The exact dates marking where one generation ends and another begins differ depending on the research consulted.  According to the PEW Research Center, #Generation Next (Millennial) is made up of those born between 1981 and 1988. #Generation X was born between 1966 and 1980. The Baby Boom Generation was born between 1946 and 1964. Finally, those over age 60 (born before 1946) are called the Seniors. These generational breaks are somewhat arbitrary, but are roughly comparable to those used by other scholars and researchers. For most African Americans, the Silent Generation can be traced back to the pre-Civil Rights era to a time of segregation and Jim Crow laws. This is the generation that saw the end of the Great Depression. Silent Generation members are generally the offspring of he Lost Generation(sometimes called the WWI Generation) and the parents of Boomers and Generation Xers. Many Traditionalists currently have great- and great-great grandchildren who are Millennials and Generation M. Most Silent Generation folks don’t have fond memories of the development of the U.S. infrastructure. They grew up at a time when women had few rights, and most minorities and blacks dealt with harsh Jim Crow laws, and some worked as sharecroppers in the southern United States.
Because the Silent Generation grew up during the Great Depression and World War II they tend to be stable, thorough, loyal, private and hard-working. They believe in paying their dues, in duty before pleasure and in having patience. They trust leaders and the order represented by the chain of command. They value government, respect authority, and value formal dress and traditional forms of   person-to-person communication. Contrary to popular belief, members of the Silent Generation like to take training courses if the classes are handled properly, and many want to continue to work part-time after they've retired. Research shows that older workers are just as productive as young ones. This generation has a wealth of knowledge to share but usually will wait for you to make the first move rather than volunteer their input. This is why they are called the Silent generation. Additionally, the continued use of “Silent Generation” as a label is justified by the lack of influential political leaders from this generation. For example, no U.S. President has come from the Silent Generation. The few from this generation who ran for president include Walter Mondale, Ron Paul, John McCain, Michael Dukakis, Newt Gingrich, Ralph Nader, Jack Kemp and Reverend Jesse Jackson. Some other notable Silent Generation political figures include Dick Cheney and Nancy Pelosi.
Since this generation was born between 1925 and 1945, the majority of the Silent Generation in Corporate America today is usually preparing for retirement, if not already retired. In most cases, these are the individuals who are reaping the generous retirement pensions and benefits earned during their working years during the industrial age of America.  Key findings from a 2005 national survey for the MetLife Mature Market Institute found that nearly all members of the Silent Generation are confident about their retirement income. This level of security is attributed, to some extent, to the fact that many in this generation benefited from a company pension plan. Also, most in this generation qualify/qualified for full Social Security benefits at age 65. This will not be the case for future generations. Nine in ten retirees say that their lifestyle in retirement is either as good as (42%) or better than expected (49%). Nine out of ten pre-retirees (91%) and 79% of retirees have or expect to have income from Social Security. In addition, most have other sources of guaranteed income during retirement. About eight in ten pre-retirees and retirees expect or have fixed streams.
The majority of Silent’s’ have settled into retirement communities across the nation. While more than 90% of the Silent Generation has retired, those still working can be counted on to be forthright, stable and helpful. Members of this group are between 67 and 87 years of age, and when found in Corporate America; they usually have tenure in their profession. They can be a wealth of knowledge for learning how to get things done. Generally, this group takes a "go easy" approach and moves away from conflict. Many are grandparents and great-grandparents. Traditionalists tend to find the Millennial somewhat cute and fascinating. They enjoy learning and sharing the new technologies of the Millennial and X generations, but they don’t actually like using the technologies on the regular basis. They prefer to observe and watch.When speaking to an individual from the Silent Generation it’s important to give them all of your attention, as they don’t like to repeat themselves. Multitasking is considered a negative when done while communicating with this generation. This group tends to be slower to reward accomplishments because they expect everyone to always do a good job. Getting paid and keeping your job is your reward.  Direct eye contact and complete sentences are highly favored.


Words and messages to motivate the Silent Generation:
“I appreciate your expertise.” “It's valuable to hear what has - and hasn't - worked in the past.” “Your perseverance is valued, and we appreciate your input.”“We live in the greatest nation in the world.”“I enjoy being here and am thankful for my job.”

Some Important Events of the Silent Generation... Read more about this in College to Corporate for the Millennial Recent College Graduate by Nathanial Portis available on Amazon.com