“Baby Boomers” are that generation from 1946-1964. This year, the youngest Baby Boomers will turn 62 while the oldest will turn 80. If you fall into that age bracket, you might want to perk up your ears.
“Baby Boomers got their moniker from the “baby boom” that followed the Second World War: There are 76 million Baby Boomers. Known for their post-World War II optimism, Baby Boomers were largely shaped by the Cold War and Vietnam War; however, they were also heavily influenced by the Civil Rights, hippie and yuppie movements.
“Boomers generally value interpersonal communication, Psychology Today notes, but are still largely fluent with technology. Baby Boomers have the highest divorce rate in American history and the second-highest marriage rate. They’re also regarded as driven, especially financially, to the point of often being criticized as greedy.
“They were one of the first generations to popularize the “live to work” lifestyle, and there may be a reason for that (which they may not have expected during their youth): Social Security and Medicare may not be able to support them in retirement because there are simply so many of them.”1
The largest number of “older” people come from this era. Were you brought up with the instructions, “Listen to your elders?” Well, our elders are making some changes in their advancing years that make good sense. An msn.com article titled “Boomers say “no thanks”: 9 modern trends they’ve officially quit” gives us something to think about. Here are just a few of the things Boomers are parting with:
Every new social media app. Now, they are still technologically savvy. They just don’t see the need to get involved with every new app that pops up. They prefer stability and sticking with what has worked. There’s an old adage that still rings true: if it’s not broke, don’t fix it!
Endless side hustles. This hard-working generation is realizing that they want to spend family time and get in a bit of leisure. Instead of filling every waking moment with work, they want time for what’s really important.
Fast fashion. Go ahead and say it. They aren’t “trendy.” They are into quality, functionality, and a product that lasts rather than a fad that lasts a minute before the trend shifts. This includes shunning the influencer-driven purchases.
Quitting the overloaded social schedule. For years, the calendar had every minute scheduled, hustling from one place to another. They’ve reached the point of realization that an overcrowded schedule is not a benefit. Probably never was.
The death of the formal dining room: They prefer more casual food gatherings in the kitchen and living room rather than in a room used twice a year. “Life is too short for stiff chairs and fine china that stays locked in a cabinet.” I’m not a Boomer but I have to say AMEN to this one!!
“The modern Boomer is trading excess for essence by choosing high-quality fashion and simplified social lives over trendy clutter. By moving into smaller homes and embracing “giving while living” strategies, they are securing their legacy while enjoying the present.”1
The Boomers are teaching us to value what’s valuable. Consistency, stability, people, and time are very precious commodities. This is the essence of Matthew 6:19-21. “Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: (20) But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: (21) For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.”
It took our elders a lot of years to come to these wise conclusions but as they share them, those of us who are younger than Boomers ought to glean from their wisdom. Leviticus 19:32 says, “Thou shalt rise up before the hoary head, and honour the face of the old man, and fear thy God: I am the LORD.”
Job gave sound counsel in Job 12:12. “With the ancient is wisdom; and in length of days understanding.” Today, let’s respect the wisdom of our elders, especially if their “hoary head is … found in the way of righteousness.” (Proverbs 16:31)
1https://www.msn.com/en-us/money/other/boomers-say-no-thanks-9-modern-trends-they-ve-officially-quit/ss-AA1ZsfKB?ocid=msedgntp&pc=LCTS&cvid=69c827d9ce2b4083ba11cf0d7d1226c9&cvpid=69c82c026cde41fd8d93bf444e25b7fb&ei=4#image=1
1https://parade.com/1113130/jessicasager/generation-names-and-years/
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