60 Before 60 Project: #31 - Celebrate Being 60
Baby boomers are the generation that were born between 1946 and 1964 – and their numbers are large. It’s estimated that there are 9.2 million in Canada and 69.6 million in the United States.
The biggest birth boom however was during the decade of the 1960’s.
During the 1960s, the combined total number of births in Canada and the United States was approximately 47.8 million. This baby boom phenomenon of the 1960s is destined to leave a lasting imprint on society.
I was recently invited to attend a celebration to celebrate those born in the 1960’s by a fellow colleague, Maureen Norman. Maureen is the Founder of the Stake Media Group and was hosting a live and virtual event entitled “Stake Your Day” to celebrate all the people born in the 60’s. The event was held in Toronto and I was so fortunate that I was in town and able to physically attend.
I had an amazing time!
The event was hosted by Erica Ehm. For those that watched MuchMusic in the 80’s – you may remember Erica as being one of the pioneering video jocks (VJ) at the time. Erica was joined by a great band, Retro Crush, an 80’s cover band who took us back in time as they played tunes like “Take on Me” and “Billy Jean”. There were amazing gifts being given away like tickets to Bruce Springsteen, Tears for Fears and Depeche Mode. Maureen also produced a great video flashback on some of the things we witnessed through our generation.
Not only was this a great event, I also had the added benefit of meeting some new people. Big shout out to Holly and Andrew for sharing their table with me.
As I left this party buoyed by the fun reflection of all the past experiences that I was fortunate enough to have lived, I couldn’t help but also feel a little bit of melancholy. As much as I felt my life was complicated back then, it really was quite simple.
For much of our lives and careers, we didn’t have social media beating at our door all day long. We didn’t work from home – so when we left work, we left work. I think as a result, we were forced to develop more personal relationships and interactions as texting / messaging was not an option and phone calls and face to face gatherings were the norm.
Also, as I was transported back to the past it felt like this all happened just yesterday. This served as yet another reminder of how time really does move by so quickly.
But as I blasted some 80’s tunes in my car as I left, I couldn’t help but think – those really were some great times. But I’m also appreciating just how fortunate I am to still be making some amazing memories today.
And how this experience is now one of them too.
My 60 Before 60 Life Lesson: Looking back helps us to appreciate where we have been and remind us to focus on our future, as it will also soon become our past.
Here's a few pictures and clips from the event;
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