Iggy Pop Says No AARP Allowed!
April 15th, 2014
Iggy Pop is clear: “I don’t want to hear about the AARP!”
That’s what I said, when “the AARP” started pitching me. Moi? Non-non-no-no. AARP is for old people, and I’m. Not. Old.
Iggy’s business manager has tried to get the Popman into ARRP for 16 years, pointing out the “great discounts.” Apparently the travel and car insurance deals aren’t valuable enough to offset the reminders that he’s 66; and reminded frequently, too, ’cause once AARP has you, you get their flyer, magazine, and lots of letters from AARP partners and endorsers et al.
It’s interesting to observe who chooses, and at what age, and under what circumstances, to join the AARP club. I joined because I write about, for, and to Boomers, so it’s a must read. I also get a good deal on my car and house insurance.
David Bowie at the Top of His Game—Again
January 10th, 2014
If David Bowie, now 67, had retired at 65, he wouldn’t have been nominated for two Brit awards–which is the equivalent of our Grammy—he’s up for Male British Artist of the Year and Album of Year, for “The Next Day,” his first release in 10 yrs.
Maybe 65 is a tad young for SRA? (Standard Retirement Age.)
Diane Rehm Sez “OlderER, Not Old”
December 19th, 2013I prefer to write about lighter fare; that said, today’s Diane Rehm (NPR) show talks “older workers.” Cringy as that description is, it’s apt. Thoughtful, insightful, intelligent roundtable.
http://thedianerehmshow.org/audio-player?nid=18734
To Retire, or Not to Retire, That is the Question!
December 5th, 2013
Fred Sands, 75, said, “I never considered retiring. I’ve had friends retire, and nobody wants to go to lunch with them.” Sands likes “the action.” And he’s not in in for the money, ’cause, a while back he sold his eponymous real estate company for $100 million.
However, some of us might work for money. According to a Fidelity Investments survey, over half of U.S. workers aren’t saving enough to afford a retirement, anyway.
The New Retirement
December 3rd, 2013
Over a catchup dinner, my friend said, “it sure doesn’t feel like retirement.”
Her career on the corporate ladder peaked two jobs ago, and after the last layoff, at 65, she could have called it a day. But her reputation in the field, and her desire to work in that field, led to offers of part-time/per-project work, and what was a forced retirement is now, two-years later, a 60-70+ hour-a-week schedule, encompassing a bunch of unrelated jobs that range from leading management workshops to running a small theatre.
She’s retired as an employee, but she works full time at being self-employed.
An independent contractor. Maybe even entrepreneurial.
She’s energized, putting away money, and, as she put it, she’s “having a ball”
Boomers are re-defining retirement as we get to it.
Cher! Cher! Cher! More! More! More!
June 11th, 2013
She’s baaaaack, and good for her! She’s already done two farewell tours, but, hey, can’t a Diva change her mind?
Ever the consummate showman, she’ll debut her first new single in over 10 years on “The Voice” finale on June 18.
At 67, Cher is two years past Official Retirement Age (ORA), and she’s a good example for those who opt to continue working.
#1 She has stamina: Performing is a lot of work. Her last tour, 2001’s “Living Proof,” did 605 shows!
#2 She’s making more money than ever. She was more popular in the 70s, but now she’s richer. That 2001 tour grossed $394 million.
#3 She hasn’t let personal set backs get her all depressed i.e. her daughter Chastity is now her son Chaz.
Cher, you are the ”The Zoomer Role Model of The Day.”
Working as a Life Style: Starting a New Job at 74
January 15th, 2013
What do you do when you are 74 and leave your job as Mayor of Riverside, CA for the past 20 years? Go fishing?
If you are Ronald O. Loveridge, you become “Director of the Center for Sustainable Survival Development” at the University of CA/Riverside and split your time 50/50 teaching and administrating.
I got a form letter from my lawyer today: he retiring. He’s in his 80s.
Thank you, gentlemen. You are both excellent role models.
Bette Midler Back 2 Broadway
January 8th, 2013
Even though she just turned 67, old enough to “retire,” ask yourself, which would you rather do: star on Broadway, or be “retired?
She’ll play legendary agent Sue Mengers in “I’ll Eat You Last,” which opens in April.
And her new movie, “Parental Guidance, ” with Billy Crystal , is taking in significant box office.
Age? Smage!
