Author: Sally Friedman FOR THE
INQUIRER
Dusk was settling in as five women began their ramble down
a country road and around a small lake. The walk was initially silent and
contemplative, yet still remarkably companionable.
After some stretching and deep breathing, the women made their way to life coach
Patricia Osborne 's
The women, part of a group that labels itself "Boomer Chicks," were ending a
series of monthly gatherings that had begun in January to explore more of what
it means to be part of that vast bulge in the population born between 1946 and
1963.
Everyone might benefit from a little female bonding, but experts say many boomer
women have unique challenges unrecognized or experienced by generations who
preceded them. For instance, a loneliness may plague women in their 50s and 60s
who, because they have been working most of their adult lives, may have
workplace friends but not a lot of deeper female connections.
Margaret Marsh, a historian and executive dean of the faculty of arts and
sciences at Rutgers University-Camden, noted that many of these women were
exploring terrain their mothers never did.
"Typically, the women in the generation before the boomers were marrying early
and having children early," she said. "In many ways, their lives were more
confined, and more predictable."
Boomers, Marsh said, may be the first generation to experience autonomy fully.
Sexual freedom, career opportunities, and a smorgasbord of lifestyle choices are
relatively new concepts.
"It can be exhilarating - and it can be a little shocking, too."
After the hike, a 90-minute discussion ensued under the gentle stewardship of
Osborne, 58, an elementary schoolteacher for 25 years who transitioned into life
coaching. As part of her coaching, she leads group sessions with boomer women,
conducts individual coaching, and also organizes what she calls Boomer Chick
Adventures, outings and excursions that include hikes in the New Jersey Pine
Barrens, kayaking on local lakes and streams, and paddleboard lessons and
horseback riding (see story at right).
The theme of this night's boomer group gathering, the Summer Solstice, is a
jumping-off point for conversation about change, relationships, and growth.
Although Osborne conducts individual coaching, she believes the group dynamic
makes a difference for boomer women.
"Most of these women are happy and positive, but want to make space for
deeper-level conversation with other women about positive change and intentional
'upgrades,' " she said.
Marilyn Elicker, 58, of Voorhees, a manager of low-income housing for seniors,
was motivated to join Boomer Chicks because she needed some support and
direction in her life and couldn't untangle those feelings alone. At the same
time, as the mother of a 21-year-old autistic son, Elicker initially didn't
think she could open up to strangers.
"Having a child with special needs doesn't give you much of an opportunity to
meet people," she said.
Eventually, she learned the Boomer Chicks included some soul sisters after all.
Both Bryony Crane, 57, of
After leaving a career teaching health and physical education to earn a master's
degree in public health, Waddell needed some reassurance and support.
"I lost both my mother and my best friend at the same time several years ago,
and felt a void in my female relationships," Waddell said. "It's been
challenging to share thoughts, which is not something I usually do well. But
Boomer Chicks has made it easier."
Julie Morley, 48, is the "baby" of the group, and often the leader of brief
sessions of yoga, which became a life-changer for her about 10 years ago.
"I'm loving getting to know myself as me - not mom, wife, daughter, massage
therapist - me! And I really enjoy me," said Morley, of