Recently my 12 year old daughter asked me if I could remember what it was like when I was young. With raised eyebrows, I asked her exactly when it was that I became old? Well, she said hesitatingly, you’re not old, but you are middle age. What an eye opener. Did I ever consider reaching middle age a goal when I was 12? It wasn’t even a consideration - it just happened.

The amazing reality is that I don’t feel a bit middle aged. The differences between my Baby Boom generation and that of my parents and grandparents are readily apparent. They expected to reach middle age and then grow older. As I was recently made aware of my middle age status, it made me reflect on those changes that we Baby Boomers are experiencing that are different from previous generations.

The Baby Boom generation has a different mind set than any previous generation. We are more self-assured, physically active and ready to reinvent ourselves at this phase of our life. According to AARP (American Association of Retired Persons) pollsters, "people between 50 and 59 experience more major life-changing events than in any other decade of life." The AARP survey reports that:

• 10% have lost their mother
• 10% their father
• 14% saw their youngest child move away from home
• 24% became grandparents
• 10% have retired from their jobs
• 11% were forced to make diet changes because of their health
• 16% had gone through menopause, and
• 10% became responsible for the care of an aging parent

Generally, people in their 50’s are pretty healthy, even though the 50 year marker has been plagued with negative stigmas. Today, 50-somethings look forward to looking younger and living longer than previous generations.

A cosmetic industry report, The Wrinkle Report, surveyed 1200 baby boomers. "69% of boomers say that having wrinkles doesn’t bother them, but 28% say they would do just about anything short of surgery to look younger."

The U.S. Census Bureau reports that in 1994, more than 1/3 of all Americans between the ages of 45 and 54 participated in sports - ranging from fishing and cycling to baseball and volleyball. 34.9% bought walking shoes and 33% bought golf clubs.

An awareness of keeping fit at fifty is not unusual. Certain occupations, such as construction workers, police officers and fire fighters, require a physical stamina for any age. For those workers, age can bring a risk of illness and disease. Knowing what risks might affect you and the steps you can take to lower or eliminate your risks can add to your health and longevity.

Another challenge facing the baby boomers is what clinical psychologist, Dr, Hap LeCrone refers to the "Sandwich Dilemma"; as we try to meet the needs of our adolescent and young adult children, while at the same our aging parents are becoming more dependent upon us for assistance due to medical changes. This can be stressful for those who have not anticipated the changes and demands of mid-life. These challenges are not insurmountable though. Here are some guideline to help ease the stress.

Adult children (Baby Boomers born between 1946 and 1964) should allow their parents to continue making their own decisions. Resist the temptation to jump in and take over. This affords the aged parent to opportunity to retain their independence and sense of self-worth. Allow your parents to remain capable adults as long as they are able.

Try not to limit or discourage physical activity such as working around the house or climbing a few stairs. Don’t make invalids of your parents! Creating a dependency or disabling situation can have a profound affect on you life style as well as theirs.

Encourage your parents to socialize and interact with others on a regular basis.

Finally, don’t take your aging parents for granted.

So as you enter the second half of your life, decide that change is possible and don’t overlook the contribution that a healthy psychological perspective plays in successful aging. "Live long and prosper."