Clinton is a Pittsburgh native and the primary in his family to graduate from college. He moved to New York at age 22 and never left. He recently appeared for an interview about retirement trends, smartly wearing a crisp sky-blue Oxford shirt, blue vest and grey slacks. The interview has been edited and condensed.
Why are we having a “new pension” discussion?
When I used to be in my 50s, the role models of 70-year-olds were grim. People who are actually of their 90s live traditionally after retirement. We have change into the brand new role models. People are realizing they live for much longer than they thought. They wish to reinvent and redesign their lives, not shut down. The possibility of a second profession and a more fulfilling life has change into a reality.
Why are baby boomers leading this movement?
Baby boomers were the unique activists who believed in change. They are the challengers. It’s a part of their DNA. They opposed war and sex, created Earth Day, and were a part of the gay rights movement. Now they’re questioning what it means to get older and live longer. A cross-generational mindset is addressing the phenomenon of longer life and creating this zeitgeist. The recent longevity is the social movement of our time that may impact everyone going forward, benefiting Generation X and Millennials.
Does traditional retirement provision still exist?
Yes, that retirement concept still exists. Some people wish to quit their job at 65 and move to a sunny state to hang around with their friends. That concept has never been disrupted or challenged before. Re-Imagineers, individuals who reimagine a dynamic second half of life, have advocated moving away from that outdated concept and created a new edition that takes place later in life. The recent retirement is a reorientation toward their next profession. Many have focused on individual entrepreneurship, going back to high school, following their former passions, and constructing a much bigger life. They are driving the brand new longevity economy.
What is the rationale for the imaginative, creative vocabulary that you just and the Roar community use?
We challenge the established order and the portrayal of individuals over 50 in language and imagery. Using words like ‘re-imagineers’, ‘life-layering’, ‘the brand new longevity’, ‘second lifers’ helps change perceptions. It’s about changing our considering. These words and vocabulary, together with imaging, influence how we expect. The self-imposed ageism images matter on the subject of how we reflect our appearance and where we see ourselves in promoting and entertainment. If you do not change the language, for those who don’t change the imagery, you possibly can’t change the cultural construct.
