PBS series to look at Baby Boomers

Tennis super star Billie Jean King is one of the expert
commentators on "Life (Part 2)," a PBS series about
Baby Boomers.

PBS will take a look -- a long look -- at Baby Boomers with its upcoming series "Life (Part 2)."

As its title implies, the 20-part series will look at many issues that affect Baby Boomers as they make the transition to Act II of their life's story, the parts that take them past 50 and into their 60s and beyond.

“With the economy’s downturn, baby boomers have been particularly affected – with the shrinking of their life savings, loss of their jobs, and the ageism they confront when looking for a new career,” said "Life (Part 2)" executive producer Naomi S. Boak.

“This show is designed to inspire boomers’ own self exploration of how they can make a fresh start at any age… of how they can live 20 or 30 more years of vigor, engagement and impact, defying ageist stereotypes while still having a clear-eyed view of the challenges that come with this new territory.”

Each week, "Life (Part 2)" will explore a topic and/or question that is likely on the minds of Baby Boomers these days, such as:

• How can they overcome ageism and experience a financially secure second act... whether in retirement or in a new career;
• How do they balance their own financial needs with those of their grown children and aging parents?
• What are the secrets to relationships that last through the decades and what are the challenges facing newly single baby boomers when they start to date again?
• Can plastic surgery and eliminating the “boomer belly” renew their feelings of confidence and sexuality?
• How can boomers, who pride themselves on their youthfulness, cope with their body changes and the aches and pains of aging?
• How can they keep their brains in peak condition and distinguish between forgetfulness and early Alzheimer’s?

Host for the series is New York Times journalist Robert Lipsyte. He'll do roundtable discussions with a variety of guests, Boomer celebrities such tennis champ Billie Jean King, Martha Stewart and other commentators tuned into the needs and challenges of Baby Boomers.

“'Life (Part 2)' is not necessarily better or worse than Part 1, but it is different. The series offers a tremendous amount of wisdom from a wide range of experts and fellow boomers to support you as you enter into Part 2… to make you brave!” said Lipsyte.

For more information:
Web site for "Life (Part 2)"

A "Life (Part 2)" video on what bugs Baby Boomers about Twentysomethings and vice versa:

Major funding for the series is provided by The Atlantic Philanthropies and MetLife Foundation. It is produced by Twin Cities Public Television, the PBS affiliate for Minneapolis/St. Paul.