Civic Ventures :: Our Point of View

Now arriving: the experience generation

The first of 77 million baby boomers turn 60 in 2006. They are on the front edge of the largest, healthiest, best educated population of Americans ever to move through and beyond their fifties.

They are pioneers in a new stage spanning the decades between middle and late life. Neither young nor old, they represent an extraordinary pool of social and human capital. And, in large numbers, they want to do work that serves a greater good.

Millions are determined to apply their experience to make a difference for others. Some are able to do so as unpaid volunteers. Many are looking to combine aspects of work-income and health benefits-with elements of service through second careers tailored to their interests and circumstances.

But too often, their individual enthusiasm is stymied by perceptions, policies, and practices that discourage the sharing of experience. As a result, this growing number of Americans represents a largely untapped resource in a nation with many unmet needs.

Imagine unleashing their potential.

Here comes the future

The number of Americans over 55 will grow to 108 million in 2030. That's up from 60 million in this age group today.

Never before have so many people had so much knowledge-and so much time to use it. Here's the even better news: In large numbers, they are ready and willing to put their experience to good use.

Unleashing this vast human potential is a social imperative. It requires fresh attitudes, policies, and practices that welcome the contributions of baby boomers who want work with meaning. It's how the nation can embrace a new stage of life that will soon include one-quarter of its citizens. It's how the inevitable costs of an older population can be offset through incalculable gain.

It's how America-and Americans in the second half of life-can achieve an experience dividend.

< Civic Ventures Overview | The Experience Dividend >

What a waste

Dorothea Glass retired as chair of a medical school department and moved to the ocean. She approached a local hospital with the offer to put her decades of experience as a physician and medical executive to work – for free. The hosptial offered her a volunteer job filling water pitchters.

LEADING WITH EXPERIENCE Civic Ventures :: 114 Sansome St., Ste. 850 :: San Francisco, CA 94104 :: 415.430.0141 :: info@civicventures.org