Coronavirus: Generational Perspectives

I recently had a conversation with my children and children-in-law about the term “Boomer.”  I was expressing “wonder” at how and when the meaning of “Baby Boomer” has morphed.   To today’s teens and tweens the term, which was once synonymous with rebellious sex, drugs, and rock n’ roll, now means “a technologically challenged old person.” (See:  And they call US “Boomers”?)  I suppose  I was also lamenting that while my parent’s generation became “the greatest generation,” mine has been reduced to this. 

Now, in the midst of the Coronavirus, the baby boomer generation is seen as vulnerable, while the next generation, “#GenX is Trending on Twitter Because of How They’re Handling Coronavirus—Here’s Why” by Korin Miller of Parade.

https://parade.com/1011986/korinmiller/generation-x-coronavirus/?fbclid=IwAR0YQ47iFlP3Cp4BIjlV6DaIyhxLxaEwT3zrTuKPMFGie0gMzxbaMEz0ZSk

Gen X, defined as the group of people who were born between 1965 and 1980, is now rising to this latest occasion because of the following characteristics as described by a variety of experts in the above article.

GenX:

• Learned how to fend for themselves as latch key kids
• Developed lower expectations of being taken care of
• Have lived through tragedies and epidemics–and have the ability to handle life’s tough moments
• Learned to be resilient and how to persevere
• Are self-sufficient and enjoy taking on responsibility
• Maintain personal freedom
• Prioritize work/life balance
• Handle the status quo without complaints
• Are more active than other generations
• Are empathetic; provide calm; follow the rules
• Remember life without technology
• Can entertain themselves/multi-ask to combat boredom/solitude
• Are self-trained and resourceful
• Are able to use coping skills and develop new ones when in crisis
• Are able to adapt and make accommodations to bear burdens and resist fear

And the millennials? 

By the way, GenX. I’m proud you. I just want to let you know:

You’re welcome.