Older and younger generations face different worlds, so let’s stop comparing

Many of today’s over-60s bemoan that the younger generation has it too good. I’ve heard talk about how today’s youth wants everything ‘now’, but they don’t want to have to work hard or save diligently to get it, which is what we did when we were young.

I know this type of thinking has been around forever, regardless of whether they are true or not. No doubt will it continue to flourish with every generation, long after we are gone. Our grandchildren will likely one day be complaining about their children’s generation.

This difference of opinions between one generation and another regarding beliefs, politics and even values is very commonly known as a ‘generation gap’. I know for certain that my parents’ lives were much better than the lives of their parents, my grandparents. By comparison, my life has been much better and more prosperous than my parents’ lives. And so it goes…

Instead of this conflict between milennials and the older generation — perhaps a conflict where neither one understand the other — we should accept and embrace these changing times. There has been great progress, especially in areas such as medicine, which will no doubt come in handy as we continue to age. Baby boomers should take stock of their lives and emphasise the happy memories that were created along the way, not complain about today’s ways — that is for this generation.

There are so many positives and benefits for us to enjoy too! I’m grateful that we have such things as mobile phones, which were certainly not around when I was growing up. Not only do they keep me in touch with my loved ones, regardless of where I am, I also feel safe and secure. Technology and the internet has made knowledge more accessible, it provides entertainment and brings everything to my fingerstips too. Think about all those trips to the bank or the post office you no longer have to make. Air-conditioning makes living more comfortable. And I’ve already mentioned the much-improved health care.

I’m sure there are things you could add to this list. No doubt there are things you use that make your life easier and more enjoyable today that weren’t around when you were growing up.

Being 70, I can certainly talk about the ‘good old days’, but I am also happy to embrace today’s way of living.