Archives for July 2024

You’re living alone in 3- or 4-bedroom house. You hear about boommates. Single boomers are renting out their spare bedrooms. The boommates also share food and utility costs.

Would you do it? Seriously. Maybe a spouse or significant other has met their demise. You’re by yourself for the first time in a long time – or ever. It can be lonely living in a big house by yourself. The large house is getting more difficult to justify the expense of upkeep and rising insurance rates. Many years ago, single women took in boarders who paid for room and board, so why not baby boomers? Perhaps more common in Europe, it still was popular here in the larger cities. Single men came for work and needed a place to stay and decent meals. I believe one of my grandmothers owned a multi-story building and rented out the apartments and this was in the 50s. She did it for the income to remain self-sufficient. How is that different than what some boomers are looking for today?

According to research, the average income for a housing provider looking to share a home with a roommate is just slightly over $46,000, while the income of an average housing seeker is around $40,000. That’s how-you-say – an ideal match.

So, I’ll ask again. Would you do it? Assuming you’ve done record checks and you get a security deposit and all the due diligence is done, would you rent one of your rooms to someone you’ve just met for the first time? If you’re still paying a mortgage, it’s most likely at a low, low interest rate. If you sell and downsize to a smaller home, the rate will skyrocket. Housing costs are rising much faster than incomes, which is the primary reason boomers are sitting tight (and why younger generations cannot find homes). Keep in mind, for the most part boomers are living in large 3 to 5 bedroom homes.

For the last time. Would you do it? Me? If my expenses were getting higher and higher, if I was tired of talking to myself, and knowing there were other humans around gave me a greater sense of security. Yep. I would do it because I think it’s an old idea that still works in sketchy financial times. It may be a decision many boomers will be making in the very near future.

Jay Harrison is a writer and creative consultant for DesignConcept. You can also visit his author page here. His newest mystery novel, Rio Puerco Demise is available on Amazon. His first mystery novel, Head Above Water, is also available on Amazon. But that’s not all. You can also purchase the Best of BoomSpeak on Amazon.

In the category of strange but true, I won a golf tournament! Previously, I’ve placed in my flight and stuff like that, but this is the first time I’ve finished first overall. The prize was $40 and bragging rights.

Regular blog readers will know competition is my nemesis. I usually have this sense of being judged and struggle with confidence, especially after a poor shot. It’s like, oh, yeah, I knew it all along. You suck. At everything. You’re not worthy.

Nothing a little therapy wouldn’t help, but I believe retirement has helped me overcome my fears. With no job status to bolster my self-esteem, I’m learning that being a decent human being and living a good life is plenty. I’m more comfortable with myself and with the ups and downs of the game. I even said to Dale the night before the final round, you know, I’m not scared. I’m just going to play the best I can and enjoy the challenge of trying to make that ball do what I want.

For me, that’s progress.

I’ve always said my brain is the weakest part of my game, so I definitely think the change in mindset helped me play better. I’m also giving credit to the physical therapy regime aimed at strengthening my core. I’m guessing you are all sick of hearing about that, but seriously, this is a big deal for us aging Boomers.

Although I’ve exercised regularly for many years, I never paid attention to the core. Cancer and two major abdominal surgeries didn’t help. But I’m 10 weeks into working with a PT, who gave me a series of exercises to do at home, and it’s life-changing.

Not only is my lower back and knee pain pretty much gone, but I feel more stable even when I just move around the house. I’m definitely stronger in the water when I swim, and now I’m seeing results on the golf course. I’m not sure how it all works, but I guess a stronger core increases stability, and that translates to more power in the swing.

I get it – not everyone is a golfer, but I’m starting to believe a stronger core is the secret to any kind of an active life as we age. The exercises are tough but worth it. I’m 68 and think of this work as an investment for my 70s and 80s.

All this learning did not prepare me for the photo opp. Granted, this was after 18 holes of golf, but a blow dry in the morning with a little product would have fixed that frizzy hair. It seems I will have to make more of an effort in the future.

You never know when you’ll win something.

Donna Pekar is an aging badass (for real) who lives in California and writes Retirement Confidential.

A little over 30 years ago, I was a Peace Corps Volunteer in Blantyre, Malawi, working as a Town Planner. I got assigned to Malawi, which is not in the jungle. I was placed in the industrial capital, Blantyre, a city of about 400,000.

I had two counterparts, Luka and Nkoma. Our office had their desks and mine, and I sat across from their two desks. It was a very plain, austere room. Mostly what we did was review plans and get stop orders to take down illegal developments.

One day, Nkoma didn’t come in to work until 9:30. He plopped down at his desk, sighed, and looked at me. He looked disgusted.

“What happened?” I asked.

“My roommate’s girlfriend’s uncle came to town, and it was party all night and I had to give up my bed and didn’t get any sleep.”

“Why did you have to give up your bed?” I asked, inferring that the roommate and girlfriend should have given up their bed.

“He’s an elder. It would have been rude if I hadn’t.”

The next day, Nkoma was late again. He looked demoralized.

“When’s he leaving?” I asked.

“I don’t know.”

“Would you like to stay with me? I have an extra bedroom.”

“No, that would be rude to him.”

The next day, Nkoma was late again, and his expression….

“What?” I asked.

“They were partying all night, and when I got up, I find this guy passed out, and he had vomited all over my bed.”

I gasped. Luka responded, “Ah, yes. It’s a serious inconvenience when someone vomits in your bed.”

I looked from Luka to Nkoma. “A serious inconvenience?” I asked, incredulous. They both looked at me. Nkoma said,

“Yes. What would you say?”

Bummer was what came to mind…

The next day, Nkoma was on time, smiling.
“What happened?” I asked.

“I guess he realized that he had overstayed his welcome. He cleaned up and left.”

People were always asking me how I liked Malawi. I told them I was learning a lot. The most important thing I learned is the difference between a problem, an inconvenience, and a ‘serious inconvenience’.

Robyn Michaels