Powered by Connections is the theme of this year’s Older Americans Month.  “Connections” to whom and what.  The easy question how we reduce social isolation and expanding programs to connect our oldest generations.  The harder question is why  do climate, demographics, and other social issues keep generations disconnected.

Disconnecting Generations

Older Americans remember childhood where families were larger, lived closed together, and socialized with shared culture and beliefs.  Today, our national birthrate is below 2 births per women of childbearing age. Marriage rates are dropping and divorce rates rising. Blended and multigenerational households are more common than the old notion of the nuclear family.  Fewer young families live in the same location as their parents. Single young adults are remaining in with their parents for extended periods and empty nester continue to dominate the large-home ownership market according to Fast Company.  Economics and demographics go hand-in-hand where young families struggle to afford housing, childcare and the lifestyle that older generations enjoyed.

Connecting Work Life Motivations

Our work life connections have less in common across generations. Gone are the days of the gold watch and the rocking chair for retirement.  The worker shortages are drawing old workers back or keeping those thinking of retirement in the game. After the millennials ballooned the ranks of new workers, Gen Z and Alpha are smaller generations with lots of baggage from the pandemic, gun violence, recessions, and other social events that Baby Boomers could never imagine happening during their childhood. In addition, the young generations education is technology and information based whereas the oldest workers are industrial based as this infographic shows.

Human Activity Connects Us

The last area of connections I want to highlight is climate change.  From Bill Nye the Science Guy to Greta Thunberg, we hear the voices from multiple generations on the impact of human activity on climate.  According to research from Yale and George Mason’s Centers for Climate Change Communication, the difference here are related more to politics than generation. It seems the opportunity for “connections” across generations to have a significant impact.

Powered by Connections Across Generations

This Older American’s Month activities have focused on policy changes, exposing the damage done by age discrimination, and other really important issues impacting the lives of our oldest generations. All this work is vital for honoring and engaging those who have made this country successful for generations.  However, let us look forward as well.  We need to commit to powering connections with the younger generations.  Yes, each generation is unique. Today we have more generations alive than any time in history.  This is an opportunity for change.  This is a time where we can commit to building a better future by connecting all generations.

We reaffirm our commitment to fostering inclusive and connected communities, ultimately creating a more compassionate society. Empowering connections in physical, social, financial, and emotional/spiritual areas can significantly enhance the quality of life for vulnerable people. By doing so, we can ensure a healthier, happier, and more connected community for everyone.