THIS IS 50
Where Would They Be Today?
More than 15 years after its initial nine-season run, the sitcom Scrubs is back. The rebooted series, on ABC, finds the medical show’s stars facing older life situations. This got us to thinking: How would some of our other TV favorites from past shows fare as 50-somethings? Here are a few predictions:
Played by Lisa Kudrow
Friends
Back in the day: The Central Perk folk singer ended the series as a newlywed.
Now, in her 50s: After her song “Smelly Cat” goes viral on TikTok, she becomes an in-demand songwriter.
Played by Rainn Wilson
The Office
Back in the day: Dwight wed Angela and got the regional manager job.
Now, in his 50s: He runs Schrute Roots, maker of beet-based frozen meals.
Played by Lisa Bonet
A Different World
Back in the day: Denise moved to Singapore.
Now, in her 50s: As a top fashion influencer, she travels the world and has a sustainable clothing line.
Played by Alfonso Ribeiro
The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air
Back in the day: Carlton was at Princeton University.
Now, in his 50s: He is CEO of Banks Banks, a financial institution with dance floors in all branches.
Played by Tina Fey
30 Rock
Back in the day: Liz got married, adopted twins and produced a sitcom.
Now, in her 50s: She and Tracy Jordan launch a streaming service, TJMax.
Played by Ricky Schroder
Silver Spoons
Back in the day: The son of a toy tycoon lived in a game-filled house.
Now, in his 50s: He’s still in the mansion, after making millions in cryptocurrency.
Played by Queen Latifah
Living Single
Back in the day: She ran the magazine Flavor.
Now, in her 50s: Flavor Omnimedia runs websites, podcasts and a dating service. —Whitney Matheson
41% That’s the share of Gen Xers confident in their retirement savings. By comparison, 62% of boomers feel their money will last as long as needed.
SOURCE: RETIREMENT INCOME INSTITUTE
FAMILY
Travel Without Caregiver’s Guilt
AS I WATCHED the sun rise over the ocean in Cape Neddick, Maine, and listened to the waves crash against the coastline, I began thinking of my aging father in North Carolina. The guilt starts about four days into a vacation, a feeling that there’s something I’m supposed to be doing at home.
But getaways should be good for a caregiver. “Taking a break allows individuals to decompress and return with greater patience and energy,” says Dr. Ryan Sultan, founder of Integrative Psych in New York, “benefiting not just the traveler but their family as well.”
Sultan offers some pointers for overcoming traveler’s guilt:
• Share the benefits. Talk with your family about how the trip can help you. Chances are your parents remember what it’s like to be overwhelmed working parents who need a break.
• Schedule times to connect. Staying in contact periodically during your trip helps ease anxiety for everyone.
• Balance solo and family travel. Alternate between personal getaways and vacations with loved ones to ensure everyone feels included. This will help preserve your opportunities for self-care.
• Remember the bigger picture. Taking time for yourself isn’t selfish. It’s an essential part of sustaining your ability to care for others effectively. —Trudy Haywood Saunders