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