By Becky Williamson

I actually never thought of myself as a "boomer"-- aren't those people older than me?

Section: Baby Boomers

I'm one of the younger boomers (born at the end of 1960), but I am one! I realize I am getting older in spite of my mind and my ego trying to tell me I'm not.

I have two main concerns about aging.

One of my main concerns about aging is that I've always been pretty physically active, and I want to hold on to that for as long as I can. I fear getting "old" and dependent on others. I don't ever want to be a burden to anyone. I see folks barely 15 years older than I am struggling with obesity, cardiovascular issues, high blood pressure and aching joints. I don't want to go there! I know I can't stop the aging process, but I'd like to slow it down as much as possible and be active and independent as long as I can. Luckily I've made a career out of fitness, so I'll always be involved in teaching and "doing" fitness activities (please see my blog at www.beckywilliamson.com). Hopefully this will keep me active, flexible and feeling well.

Another concern is finances. If I'm fortunate to live a long time, will my money hold out? At this point, my financial advisor says I'll have to work until I'm about 70. I wish I could retire sooner, but because I love what I do, it's not too much of a negative.

I think today's boomers are a much different breed than the 40, 50 and 60 year olds of our parents' and grandparents' generations. I think we have a much more youthful mindset. We also have access to better medical care and advanced pharmaceuticals our parents didn't have.