We're going to have to have a more specialized and educated work force. And that will require reimbursement rates that relate more to clinical care than to components.

The competition for labor is critical. Connecticut has never looked beyond its own border for transportation issues . . . the work force is moving north and further away, and we need to find ways to connect them.

Southwest Florida will capture its fair share of boomers. But we'll have to deal with transportation issues, work-force housing issues, water-supply issues, and health-care and retirement care will get reshaped.

That will be the big question — can our work force get back? It will be a big hurdle getting people back into their homes.

I think that's a mistake. We need to realize that training will keep these people in the work force doing work we need done.

Instead of asking -- ''How much damage will the work in question bring about?'' why not ask -- ''How much good? How much joy?''