The luckiest generation

The first batch of baby boomers has been turning 60 since 2005, 60 years after the end of the Second World War. To my mind, the baby boomers—myself included—are the luckiest generation ever.

We were able to appreciate the world when it progressed at a much slower rate, and we are also able to adapt to the fast-moving world of today.

We are able to appreciate nature when we travel. We look out of trains at the scenery rather than focusing on our latest portable IT gadget, whatever it may be.

We appreciate the relaxed feeling that comes after exerting our physical body in vigorous exercise. We also like Wii, but do not use it to replace real exercise.

We enjoy life, and we also appreciate the virtue of hard work. While maintaining a good quality of life is essential to us, we also know the value of saving money in the bank. Statistics tell us that wealth accumulation is higher among baby boomers. We are also aware that the younger generations are more inclined to enjoy life, rather than being work-driven like their parents and grandparents.

We know about the joy of writing and receiving letters, but we also appreciate the instantaneous advantage of e-mail and are quite ready to use it or learn how to use it. We are definitely better at spelling.

Call it the bias of the older generations, but I do think we are better equipped to appreciate the arts and craftsmanship of older times. This is because we were brought up in a period when the world moved at a slower pace.

We have the best of both worlds—an older one and the current one—and I am grateful for that.

Having made these observations, I remind myself that, to better understand the younger generations, I must keep an open mind. As a researcher, I should know that humans are easily blinded by prior experiences and perceptions. I remind myself that I must not become so set in my ways that I am unable to see the virtues of generations other than mine.

For Reflections on Nursing Leadership (RNL), published by the Honor Society of Nursing, Sigma Theta Tau International.