WHEN BOOMERS ARE 64

A recent study revealed that almost three of five recent middle-class retirees – i.e., baby boomers – will see their financial assets – pensions, 401(k)s and savings – dry up before they depart the planet. Part of the explanation is that retirees are not diminishing their lifestyles as much as they should. And though this news is rather sad, middle-class boomers should redefine retirement, as they have every other season of life.

To start with, they need to shake off the image of retirement they may have heard about 40 years ago, and instead re-imagine it to meet the economic realities of the times. No renting an island cottage each summer. And with gasoline at $4-plus per gallon, no going for aimless Sunday morning rides. On the other hand, knitting a sweater by the fireside makes sense, given that high-priced heating oil. And growing a garden, providing healthful food to reduce grocery costs, is also recommended.

More to the point, retirement isn’t going to happen at 64. Instead, somewhere in the mid- to late 60s, middle-class boomers will instead downshift into another career. Maybe it’s not a career. Maybe it’s more of a job, a vocation that is satisfying, but perhaps different from what one devoted one’s life to doing.

Always wanted to start that one-man or one-woman business? As long as it doesn’t require a big capital investment, why not? If you’ve spent your work years inside at a desk, maybe it’s time to try outside work. Have a calling to work with teens or children? Why not substitute teach? Or keep doing what you’re good at, but work three days a week and take reduced pay. Forgo benefits, and your employer will kiss you.

Dennis Hopper may have become a cultural icon for boomers after his memorable role in 1969’s “Easy Rider.” But instead of “tuning in,” boomers should turn off the TV when he appears in those commercials, urging his generational comrades to “dream big” while letting Ameriprise Financial manage those meager savings.

The same advice goes for those Cialis TV commercials showing happy retired boomer couples strolling through vineyards in Tuscany or sitting in cast-iron bathtubs on the mud flats of some shore (what’s that about, anyway?). Toss that image aside, and get real.

There are serious advantages to keeping active and engaged. Research has shown that those who keep working in some capacity stay healthier than those who take to the porch rocker – which means the Cialis prescription won’t be needed.