Older generations have plenty of advice for GenZ and Millennials in their 20s, 30s and early 40s. Baby boomers even like sharing tips with their GenX children or, oftentimes, anyone else willing to listen. Whether Gen Xers listen or not depends on a variety of factors, including their relationships with their parents and their own lived experiences. After all, Gen X is widely recognized as the first generation projected to end up worse than their parents financially, with 47% significantly unprepared for retirement, according to a recent Bankrate study reported by Nifty50Plus.com.
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Taking advice from a generation that seemed to have it easier than Gen X and doesn’t understand our unique struggles feels futile. But some of the advice Boomers dole out is rooted in common sense and actually quite do-able, especially as it relates to aging and health.
A recent Pew Research study broke down advice that Americans 65 and older would give to younger people.
Advice for better health
Roughly half (49%) of older Americans wanted to share advice on health with younger generations. Some of the tips included:
- Eating a nutritious diet
- Exercising regularly
- Keeping up with medical appointments
This could be a case of “Do as I say, not as I do.”
The Pew study revealed that only 37% of Americans ages 65+ rated themselves in “excellent / very good” physical health. One-quarter rated their physical health as “fair / poor.”
The study found associations between higher income and better physical and mental health, which leads us to the second type of advice Boomers would like to share with younger generations.
Financial advice
Second on the list, 37% of older Americans wanted to share advice about finances, including saving tips and investment strategies.
Perhaps it’s worth listening. More adults ages 60+ reported they are extremely / very confident about their finances than other demographics, according to the survey. Of course, this also stems from the era in which Baby Boomers grew up, with the ability to go to college without extensive student loans, earn a pension at their job, and purchase affordable homes to raise their families. The economy doesn’t allow a similar lifepath for most of the younger generations today – at least, not easily.
More than half (51%) of people ages 30 to 39 said they are not confident in having enough income and assets to last their lifetime or that they won’t be able to retire at all. Nearly half (48%) of Gen X and older millennials from 40 to 49 weren’t confident about retirement, and 44% of Gen X ages 50 to 59 said the same.
Maintaining a positive mindset
Finally, 24% of older Americans wanted to share advice related to their mindset or outlook on life. Poll respondents mentioned topics like living with gratitude and cherishing every moment.
“This theme also encompasses various general life advice, such as being true to oneself, being independent, and helping others,” according to Pew Research.
Experts say that maintaining a positive mindset can help seniors ward off depression and cognitive decline. “Keeping a positive mindset can go a long way toward helping seniors feel empowered to live their best life,” according to the Bethesda Health Group blog.
Seniors with a growth mindset, who believe they can change and learn even later in life, are more likely to engage in behaviors and activities that support healthy aging, according to one research report by Ladda Thiamwong, PhD, RN, FAAN, FNAP of the University of Central Florida College of Nursing. A positive outlook and a growth mindset often go hand-in-hand, supporting resilience and self-confidence. It’s never too late to adopt a positive mindset, reflect on our lives with gratitude or even learn new skills.
The Nifty50+ series You’re Too Old For That features stories of people who have defied the odds, started businesses, taken up new hobbies and, in general, realized you’re never too old to do what lights you up.
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