As First Baby Boomers Apply for Retirement Benefits, Lifelong Learning Guru, Retirement Expert and Author Nancy Merz Nordstrom Offers Tips for Optimal

Pelham, NH (PRWEB) October 17, 2007 -- This week, the first of 80 million Baby Boomers will embark on a brand new adventure: collecting retirement benefits. While most of the world is watching to see the impact this milestone will have on the financial markets, many others are wondering what the Baby Boomer generation will do with the concept of retirement. "The Baby Boomers represent a period in America characterized by a bold sense of revolution," says Nordstrom. "They were the pioneers of change in so many ways. Frankly, I don't think they'll stand for the outdated concept of an inactive, sedate retirement that has been the norm for so long."

Not only is the image of a retiree wiling away the hours on a rocker outdated, there's compelling evidence that it's unhealthy as well. Research during the 1990s showed convincingly that a stimulated, actively learning brain may help stave off debilitating diseases like Alzheimers, and others. As a result, many people in their "after-50" years are turning to later-life learning - that is, challenging, non-credit, academic college courses on every topic imaginable, educational travel, and meaningful community service - to keep themselves and their brains firmly in "learning mode."

"The courses are amazing," says Jonah Davis, a lifelong learner in New York. "We have fantastic discussions and debates that really help the material come alive. Taking these courses is probably one of the smartest things I've ever done. And it's actually good for my health!"

Educational travel offers participants a combination of lectures, field trips to back up those lectures, and free time. It's a way for travelers to learn about the history, culture and politics of an area. According to Nordstrom, "These intrepid voyagers are not soaking up the sun on a beach or heading toward the eighteenth hole. They are out and about, learning up close and personal. They're exposed to the history and culture of many places and times, giving them a truly unique perspective on their own place in history."

Another compelling benefit of educational travel is the fact that educational travel programs employ the best professors, instructors and experts at any given location.

"What a joy it is to learn about the many nuances of an area from a local expert," says Nordstrom. "In Austria, I learned all about Innsbruck during World War II from a professor who was actually there. It was the perfect way to learn." Whatever the topic, whatever the area, educational travel programs seek out and find the best people to bring the culture, history and politics of an area to life.

Meaningful community service is the final component of Nordstrom's retirement redefinition hat trick. "Baby Boomers find that they have a lot more time to get actively involved in issues that mean a lot to them," says Nordstrom. "They're used to operating at the grassroots level and then ramping that up to affect real and sustained change. Just imagine the benefit to society of having the wisdom of almost 80 million people at its disposal. It's incredible!"

Whether through social activism or mentoring or volunteer outreach programs, Baby Boomers are embracing the need to give back to society on a truly grand scale. "We noticed the park down the street was old and run down," says Catherine Crosby of Philadelphia. "Now that I'm retired, I had the time to do something about it, so I did. I organized a weekend party to fix the place up. Now the kids have a safe place to play and it's wonderful to hear them laughing again."

Jack Swanson enlisted the aid of two friends to start a literacy tutoring program near Tucson, Arizona. "I grew up reading anything I could get my hands on. It always broke my heart knowing there were people who couldn't escape into the pages of a good book. I wanted to change that, even on a small scale. Now, others are getting involved as well. This kind of change, it's amazing. And heartwarming."

"Baby Boomers who realize that their retirement needn't be the same as their parents are those who are really going to enjoy this period of their lives," says Nordstrom. "Lifelong learning is the fountain of youth for many of them. Taking courses keeps their brains engaged and stimulated. Educational travel broadens the mind and stretches the imagination. And meaningful community service allows them to give of themselves and the wisdom and experience they've gained from a lifetime of affecting change for the better. These three components will help keep anyone feeling young and vibrant. They're retired, yes. But they're not ready to go quietly into the good night."

For more information on lifelong learning, please consult "Learning Later, Living Greater: The Secret for Making the Most of Your After-50" Years by Nancy Merz Nordstrom, M. Ed. (published by Sentient Publications, ISBN: 1-59181-047-7).

Nancy Merz Nordstrom (Email: learninglater @ comcast.net) is a frequent consultant to news organizations and outlets eager to discuss the redefinition of retirement for the Baby Boomer generation. She blogs at numerous websites and is one of lifelong learning's preeminent experts. Her website is located at http://www.learninglater.com

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