Blogs Explore the Boomer Universe

Is there such a thing as a “typical” baby boomer? Not according to the myriad boomer websites and blogs that address the wide range of interests and concerns of what one book terms “the largest and richest generation ever.” Boomers, with their decade-dividing points of reference, are far from a monolithic group. What George Segal said about Americans in the film A Touch of Class goes as well for boomers: The only thing typical about them is that they don’t do anything typically alike.

Boomer-oriented websites and blogs explore the nooks and crannies of the boomer universe, from caring for aging parents to adjusting to life as an empty nester to remaining vital in retirement. Here is a virtual tour of five notable sites that provide boomers with information, a sympathetic ear, and a platform.

AARP: The granddaddy of them all. Representative recent posts include “10 Affordable Cities for Retirement,” “How Healthy is Your Weight?”, and “Holiday Jobs for Retirees.” Regular features include “Movies for Grownups” and Jane Pauley’s “Your Life Calling.”

Baby Boomers.com: This website from the National Association of Baby Boomers was created “to unite the Boomers in the same way that AARP has united retirees.” Recent posts include: “Make Your Doctors Communicate for Your Better Health,” “Best Songs of the 50s,” “Reverse Mortgages: Good or Bad,” and “The Ultimate Famous Baby Boomers List.”

The Consumer Boomer:  This joint blog from “Papa Boomer” (a retired boomer in his mid-50s) and “Junior Boomer” (a Gen-X’er focused on personal finance) contains posts dealing with “financial planning, investments, baby boomer issues, retirement, product and service reviews and the occasional rant.” Recent posts include: “How to Get a No Fee IRA with Lending Club,” "Budgeting with a Managed Bank Account" and “What is a Life Settlement Contract.”

Minding our Elders: Author and columnist Carol Bradley Bursack writes this blog that presents “information, support and shared experience for caregivers and seniors.” Recent posts include” “In-Home Care a Flexible Option,” “Depression among Caregivers High: Get Help,” and “Coping with Outsiders who Criticize your Caregiving Choices.”

My Itchy Travel Feet: Pure escapism. Donna Hall, a freelancer specializing in travel, writes this baby boomer’s guide to travel. Recent posts address travel safety, a visit to the Harley-Davidson Museum in Milwaukee, and cultural encounters in Cairo.