“Second Wind” by Dr. Bill Thomas
The anthem, “Peace, Love, and Barbecue,” on my husband Ed’s apron, proclaims him an aging Baby Boomer. Boomers are Dr. Bill Thomas’s subject and target audience in his inspiring book, SECOND WIND. Every eight to ten seconds, someone in the U.S. turns sixty-five, making us about thirty percent of the population. According to Thomas, those of us who called ourselves “Hippies” waxed eloquent about peace and love back in our youth, but then did little to change the status quo. And, dammit, because we were so lazy, the “Squares” won.
In SECOND WIND, Thomas, a Harvard researcher, physician, and health care innovator, makes the case that too many Boomers bought into equating prestige and material success with happiness and satisfaction. He follows four through their lives as they climb corporate ladders, pursue worthy causes, battle addictions, and nurture or destroy relationships. Thomas doesn’t judge the individuals, but he’s clear about his belief that too many of us went astray when we abandoned our peace and love quests.
Thomas divides this age group into three categories: Denialists, who believe some miraculous discovery will keep them from growing old; Realists, who face later life like combatants, seeking anything to slow down the aging process; and Enthusiasts, who embrace later life, remain passionate about their convictions, and proudly accept their “elder” status in matters where they’re needed.
I’m surprised Denialists exist to the extent Thomas says they do. Forever young? Really? I see more evidence that Realists abound (i.e., the incredible popularity of supplements and Snake Oil cures). Though I resist labels, and though “Enthusiasts” sounds a bit perky for my taste, their focus is the one I’m after, and Thomas is preaching to the choir with me. SECOND WIND bolsters my belief that, if we elders use our wisdom to promote the greater good, the “Golden Years” can be just that—rich with peace and love.
In SECOND WIND, Thomas, a Harvard researcher, physician, and health care innovator, makes the case that too many Boomers bought into equating prestige and material success with happiness and satisfaction. He follows four through their lives as they climb corporate ladders, pursue worthy causes, battle addictions, and nurture or destroy relationships. Thomas doesn’t judge the individuals, but he’s clear about his belief that too many of us went astray when we abandoned our peace and love quests.
Thomas divides this age group into three categories: Denialists, who believe some miraculous discovery will keep them from growing old; Realists, who face later life like combatants, seeking anything to slow down the aging process; and Enthusiasts, who embrace later life, remain passionate about their convictions, and proudly accept their “elder” status in matters where they’re needed.
I’m surprised Denialists exist to the extent Thomas says they do. Forever young? Really? I see more evidence that Realists abound (i.e., the incredible popularity of supplements and Snake Oil cures). Though I resist labels, and though “Enthusiasts” sounds a bit perky for my taste, their focus is the one I’m after, and Thomas is preaching to the choir with me. SECOND WIND bolsters my belief that, if we elders use our wisdom to promote the greater good, the “Golden Years” can be just that—rich with peace and love.