10 lessons from what they really think about life and boomers It recently struck me how quick we are to generalize about entire generations and spark polarized, often mean-spirited, viewpoints, instead of fostering more balanced, open-minded perspectives. So, I decided to join the chorus of voices addressing Millennials and boomers in hopes of injecting some positivity into the conversation and providing takeaways that can help build essential bridges. My thought was to interview Millennials who could overturn or broaden commonly-held conceptions about their generation by answering questions about typical topics (e.g., their own traits, views of boomers) as well as issues that they rarely, if ever, consider or discuss — namely, middle age and growing older. I enlisted my 24-year-old son to round up nine Gen Y’ers for me to interview — folks who grew up in towns all over the country, attended college away from home, graduated and then moved to urban locales within the last two to five years. Most of their boomer parents are still alive and married (though not all still live together) and they’re caring for one or more elders. I boiled down the thoughtful and insightful comments I heard to 10 points that hold important lessons for both generations: This is a confusing and tumultuous period for Millennials, but they’re dedicated to figuring things out by being productive and creative. The classic labels slapped on Millennials — lazy and entitled — don’t apply to those I interviewed. They are, of necessity, self-focused and striving to forge a useful path in life. Laura Shoaps, 25, who is from Lansing, Mich. and focusing on international human rights in law school, underscored the tendencies of her peers: “Given how things are now, we’re forced to be...
