Senior Health

Generational Diversity, Part 1: Being Savvy

Have you recently experienced a "generational gap" when interacting with someone younger or older? Often times, life experiences and frame of reference can be noticeably different with as few as a 15 or 20 year difference in age. Generation gaps often lead to feelings of disconnect, discomfort, and frustration. For those of us who regularly interact with older adults, having a better understanding of what makes a person 'tick' can change the course of a conversation andthe outcome of a situation.

As health care and social services professionals, we understand that individual perceptions are shaped by history and personal experiences. For professionals working with older adults,recognizing and respecting generational influences may strengthen:

Appreciation for the uniqueness of members of different generations.
Understanding of own and other's values, beliefs, and attitudes.
Working relationships with older adults.

The table below includes a brief overview of certain influences that shaped people's lives and generalized characteristics that have been broadly applied over time in the literature:^1,2

Generation Time Frame Traditionalists
(a.k.a. 'Matures')
1920-1945 Boomers
1946-1964 Generation Xers 1965-1980 Millennials
1980-2000

History/Social Influences

Great Depression
World War II
The New Deal
Social Security
Atom Bomb

Civil Rights Movement
Economic Prosperity
Vietnam
Assassinations

International Terrorism
End of Cold War
AIDS & Violence
24 Hr. Media

Iraq War
Violence close to home
World Wide Web
Gangs, Drug Wars

Values, Traits and selected Characteristics

Respect Authority, Paternalism
Silent Generation
Conformists

Question Authority
Idealistic
Involvement and Partnering

'Self Command'
Skeptical
Independent
Informality

Collaborative
Realistic
Media Savvy
Social

Being generationally savvy reduces the risk of a 'one size fits all' approach when interacting with and serving older adults. Viewing older adults as a homogenous group, as opposed to unique individuals, is dangerous and may cause harm through misunderstanding, and perhaps, lead to misdiagnosis of need.

Savvy entails being...
"Well informed and perceptive; having practical know-how and using common sense."³

For example, a lack of "savvy" and age sensitivity may lead a well-intended service provider to perceive that a "traditionalist", who values paternalism, is in complete agreement with what a provider has said because the senior does not question the provider's authority as it may seem disrespectful. Likewise, a "boomer", who values being involved in decision making, may be turned off by paternalistic approach and choose to discontinue needed treatment at his/her own peril. To improve interactions, generational values, beliefs, and attitudes need to be understood, considered and respected.

A savvy member of any one of the four generations currently working with older adults understands that generation gaps are not the problem. In fact, a "savvy" person understands that age diversity adds richness to society and applies generational knowledge to shape his or her practice approaches to better meet the unique needs of older clients/patients. Health care and service professionals who are generationally sensitive agree that:

Knowledge and understanding of the aging process is critical in safeguarding and protecting older adults.
Helping older adults make informed decisions is best achieved on a case-by-case basis where an individual's wishes and needs are respected.

We share the following 'savvy' mnemonic for use in working with older adults:

Sense that differences between generations affect interactions, well-being and safety
Ask the 'expert', the older adult, and don't assume or rely on stereotypes
Value the influences and characteristics that have uniquely shaped each older person
Validate that the words used and the understanding of the interaction is shared
Your consistent advocacy is needed. Education on aging and age-related issues for those working with older adults enhances their safety and epitomizes the principle, 'do no harm' as ignorance is often the cause of injury. Savvy?

Recommended Resource - Evelyn's Pick

Institute of Medicine - The following IOM report indicates health professionals are woefully unprepared to care for growing aging population and urges education. Available online at: http://www.iom.edu/CMS/3809/40113/53452.aspx

References

1. Baumgardner, C. (2008). Beyond Patient Satisfaction . . What lies ahead?http://www.neshco.org/filestorage/77/Beyond_Patient_Satisfaction.pdf

2. Hosbach, V. (2008). Presentation on Generational Diversity given at the University of Cincinnati College of Nursing.

3. Definition of savvy. Available online July 30, 2009 at: http://dictionary.com/

GERO GEMS is a monthly publication of the Center for Aging with Dignity. Compiled by Evelyn Fitzwater, this publication is designed to raise awareness of aging and related issues impacting health care professionals and our society as a whole.

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Last Reviewed: Aug 27, 2009

Evelyn L. Fitzwater, DSN, RN
Associate Professor Emerita
Associate Director, Center for Aging with Dignity
College of Nursing
University of Cincinnati

Generation Time Frame	Traditionalists (a.k.a. 'Matures') 1920-1945	Boomers 1946-1964	Generation Xers 1965-1980	Millennials 1980-2000
History/Social Influences	Great Depression World War II The New Deal Social Security Atom Bomb	Civil Rights Movement Economic Prosperity Vietnam Assassinations	International Terrorism End of Cold War AIDS & Violence 24 Hr. Media	Iraq War Violence close to home World Wide Web Gangs, Drug Wars
Values, Traits and selected Characteristics	Respect Authority, Paternalism Silent Generation Conformists	Question Authority Idealistic Involvement and Partnering	'Self Command' Skeptical Independent Informality	Collaborative Realistic Media Savvy Social