Great expectations follow great adaptations

 
I’m looking at a study done for VolunteerMatch, the organization that puts volunteers together with organizations. This study, titled “Great Expectations,” is about the Boomer demographic and their desire to do meaningful volunteer work that is interesting and challenging. Boomers who have reached retirement are wisely turning their attention to further engage community.

Huzzah! And hooray! For this is the meat of brain potential, this is the reaching that brains are made to do. Precisely this, as brain health is tied to these high-level interactive challenges, relationship development, and learning new languages including technological languages. The modern Boomer volunteer employs all these areas of the brain.

Huzzah for the Internet, too, because it offers the accessible bridge for many to cross into life-affirming, brain-stretching new ventures.

John Gomperts, President of Civic Ventures, said it well in the foreword to MetLife’s “New Face of Work” Survey of 2005 (the one for VolunteerMatch):

“(The) survey found that boomers have a strong desire to launch a new chapter in their working lives that involves significant social contribution. People over 50, especially adults between 50 and 55, showed a surprisingly high level of interest in making shifts from their intense midlife careers to new pursuits that improve lives in their communities.”

The study also said that the key to recruiting older volunteers lies in broadening the Internet’s potential to reach people. You can read the rest of the inspiring foreword here, “John Gomperts talks about Boomers looking for meaning and purpose.”

Adaptations on both sides meet in the middle

While organizations commit their time and money to strengthen the connection between Boomers and the good they’d like to do, Boomers can facilitate the whole process – growing their brain power at the same time – by venturing into the curvy spheres of online communication. Consider it an educational trip! We have plenty of guides to entertain us along the way. When you have a moment, be sure and check out  Eric Elkins, the Online Community Examiner. I’m learning a lot from him.

Remember, the Boomer’s brain has advantages over youthies, but it does require a little more maintenance to do the heavy lifting. Here’s one healthy-brain mantra: Exercise, reduce stress, take a nap.

See you in the clouds,
Suzanna Stinnett

Excerpts from John Gomperts used by permission.