OWLCafé | Generations

Social generations are cohorts of people who were born in the same date range and share similar cultural experiences.

Dr. Jill Novak, University of Phoenix, Texas A&M University writes that in America, there are six living generations, which are six fairly distinct groups of people. As a generalization each generation has different likes, dislikes, and attributes. They have had collective experiences as they aged and therefore have similar ideals. A person’s birth date may not always be indicative of their generational characteristics, but as a common group they have similarities.

These are Western Cultural Generations. Japan and Asia and portions of Europe will have their own generational definitions based on major cultural, political, and economic influences.

(*if still alive today)

Note: Dates are approximate and there is some overlap because there are no standard definitions for when a generation begins and ends. See the section below about why this overlap.

A Good Read from David Brooks about building character.

Interesting Websites

Generations United - Improving the lives of children, youth and older adults through intergenerational collaboration, public policies, and programs.

American Society on Aging - Supporting the commitment and enhance the knowledge and skills of those who seek to improve the quality of life of older adults and their families.

Empowering Your Parent - Adult children can be an enormous resource for their parents who are navigating the retirement years and all the adjustments and decisions that have to be made.

Multi-generational Family - Families like the "American Family" are becoming increasingly common throughout the United States. Today, there are almost four million American multigenerational households (three or more generations living together) according to the new census data.

Things to do

with Your Grandkids

grandparents.com 100 Things To Do With Your Grandchild This Summer. Download a free guide.

Five Fun Things to Do With Tween Grandchildren - Preteen Age is Perfect for Projects.

Things to do

for Your Grandparents

What Grandkids Can Do for You Here's what happens when your kids grow up: You don't have Pop-Tarts in your house anymore, or drawings all over your refrigerator, or a box full of unmatched mittens on the closet floor. Plus, you miss things. You can read the newspaper every day, but all the news that's fit to print isn't all the news.

Grandparents Day - Grandparents' Day offers a chance for families to celebrate and recognize the special seniors in their lives.