby boomers are also very comfortable about who they are as a group. Many baby boomers are past the “I care what other people think” stage of their lives. They are more interested in doing what they think is right for them. They are more honest about themselves and expect the same from others.

With this freedom, baby boomers appear more likely to post their real pictures online.

Baby boomers also appear to be less tolerant of other people who misrepresent themselves online. Because they are comfortable with themselves, they are less likely to jump right in to a relationship. They are less likely to believe they must act now.

People who post a real picture and real description about themselves in their profiles are more likely to have success with online dating.

Hopefully, this will become the standard for the industry.

An increase in customer service and an increase in honesty can only be good for online dating members and the industry itself.

About the Author:

Gary Kelly is co-creator of the online dating website for golfers, http://www.DateAGolfer.com and http://www.PuttingForPar.com, a golf website specializing in personalized ball markers.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Gary_Kelly

Sadly We Say Goodbye to Tim Russert

Baby Boomers all over the world are sad to say goodbye to Tim Russert. Tim died on Friday of a massive heart attack ... he was 58. Tim was what the baby boom generation is all about, as the moderator of Meet the Press for the last 19 years he went the extra mile to really "put it out there". I didn't always agree with his politics, but hey, I'll defend his right to say it.

Tim wasn't afraid to be brash and on the other hand he wasn't afraid to show his gentle side. Reading his book about his Dad, Big Russ, had me misty eyed many times and I know that I will miss seeing him every Sunday morning while I sip my cup of coffee.

Watch the youtube memorial from "the boss" singing Thunder Road .. just click

Tim Russert, may you rest in peace.

Baby Boomers - Is it Time to Re-Invent Yourself?

Baby Boomers, think carefully ... as a child did you used to play with your food? Were you drawn to the mashed potatoes and unable to resist taking big handfuls and just squishing them ... how about green peas ... entranced by the color and the delightful "pop" when you smooshed them? Have you ever considered re-inventing yourself as a food artist? No, no ... I don't mean photographing food items ... I mean "painting" with real food ....

Click on this delightful child and spend the next few moments in awe ..... if this video "speaks" to you, then perhaps you have found your new career!

Retirement is all about the next portion (not the last!) of your life. Do something FUN ... think outside the box and enjoy!

Baby Boomer Essential Info - National Hug Day!

Baby Boomers ... listen up ... today June 11th is National Hug Day. I know, you may have had a senior moment and forgotten this important occasion ... that's OK, it's why I am here! The good thing is, you don't have to buy a gift. Just wrap your arms around that special someone and give a little squeeze.

There is even a "Hugs for Health" foundation and ground rules for hugging etiquette. I have included their instructions and web site for further clarification below so take a look before you go out and commit a faux hug!

Have You Had Your Hugs Today?

Your Daily Hug Rx
4 Hugs for Survival
8 Hugs for Maintenance
12 Hugs for Growth

Proper Hug Etiquette
also known as the
Rules to Safe Hugging

1. Always respect another's space.

2. Ask permission before hugging.

3. A hug is a compassionate gesture,
   hug accordingly.

4. A hug is a gentle embrace,
   not the Heimlich Maneuver.

5. Be "in" the hug, don't simply
   go through the motion.
   
   You may be wondering why I have included this information in my baby boomers blog, but it is a fact that the baby boom generation was the first to start all this hugging stuff. So, if you are over 50, go out there and do what comes naturally! For hugging info you can visit the hug for health site listed below.
   

Happy Hugging!

http://www.hugs4health.org

I Want to be an Astronaut When I Grow Up!

Baby Boomers ... what do you want to be when you grow up ... how about an astronaut? Pictured here is my friend Jim standing next to a real live guy who grew up to be, guess what ... an astronaut! This is Jon McBride, former space shuttle pilot, retired from NASA.


Jim met him at the latest space shuttle launch on May 31st. They were lucky enough to get tickets to view the launch from only a short distance away.

So baby boomers, anything is possible with your life. Just because you are over 50 and facing retirement doesn't mean that your adventures are over. Think about it, maybe it is time to re-invent yourself!

This is what the baby boomers generation is all about! 3 ...2 ...1 ...BLAST OFF!!!!

Baby Boomers - What is Your Job Description?

Baby Boomers ... are you looking for a job to make a little extra spending money in a relaxing environment? Well, if you enjoy hoisting a pint or two, are witty and pleasant company, you might just fit the bill! Please send a picture and resume ........


I found this posted in a newspaper from the UK (see below)! Houdini, my Maltese jumped on it immediately, but was turned down in favor of a retired doctor and a former military man. He consoles himself with the fact that now he has more time to pursue "other" interests!

LONDON (Reuters) - Found: drinking companions to join elderly gentleman for a friendly beer at his local pub.

Mike Hammond was bombarded with offers after advertising in his village post office for someone to accompany his 88-year-old father Jack on visits to a southern England pub from a nursing home.

He offered the lucky winner 7 pounds ($14) an hour plus expenses and, after sifting through the applicants, decided on a job-share. Drinking duties are to be divided between a retired doctor and a former military man.

"Dad's now going to be going down to the pub several times a week -- three with his new friends and twice with me," Mike Hammond told The Times on Thursday. "I want to give him some of his old life back."

(Reporting by Paul Majendie, Editing by Paul Casciato)

Aging parents can be a challenge, so be creative! Retirement does not have to be boring.

Essential Baby Boomers Information, stop by often!