Tuning in the Baby Boomers ; Charities Set Sights on Retirement Age

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Baby boomers are reaching retirement age, and questions abound: Who will pay for their Social Security? Who will pay for their medications? Who will take care of them?

Though people born between 1946 and 1964 will soon be retiring in huge numbers - this year millions become eligible for Social Security benefits - they are having another effect: With more time on their hands, boomers have more time to volunteer, experts say.

Many observers believe the nation is on the brink of a golden age of community service.

"I would imagine the surge will start this year," said Sheila Zedlewski, a researcher at Washington, D.C.-based Urban Institute. She has just …