Connecting Generations: Bridging the Boomer, Gen X, and Millennial Divide

by David Stillman (Foreword)

Social isolation, loneliness, and suicide are conditions we often associate with the elderly. But in reality, these issues have sharply increased across younger generations. Baby Boomers, Gen X’ers, Millennials, and post-Millennials all report a declining number of friends and an increasing number of health issues associated with loneliness. Even more concerning, it appears that the younger the generation, the greater the feelings of disconnection. Regardless of age, it feels as though we’re living through a period of ongoing disequilibrium because we’re not able to adapt quickly enough to the social and technological changes swirling around us. These powerful changes have not only isolated individuals from their own peers but have contributed to becoming an age-segregated society. And yet we need fulfilling relationships with people our own age and across the generations to lead lives that are rich in meaning and purpose.

Even in those rare communities where young and old live near each other, they lack organic settings that encourage intergenerational relationships. In addition, it isn’t technology, but generational diversity that is our best tool for navigating the changes that affect so many aspects of our lives - whether it’s work, entertainment, education, or family dynamics. We can’t restore yesterday’s model of community, where only those who were older transmitted wisdom downward to the generation below. But we can relearn how much members of different generations have to offer each other and recreate intergenerational communities for the 21 st century where young, old, and everyone in between is equally valued for their perspectives, and where each generation views itself as having a stake in the other’s success. Here, Hayim Herring focuses more deeply on how Baby Boomers, Gen Xers, and Millennials perceive one another and looks underneath the generational labels that compound isolation. He offers ways we can prepare current and future generations for a world in which ongoing interactions with people from multiple generations become the norm, and re-experience how enriching intergenerational relationships are personally and communally.

172 pages, Hardcover

Published May 8, 2019

About the author

David Stillman is not new to the generational conversation. For over twenty years he has been called on by business executives, politicians and the media to share his expertise on how best to bridge generational gaps. David has appeared on CNN, CNBC, and the TODAY Show as well as NPR and in Fast Company, The New York Times, USA Today, and The Wall Street Journal.

His creative communications work has earned him numerous accolades including gold medals at the NY Film Festival, the much-coveted CLIO Award, and most recently was named as one of 200 People to Watch by the Business Journal as well as one of the Power50 in the state of MN.

In addition to being an internationally acclaimed speaker on the generations, David is also the co-author of two best-selling books including When Generations Collide and The M-Factor: How the Millennial Generation Is Rocking the Workplace.

David’s latest book “Gen Z @ Work” published by HarperCollins describes the 7 key traits of Gen Z. He has coauthored this book with his Gen Z son, Jonah.

Reviews

[Jaime Gray]

Make this an audio book!!

[Michael Hillman · Rating 5 out of 5]

An interesting and entertaining read that gives one many insights into a societal problem and suggest solutions we can all undertake. Gave me much to think about.

[Jo · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very well documented book about the connections and perspectives of the current interacting generations: the Boomer, Gen X, and Millennial. This book can be used for social sciences studies as companion book.


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