10/29/2023

The Baby Boomer generation in the U.S. is calculated as extending from 1946 – 1964, which means they are currently 57 – 75 years of age. This matches the post-World War II baby boom for which that generation is named. They are currently numbered in the U.S. at 71.6 million in population.          Since my wife & I were born in August 1945, we are part of what is called the Silent Generation, those whose births are included in the years from 1925 – 1945. Our generation wanted stability after World War II. There was high respect for authority & loyalty to employers. In contrast, the Baby Boomers were concerned for change & progress, but with a focus on personal fulfillment. They were the first generation to witness the rapid growth of technology & its effect on human life. Of course, all of these are generalizations, which would not match all people in these generations. Being right at the edge between two generations, I have always felt more identified with the Baby Boomers. As I reflect on all this & on the following generations: Generation X (1965 – 1980), Millennials (1981 – 1996), Generation Z (1997 – 2012), Generation Alpha (2013 – 2025), I can see many of the values & challenges that each, and society in general, faces in relationship to the generations.  For the Baby Boomers, retired & facing retirement, there are new challenges. There will be for most of them a change in the power they wield. This is the largest group of the recognized generations. As we live longer, illness & diminishing ability will bring challenges to U.S. society at large. The growing number of persons in this group with Alzheimer’s & other forms of dementia presents a future which no one has fully addressed. In the midst of generational change, is there a significant ministry for the church?  Rather than this being a significant problem alone, could it be an opportunity for the gospel of Jesus Christ, as well?