Conclusion and Afterthought

Reflection:

            This course has really changed my life perspective. Before taking it, I never understood the challenges or even what plays into the aging process. I never understood what diversity meant. To be completely honest, I never thought gerontology is such an important issue in society. This course has definitely excelled and exceeded my expectations. It was after taking this course and writing this blog that I truly understood the introduction of Stoller’s Worlds of Difference., which states, “Gerontologists have long stressed the heterogeneity of the elderly population. People enter old age with an accumulation of experiences gained over six of seven decades, experiences that influence their attitudes, behaviors, and resources.” (Stoller, 1) This phrase really emphasizes the importance behind studying aging. It really captures the definition behind generational differences too. Each generation has own set of different experiences that set them apart from another.

            More importantly, this course as well as this blog has really taught me the idea of diversity. In my previous blog entries, I explored the diversity of generational differences for different genders, ethnic groups, and situations. It’s important for us to learn and appreciate that diversity surrounds us and that differences arise from diversity. To me, the end of this course signifies that diversity is actually a beautiful concept. It promotes creativity and a more well-rounded outlook.

An Interesting Find…

            It’s important to be knowledgeable about our own generation and our own characteristics. However, at the same time, it’s important to learn from our elders. A great article I found online called “8 Old-School Rules for Gen Y” outlines advices for our generation to follow. Here are some points I really liked:

“1. Wake up earlier. You may have had a schedule you set in college, but now the work world has its own schedule: Not only do you need to show up for it, but you need to be awake and highly functioning. Attendance is only graded in the negative; performance is what is graded in the positive.

2. Details matter. Grammar, spelling, dress, and communication form and structure all matter. “They know what I mean” shows sloppy work and sloppy thinking. In a world that moves faster and is more deeply connected, little missed details can lead to big mistakes.

3. Experience trumps education. Your degree is very important to you, your parents and your professors. But experience in the field is what matters in the real world. We are not as interested in your classwork as in your internship, your job, and your life, travel and personal experiences. Lead with your experience when contributing a point of view to have more credibility and impact.”

(Searcy, 2012)

I thought this was a great article that all of us in generation y can learn from. I only took a few excerpts from the article. Please read the rest at http://www.inc.com/tom-searcy/8-old-school-rules-for-gen-y.html

Last Concluding Thought:

            At the end of this blog entry and ultimately the end of this blog, I just want to again reiterate on the importance of the future for generation y. I really liked the quote Paul Taylor, executive VP of the Pew Research Center, stated, “We know the beginning of the story. But we don’t know the end of this story yet. The full life path of Generation Y has yet to unfold.” (“Generation lost: Millennials”, 2012).  As basically the face of the future, we, generation Y, has a bright path ahead!

1. Stoller, E. P., & Gibson, R. C. (2000). World of difference inequality in the aging experience. (3 ed.,). Thousand Oaks: Pine Forge Press.

2. Searcy, T. (2012, March 06). 8 old-school rules for gen y. Retrieved from http://www.inc.com/tom-searcy/8-old-school-rules-for-gen-y.html

3. Generation lost: Millennials come of age. (2012, April 12). Retrieved from http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/04/17/millennial-generation-lost-student-debt_n_1430930.html

Generational Differences and the Aging Process

            This is the last month of this blog as well as the class. I wanted to dedicate the last two posts with concluding, general arching ideas and themes. This post shall summarize many of the ideas and thoughts I had presented earlier in the semester. I wanted to start off this post with a quote I saw online.

1973: Long hair
2003: Longing for hair

1973: KEG
2003: EKG

1973: Acid rock
2003: Acid reflux

1973: Moving to California because it's cool
2003: Moving to California because it's warm

1973: Trying to look like Marlon Brando or Liz Taylor
2003: Trying NOT to look like Marlon Brando or Liz Taylor

1973: Seeds and stems
2003: Roughage

1973: The Grateful Dead
2003: Dr. Kevorkian

1973: Going to a new, hip joint
2003: Receiving a new hip joint

1973: Rolling Stones
2003: Kidney Stones

1973: Screw the system
2003: Upgrade the system

1973: Disco
2003: Costco

1973: Parents begging you to get your hair cut
2003: Children begging you to get their heads shaved

1973: Passing the drivers' test
2003: Passing the vision test

1973: Whatever
2003: Depends 

J. Williams

            I thought this quote and picture really capture the essence and dynamic of generational differences and the aging process in general. I like to think of aging as different stories of our life. At each generation and at each aging stage, we go through different events that shape the way we act. Conflicts occur with different generations because individuals have different opinions contingent on the life stage they are in. I think Stoller wrote a really great point summarizing this point, “Variations in definitions of kin and family obligations also occur within ethnic groups and among generations within families. Sometimes, these differences reflect differences in life stages.” (Stoller, 216)

            The quote and this semester so far have really allowed me to reflect about the future. It really helped me to put my life in check. Looking at other elders who have talked about their past and the course of their lives allowed me to think that one day that will be me. Generational differences is such a huge issue. I feel like many people always place this issue as a social cohort. Mike Clough in an article really points out that generational differences is actually a positive attribute. By having a multigenerational workforce means that there is diversity. It creates more creativity and more diverse outlooks on projects. If conflicts can be managed, then these differences can actually play in a positive manger. Thus, it’s our role to understand others and learn about this issue, because it will help make workforce more efficient. With knowledge and preparation, we can tailor our messages and choose the best method of delivery. (Clough, 2009)

            The future is a scary to think about. It’s such a place of uncertainties and unanswered questions. It’s hard to imagine that 30  years from now what we thought cool and innovating will be outdated. The future is scary… Here are some shocking statistics I found regarding the future that should be considered:

• “By 2030, America's elderly population is expected to reach 72 million, more than double the number in 2000.

• By 2030, 55 countries are expected to see their 65 and older populations grow to at least 20 percent of their present total.

• By 2050, Europe will continue to be the world's oldest region with its elder population increasing more than five fold, from 40 million to 219 million” (“The Aging Process”, 2009)

            With the elderly group growing at an exponential rate, it’s really important to study the aging process. With more elders mean that there will be more generational differences and conflicts too. It’s important to understand each generation and study aging theories to ensure that the transition to the future will be smooth.

1. Stoller, E. P., & Gibson, R. C. (2000). World of difference inequality in the aging experience. (3 ed.,). Thousand Oaks: Pine Forge Press.

2. Clough, M. (2009). Using generational diversity to your advantage. Retrieved from http://bestbizpractices.org/using-generational-diversity-to-your-advantage/

3. "The aging process". (2009). Retrieved from http://transgenerational.org/aging/aging-process.htm