A century of boomer leadership, a century of failure

The very oldest boomers began turning 60 last year, and “The Boomer Century: 1946-2046,” a documentary to be broadcast tomorrow night on PBS, explores how life after 60 might look to the generation known for challenging authority and redefining everything from race relations to marriage. Will the boomers quietly — and uncharacteristically — get off the stage and leave the messy questions about the environment and the social safety network to the youngsters? Or as science extends life, will they lead the charge in reshaping notions of age in the 21st century? Just imagine: TV shows like “Grandmother Knows Best,” third and fourth careers, old-age communes with families of choice. But if millions of people routinely live to be 100, what about challenges as varied as social security and failing health for the largest elderly population in American history? "Boomers: Whimpers or Bangs?" NY Times