PROMO
What we can learn from our sisters of all ages There is a lot of intergenerational fighting going on online. Millennials and Gen-Z vs Boomers. The pitting of the Silent Generation’s stoicism against the snow-flakery of the young by certain segments of the media. Meanwhile us Gen-Xers pass the popcorn and note that we are being as neglected as always with a wry smile. Sophie Lutz explores more
T
here is a sense of indignant hostility to the idea of these generational labels that increases with age. When did we become the enemy we wonder? We rail against the notion that the young have anything to teach us as much as they dismiss out of hand the wisdom that we might have to offer. And yet each generation, has lessons for the other. The pandemic and our response to it has affected age groups so differently. Digging into the differences increases empathy, and the realisation that we all have something to learn from our sisters of other ages.
The Silent Generation. Born 1928-45. Aged 76 to 93 in 2021 Covid-19 has hit this generation hard. They are most at risk of serious illness, asked to shield and isolate. Known for keeping their heads down uncomplainingly, their stoicism belies their suffering. Perhaps most likely to say they are fine, whether or not they are, we can learn from 28 read more at darlingmagazine.co.uk summer 2021
their ability to keep going in the toughest of circumstances, but they need to learn that talking about their feelings and asking for help are not signs of weakness.
Baby Boomers Born 1946-64. Aged 57 to 75 in 2021 Envied by the young for their luck; condemned for having fiddled while the planet burned. Growing up in a time of relative affluence, when housing was affordable and living standards were high, Covid has been their first big challenge. While Boomers have felt by turns angry and depressed by the restrictions placed on them. They could remember that the structures that have supported their lives so well, do not provide the same security for the generations behind them.
Gen X Born 1965-80. Aged 41 to 56 in 2021 The most financially hard hit by Covid, GenXers are providing 360-degree caregiving for their children and their parents, whilst still in peak bread winning years. Those able to work from home have had home-schooling needs to contend with, whilst those needing to be out in
