by Tami Beck

Created on: June 30, 2009   Last Updated: July 02, 2009

The baby boomer generation forged a path of social reform and individual independence, as more women entered the work force, choosing careers over marriage. The focus of the American dream shifted from youthful marriage and children to personal independence and the choice of an individual, rather than family-oriented, lifestyle. Now the baby boomers are entering into retirement, or quickly approaching retirement age. Whether single by choice or by life circumstance, many baby boomers are now facing their golden years alone.

Though many baby boomers focused on careers, then married later in life, some chose to focus on careers and not marry at all. Instead, they built their careers and home lives with independence in mind. Some of these baby boomer singles are content to reap the benefits of their years of hard work on their own, without a need for romantic companionship in their retirements. They have lived their adult lives setting their own independent ways, socializing as needed, but embracing "home alone" as their way of life. They might seek the occasional relationship, or even a steady special friendship. But, for the most part, they live alone, happy and comfortable in the lifestyle they have chosen.

Other single baby boomers may have been happy in their singleness while they were working, but might desire romantic companionship as they enter their golden years. The "couple" lifestyle might have seemed much too restrictive in youth, but seems quite desirable as they enter their retirement years. These mature singles might sometimes wonder if they have waited too long to look for a partner, asking themselves if it's too late to start looking for love after all the lone years of building up personal security and independence. They need to remember that there are other baby boomer singles in similar life circumstances who are wondering the same thing. There is hope of finding that special someone to share your golden years with, someone who has also built a life on singleness, then realized the inner need for close companionship. With the abundance of resources available to singles who want to meet other singles with similar intentions, it probably won't be long before the quest for a partner is met with success.

The baby boomer generation has forged the path to personal independence and contentment. Whether they choose to remain single, or decide to find a partner to enjoy their retirements with, now is the time for baby boomer singles to rest from their long labors, and to relax in the glow of their golden years.

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