Optimism Feels Better Than the Alternatives

When it comes to optimism no one does it better than the boomers They were the generation born into one of the most prosperous eras of our country39s history a time when anything seemed possible Worries about the outcome of the war quickly gave way to a victorious spirit that fueled unwavering confidence for the future The boomers39 lifelong values were molded during these formative years in a context that was extremely bullish about the future Although many traits amp8212 favorable and unfavorable amp8212 have been assigned to this iconoclastic generation their optimism continues to be one of their most enduring trademarksBoomers39 optimism had its origins in an era of postwar positivity but it would be put to the test time and time again as they were forced to gird for ongoing threats to national and personal wellbeing There was the Cold War and the risk of nuclear extinction the assassination of a popular president rampant civil unrest a mandatory draft to fight an unfavorable war eight economic recessions and the hellacious terrorist attack on 911 Despite the inevitable presence of lifealtering threats boomers and their fellow Americans have proven their resilience and the right to be optimistic in the face of future uncertaintyNow we have a new and unprecedented challenge in the form of a global pandemic with many boomers designated quotatriskquot by virtue of their age Has their relentless optimism finally met its match in COVID19 In the face of a very real and serious threat to their physical and financial wellness most of the boomers I39ve polled are being characteristically positive about the future Some of this reaction is rational but the balance of their response is exhibiting the same irrationality that they39re bringing to another undesirable development aging While the outcome of each approach is the same amp8212 an optimistic outlook amp8212 the ways they get there are differentRational OptimismRegardless of their circumstances it39s reasonable for boomers to be positive and hopeful about what39s ahead Medical science tells us that in general optimists experience better mental and physical health and thus better quality of life While optimists have a natural tendency to take a favorable view on situations in life boomers have the bonus of having lived more life By virtue of their age they39ve seen more of what life can dish out and they39ve become conditioned by experience to believe that things will be OK in the endOptimists also tend to be more grateful for the good things they have while also appreciating the little things And of course they tend to complain less and are not as prone to place blame That39s good perspective for times like this when most of the news reports seem obsessed with assigning blame for the spread of this unwanted pandemic Does it really matter who39s at fault It is what it is so let39s pull together to get through it as soon as we canIrrational OptimismOn the flip side is the tendency to react to serious circumstances in a way that defies reason This is when the brain starts working overtime to counteract undesirable reality with a more a positive scenario that39s more compatible with one39s desired outlook for life For aging this explains why boomers believe that they39re living the best years of their lives and are convinced that they39ll actually get better with ageWhen novel viruses arrive these are the same people who believe that despite what the CDC says they39re not really old enough to be at risk Even if they accept that their age puts them at risk they39re quick to rationalize that they39re going to be OK because they39re in better health than their age peers We can choose to shake our heads at this irrational approach to real risk but in the end these are just normal folks who are going out of their way to live life with a positive attitudeCount me among the many eternal optimists out there As a result of my boomer upbringing I39ve spent most of my life practicing the art of being positive and hopeful while always trusting that things will turn out OK In my daily search for good news amp8212 which is really hard right now amp8212 I found some very relevant inspiration in my Instagram feed One of the people I follow is an internationally renowned mountain climber who lives his life seeking risk His latest post reflected on all of his selfimposed isolation events over the years the endless hours spent waiting out storms within the confines of a tiny bivouac tent dangling from a windravaged cliff face when all you can think about is getting off the vertical and making it to the horizontalSpeaking from his personal experience his words of advice for our current isolation were quite apt quotBe there for your fellow humans as we are in this together Banish negativity and find positivity in the details Keep in mind that it could always be worse and above all else remind yourself to hold fast as all storms passquotI hope these musings on optimism are making you feel better already Please stay well and now more than ever find time in your day to focus on the things that bring you happiness and joyPhoto credit BoomAgersDon39t stop now Stay in the know on marketing to age with more from Peter HubbellClick the social buttons to share this story with colleagues and friendsThe opinions expressed here are the author39s views and do not necessarily represent the views of MediaVillagecomMyersBizNet

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Optimism Feels Better Than the Alternatives

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Peter Hubbell

FEMA and the Ad Council Encourage AANHPI Communities to Enhance Disaster Preparedness in New PSAs - Ad Council InSites

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Optimism Feels Better Than the Alternatives

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Peter Hubbell

FEMA and the Ad Council Encourage AANHPI Communities to Enhance Disaster Preparedness in New PSAs - Ad Council InSites

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