Baby Boomers

                                           

I am proud to say I am a Baby Boomer. Even though we seem to be highly criticized, I still like being one. As I was strolling around on Google, I came to realize that I had no clue there were so many generations with names. I am starting this blog with the 1900s. 

Greatest Generation: People born from 1901-1927. Also known as the G.I. or the World War II Generation. 

Silent Generation: People born from 1928-1945. It is also known as the Traditionalist Generation. 

Baby Boomers: People born from 1946-1964.

Generation X: People born from 1965-1980.

Generation Y: People born from 1981-1996. More commonly know as the Millenniums.

Generation Z: People born from 1997-2012. They are also known as Zoomers. 

Generation Alpha: People born from 2012 to the current date.

Apparently, Baby Boomers grew up in the most prosperous time in history and have the largest economical influence. We are also known as the wealthiest generation. Millennials will become some of the richest people, because of what they will inherit from the Baby Boomers. 

I read an article about baby boomers that was obviously not written by one. It was titled " Ways to Upset a Baby Boomer". I have made it my own and here it is:

The Top 10 Things that Upset a Baby Boomer 

10. Tattoos. Baby Boomers are quick to criticize tattoos. They believe among other things, having a tattoo will influence hiring opportunities. 

I remember my first exposure to tattoos, I thought they were fascinating. Dad's friends in the Legion had them. I assume they had gotten them during their time serving in World War II.   

9. Credit/debit card payment only. Baby Boomers love to pay exact change for an article they purchase. In fact, will dig for the exact coin amount for as long as it takes. I think counting money and especially change is a lost art. Let's face it, if you have paid with a card for most of your life, a handful of change is going to be challenging. 

8. Leave all the lights turned on. This is a laugh out loud statement that needs no explanation.

7. Talk about Climate Change. Baby Boomers have been designated the biggest culprits when it comes to causing climate change and gas emission. I have to admit, passion for the environment seems to fall on a generation outside of 1964. We respect it, but the minority are passionate about it. 

6. Pay rent instead of buying. It makes little sense to a Baby Boomer that someone would pay rent when you can buy it. Hence, the fact that Baby Boomers dominate the housing market. 

Currently, I know several people that have sold everything and now live in an apartment. It seems to be the thing to do before heading into a senior living situation.  

5. Send them a text message as opposed to a voice call. The thing here is a Baby Boomer will always take a call, anytime or any place. They will talk to you even in a crowded area. Baby Boomers seem to have the loudest call sound on their phone, that way they never miss a call.   

4. Tell them you don't want to work. Baby Boomers are known for their strong work ethics. Their expectations of other's work ethics are very high.  Some Baby Boomers work well past retirement age simply because they know nothing else but to work. 

3. Screw up their order. Baby Boomers expect/demand good service. They believe the customer is always right. I am not sure if we would fit into the category of "good tippers". It is known that Gen Z will clean up after themselves in a restaurant and will even stack the dishes. 

2. Question their navigation skills. Give a Baby Boomer a good map and they will get you where you are going with incredible accuracy. Google maps are not a high priority for some. I think the problem area is the communication between the map reader and the driver.  

1. Contradict their weather forecast. A Baby Boomers will always know an accurate account of what the next 2-3 weeks of weather will be like. It is a non-negotiable topic. Baby Boomers love to talk about the weather.  

As some of the richest people, this is how Baby Boomers spend their money. 

1. Travel

2. Cruises

3. Cable TV

4. Booze. It is a "drink to anything" generation.

5. Subsidize adult children

6. Pets

7. Own own home

8. Home remodeling

9. Buy what they want, care less about price and more about the brand product they like.

10. Pay more for healthcare

11. New cars. Expect to be schmoozed and to receive personal service.

12. Lead the way as small business owners.

13. Buy online

14. Snack food

15. Health and Wellness products

16. Cannabis. Reliving the "lighting up" days of the 60s and 70s

Even though we don't want to admit it, these things are true. We are a generation of strong work ethics and opinions. I know we are being blamed for many things like climate change and gas emissions. I personally don't feel I have done that, but I don't understand climate change, so maybe I did. We are a generation of providing. Work hard, play hard, get it done, kind of attitude. Are there repercussions from that, probably. There is no doubt that the "Baby Boomers" have left their mark in history.