I heard an interesting term recently, “Ok Boomer.” Ok Boomer is a slang term used on social media by the generation dubbed Millennials and Gen Y to dismiss the views of a generation born between the mid-1940s and early 1960s. Those born between the 40s and 60s were dubbed baby boomers based on the number of births that occurred in the United States after World War II. There were more than 70 million births during this time frame, which accounted for almost 40% of the US population. This surge in population caused a significant change in employment, change in economics, and a huge shift in demand for products in this country. Apparently, the term “Ok Boomer” is a way of replacing eye-rolling and telling older people, I got your point can you be quiet now.
As we prepare to enter a new decade, this viral internet term made me think about how change is inevitable. January 1, 2020 will ring in a new decade filled with technology that will guide our lives, business decisions, and how we communicate. Social media has forever changed the way we connect with each other. Baby boomers were raised to look each other in the face when having conversations. Now, most Gen Y’s would assume to send you a message via text on your telephone instead of hearing your voice or looking at you.
The democracy and how this country is governed have forever changed with the 2016 election of Donald Trump. The Republicans and Donald Trump have caused a major imbalance in the institution of checks and balances in our constitution. While not clear to many people, Trump’s election is not about being democratic; it’s about making this country white again and restoring all the privileges white people had in the ‘50s.
The recent loss of my father-in-law reminded me how the baby boomer generation and older generation is one to hold on to things for a long time, especially papers. We’ve gone through fifty-plus years of files and papers’, finding everything from my in-law’s wedding invitations to military service records. Millennials’ are more likely to have all their documents on a digital file. Smart. Something they can retrieve with a few clicks here and there. However old and many these files are, it offered an opportunity for my husband and I to sit and have a face to face conversation filled with tears and laughter.
How we share and exchange medical information has changed over the past decade. Technology and social media have made it possible to increase and promote health practices that benefit baby Boomers and Millennials, especially those related to dementia and Alzheimer’s.
When boomers start a conversation with back in the day, we had to walk five miles to get to school; Millennials please listen patiently. One day your wi-fi will not be working, and access to your computer will limit your ability to function, and listening is all you have. Remember, Boomers know how to use a typewriter (pica and elite style), and wi-fi is not necessary. Boomers know how to find a radio station by turning a knob like it’s a slide ruler. They don’t leave fingerprints on the screen to change a radio station or turn up the volume. Boomers know how to load film into a camera and take pictures, especially when their phones are not charged. Millennials, your lives are forever entwined with a Baby Boomer and filled with a season of change and transition. Boomers just want to see your smiling, lovingly obnoxious face, and it’s OK, especially during the holidays.
The Traveler Weekly 