A GENERATION AT A CROSSROADS

Those born in the 1950s and 1960s are perplexed by the rapid pace of transformation in the world

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I belong to a generation born in the early sixties, a time of great social and cultural change. Those of us born in the fifties and sixties find ourselves at a crossroads, perplexed by the rapid pace of transformation in the world around us. We are a unique breed, having spent our formative as well as youthful years in the twentieth century and now navigating the sunset years in the threshold of the twenty-first century.

During this transitional period, we witnessed profound changes that have reshaped the world beyond recognition. The pace of change was dizzying, leaving our generation struggling to adapt. Life has become pretty hectic.

Growing up in an era that was both human-centric and eco-centric, we were raised under the guidance of our parents, grandparents, and siblings. Our elders wielded authority, and we were taught to obey and respect them. Our childhood was a vibrant tapestry of friendships, social interactions, and community bonds.

However, the turn of the century and the new millennium have upended our values and traditions. As our children left to pursue better lives in distant lands, we were left to face the challenges of aging alone. Our homes, once filled with laughter and warmth, now stand empty and deserted, an eerie silence reverberates.

The contrast between our modest upbringing and the opulent lifestyle of the younger generation is stark. We, who were accustomed to a minimalist lifestyle, watch with a mix of dismay and resignation as the millennials and Gen Z indulge in a life of unrestrained luxury. We refrain from offering advice, fearful of being met with indifference or even hostility.