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What do President Bush, former president Clinton, Donald Trump, Cher, Dolly Parton, Loni Anderson and Sly Stallone all have in common? Nice hair? Nope. Celebrity? Yes, but keep trying. A personal chef? Yep, but in fact, the real answer is that they all will turn 60 in 2006 and lead the 76 million Baby Boomers into the 21st century.

Life at 60 for these celebs and for the hordes of common folk to soon follow will alter America's services and needs for the next sixty years, just as younger Boomer needs and wants have changed the past sixty. How might this play out?

The Demographics
Three hundred thirty Americans will turn age 60 every hour starting January 1st, 2006. Of these, 50.8 percent are women and 49.2 percent, male. When the first Boomers were born in 1946, America's population was 141 million. Today, we approach 300 million. Boomers account for more than 25 percent of our population. The Boomer period ended in 1964, eighteen years later.

I am older than the oldest Boomer and have lived their coming lives now for several years. Our oldest daughter is among the youngest of the Boomers. Since our lives might mirror what lies ahead, it seemed that a personal perspective might be of interest. Let's go for the ride and see where it takes us.

How Will They Act?
Similarly to how they have been acting seems the best answer for now. Boomers will continue to exercise more than past generations and also will continue to eat out more, helping to make them the most obese but workout-obsessed group in our history. Work they will because spend they will, as they have all their lives. The "ME" generation has always sought instant gratification and has seldom saved up to buy anything. They just charge it with credit cards and repay debts slowly.

Big Purchases
Normal households buy 13 cars during their lifetime, but seven are bought after the age of 50. The cars get bigger, broader, higher and safer. Road signs require larger lettering for ageing eyes. Ten percent of recent generations plan to relocate following retirement. At least 20 percent of Boomers intend to move to warmer climes and attempt to keep two single-family homes, which will surely require furnishings and home products. College towns are hot for intellectual stimulus and a good lifestyle, as are Florida, Colorado and Arizona. Dining, fashion, health care, shopping, interesting new friends and airport proximities are key to location selection. Social entertaining of friends will increase since the days blend into each other and every night is Friday.

Willingness to Keep Working
Many intend to formally retire early, yet plan to keep working in their new area, mostly on a part-time basis. Employer attitudes toward part-timers will need to change and adopt more flexible work time and salary/benefit policies to attract better educated Boomers. As Boomers age, they will follow the trend of voting more often as they age. Local politicians beware the wrath of displeased Boomers.

Wealth/Health
Boomers will be the richest generation in history as their parents, mostly born in the 20's and 30's saved and scrimped for rainy days and subsequently, will pass through substantial wealth via inheritance. They will need it as a 65-year-old Boomer can expect to live another 20–30 years at least. Many who retire at age 60 and live to age 90 will enjoy a full one-third of their life in retirement.

Since many will have some income in addition to Social Security, they should be able to work for less; in many instances, they will take away entry-level jobs previously reserved for the younger and the lesser educated. "Hey son, how do I look in my Wal-Mart greeter's apron?" "Great, Dad!" says the 45-year-old son on their way to one of a hundred upper-scale fast food restaurants to meet mom after her shift at Home Depot's "reheating of takeout" department.

Now for the Real Stuff
To preview what the Boomers might expect in order to prepare for the Golden Years, here are a few events from my life. During our 50's, we vacationed all over Southern Florida to spend time as non-snowbirds and sample how people actually lived. We invested time and lots of cash in selected areas to "feel" how to best analyze where to play golf, shop, be community and civically active, dine out, and be as energetic as we were in our 40's, except without kids. Finally, we bought a "small winter home" near Naples, Fla. The Eikenberg Express was loaded with used home stuff on every trip south. We couldn't fly because we had so much to deliver to the new home. Well, our used appliances held up for a year or two before the attraction of new products drew my wife to local stores. Soon, everything was new — bedding, tableware, cookware, and appliances all became "must-have" purchases. Drinkware was critical.

Unanticipated Priorities
At age 62, along came prostate problems that were thankfully resolved. With our children no longer young and now scattered around the country, it made little economic or family sense to keep two houses and commute, so we sold up North and moved to Florida full time. Six years later, we have absolutely no regrets.

As in any relocation, you rebuild the support system, health and medicals, insurances, attorneys, help with financial planning, golf memberships, favorite stores, and, of course, new friends. At age 62, Social Security becomes available and many choose to take a reduced share now rather than wait and draw a bit more when we are 65, 66 or 67. We opted for reduced payments at age 62 — the additional income paid for the upgrades.

Age starts working its ways quickly. Reduced eyesight, hearing loss, and lessened ability to walk, jog or play tennis comes along. New rules seem to make travel more complicated and trying. I go to a meeting and my wife says, "Drive careful, Hon!" Not too many years ago, I'd leave for a two-week trip to the Orient and she would say, "Have fun!"

Night vision blurs, particularly after a few snorts with friends. Eye tears dry up and 45 years of contact lens wearing is no longer tolerable. The eye doc recommends cataract surgery with lens implants. Several thousand dollars later, I can now see alligators close to my errant golf ball and construction barricade signs that warn that the road will soon not be where it should be.

A friendly dentist/periodontist sees a new Porsche in his future by adding our family business. Soon, back molars are replaced by a nice plate, which now, in the evening, has its own separate resting place. Naturally, my super group insurance does not cover this kind of denture work. In Florida, my Medicare card is as important as my Visa card.

After years of living with sport injuries to my gimpy knee, the old bones and support structure has expired. In goes a new knee — cobalt and chrome. I'm back to playing golf after six weeks and rehabbing beautifully.

Passing through airport screening is another task. "Don't bother to strip buddy, we will do it for you," says one of America's finest security agents. The delay is tolerable, but now I must make sure that wallet, reading glasses, boarding passes, are all collected before leaving the screening area.

My hearing had comfortably diminished and after years of deliberate procrastination, a new set of ears was installed for what I once bought a car for.

My wife's medical story is just now unfolding, but brings me to conclude this Boomer expose. Life is great at 60, at 65 and even at 70.The first time you enjoy a $2.00 early movie senior citizen discount, it is like stealing cookies and not getting caught. Boomers will continue to dine out, workout, and spend out. Home food prep products will remain important, but how much equipment is needed to reheat last night's doggie bag? A microwave is indispensable while heavy skillets are a two-handed lift.

Health care expenses will consume more money than planners advise. Co-pays, deductibles, no pays, and pharmacy products, even with Medicare and Medicare D, will mount up. Former employers will be eliminating Legacy costs, meaning pensions and benefits as best they can ethically and legally. Nursing home costs for ageing parents will take funds. I have a high school classmate who is in the same nursing facility as my wife's mom.

As you age, medical and health problems become more critical as they arise with greater frequency. But this alone does not stop nor prevent a busy, active productive life. The old car is just back into the repair shop more often as parts wear out, exceed the original 60-year warranty given at birth and now are replaced by new ones.

Jack Eikenberg manages Eikenberg Management Services, an experienced consulting group specializing in houseware and homeware marketing and strategic planning. Jack can be reached at JMEmgmt@aol.com and 239-498-0040. Be sure to ring long and loud.