This “inspiring, informative, mind-opening book” (New York Times) provides a new vision on aging, retirement, and the role of older Americans in the 21st century. Over the next three decades, the number of Americans over fifty will double, swelling to more than a quarter of the population. Already we are living thirty years longer than a century ago, with further gains expected in the coming years. The end result is a new stage of life, one as long or longer than c… More >>
Prime Time: How Baby Boomers Will Revolutionize Retirement And Transform America
The best of “Prime Time” in my opinion is in the absoulutely fantastic chapter called “A Year-Round Vacation,” which brilliantly and entertainingly documents the life and accomplishments of Del Webb, the founder of the Sun Cities. The chapter brings to life the atmosphere of the late ’50’s relative to retirement, and traces the marketing concept that brings the “golden age” into reality for those who move to Sun City and others that follow. But it is as if the book drops off a cliff after that chapter, with the rest of it being an unconvincing, detail-laden, name-dropping, dull read that makes you wonder where all the fun went. Obviously, the author comes into the effort with heavy social-engineering baggage. His thesis appears to be that in your old age pouring one’s heart and sole back into humanity, especially the youth, is infinitely better that chasing pleasurable pursuits as a full-time endeavor. I’m not convinced, and I don’t like it when the author in proclaiming his thesis uses the pronoun “we” so forcefully. For example, “We must embark on a major marketing effort communicating that the aging of America is a great opportunity for individuals and society, a massive call to action that replaces the long-standing message that older adults are superfuluous.” Can’t you just see the active adults on their way to a concert, playing golf or tennis, or otherwise enjoying their day suddenly looking over and saying, “What’s with the ‘we’ stuff, buddy? Do we get a vote, or are you making all the decisions for us?” Without the chapter on Del Webb, the book is a good read only for those whose vision is to save the world through the retired and elderly, with lots of money flowing into fat goverment-sponsored programs to make it “work.” Freedman appears to be one of the new breed of prophets who are more than willing to give visionary direction to those nearing or in retirement, whether they want it or not. It’s as if the graying of America is the new parade in town, and what could be better than to get in front of it before anyone else does? With all that senseless fun they are having, surely they will want to follow the new leader into the more meaningful direction of dedicated public service.
Rating: 2 / 5
Marc not only researches and writes well, his promising and timely message couldn’t be better expressed than in Prime Time. In researching my second edition of How to Create Your Own Super Second Life, I’ve plowed through everything new in the second-life, retirement, future planning, and “giving worth to future years” field and this is the best book I’ve found so far. It’s a shame I’m limited to five stars.
Gordon Burgett
Rating: 5 / 5
Don’t buy this one, check it out of the library and read Chapter 6, because it is the ONLY chapter that talks about what the title promises: How Baby Boomers WILL Revolutionize and Transform America. Most of the book is a dull recitation of facts about how some people in our parents’ generation found meaning by becoming foster grandparents (holding dying babies mentoring pregnant teens, or working at the local McDonalds.)
Sorry, but this is a depressing book that does not speak to me as a child-free adult who has spent her life working outside the home. There are a few interesting tidbits, such as how retirement communities such as Sun City were the genesis of racially segregated, gated communities where rich people pride themselves on avoiding taxes.
Rating: 1 / 5
There are 3 books every older person should read and ponder. Marc Freedman’s book Prime Time is one of them (The other titles are Another Country and Age-ing to Sage-ing).
Like the other authors, Freedman has done his homework and presents a positive alternative to seniors on golf courses. His recounting of the evolution of our changing attitudes towards elders is worth the book alone. But more than anything else, he portrays a picture of engaged, older citizens who make a difference to their community. This is a far better picture than the one the media portrays of “greedy geezers” or “selfish bluehairs”.
Marc Freedman’s call for investing in creating opportunities for senior citizen service is not only altruistic, it is essential if we are ever to weave together the fabric of our bickering populations.
Those who gave a negative view of this book quite frankly shocked me. Sadly they promote a very selfish portrait of older Americans at a time when we can least afford it. (Or they simply are poor readers with a heavy, negative agenda)
Buy this book, you will not be disappointed! It is easily worth 6 stars.
I hope someday to meet Mr. Freedman and personally thank him for advocating for a meaningful role for older citizens.
Rating: 5 / 5
Marc Freedman helps the reader understand the alternatives to a retirement that provides little stimulation or pleasure. The book presents a wonderful picture of how to contribute and the benefits to the person contributing as well as what the contribution can mean to society. Given the far longer time people will be spending in retirement, it is a wonderful guide to the third age, which can clearly be a golden age.
Rating: 5 / 5