Study Finds Widening Generation Gap

From cell phones and texting to religion and manners, younger and older Americans see the world differently, creating the largest generation gap since the tumultuous years of the 1960s and the culture clashes over Vietnam, civil rights and women's liberation.

A new study released Monday by the Pew Research Center found Americans of different ages increasingly at odds over a range of social and technological issues. It also highlights a widening age divide after last November's election, when 18- to 29-year-olds voted for Democrat Barack Obama by a 2-to-1 ratio.

Almost eight in 10 people believe there is a major difference in the point of view of younger people and older people today, according to the independent public opinion research group. That is the highest spread since 1969, when about 74 percent reported major differences in an era of generational conflicts over the Vietnam War and civil and women's rights. In contrast, just 60 percent in 1979 saw a generation gap.

Asked to identify where older and younger people differ most, 47 percent said social values and morality. People age 18 to 29 were more likely to report disagreements over lifestyle, views on family, relationships and dating, while older people cited differences in a sense of entitlement. Those in the middle-age groups also often pointed to a difference in manners.

Religion is a far bigger part of the lives of older adults. About two-thirds of people 65 and older said religion is very important to them, compared with just over half of those 30 to 49 and 44 percent of people 18 to 29.

In addition, among adults 65 and older, one-third said religion has grown more important to them over the course of their lives, while 4 percent said it has become less important and 60 percent said it has stayed the same.

"Around the notion of morality and work ethic, the differences in point of view are pretty much felt across the board," said Paul Taylor, director of the Pew Social and Demographic Trends Project. He cited a greater tolerance among younger people on cultural issues such as gay marriage and interracial relationships.

Still, he noted that the generation gap in 2009 seems to be more tepid in nature than it was in the 1960s, when younger people built a defiant counterculture in opposing the Vietnam War and demanding equal rights for women and minorities.

"Today, it's more of a general outlook, a different point of view, a general set of moral values," Taylor said.

Among the study's other findings:

Getting old isn't as bad as people believe in terms of health, but isn't as good when it comes to lifestyle. While more than half of those under 65 think they will experience memory loss when they are older, only one-quarter of people 65 and older say they do so. Older people reported fewer instances than expected of problems such as serious illness, not being able to drive, being less sexually active or depressed.

On the other hand, older adults end up having less leisure time than expected. While 87 percent of those under 65 think they will have more time for hobbies and other interests in older age, only 65 percent of older people report having it. Life at 65 and older also fell below expectations when it came to time with family, travel, having more financial security and less stress.

Hispanics are more likely to report problems in old age. About 35 percent of Hispanics 65 and older say they have a serious illness, compared with 20 percent of whites and 22 percent of blacks in the same age group. More older Hispanics reported being depressed, lonely or a burden to others than did whites and blacks. They also were less likely to do volunteer work or be involved in their communities.

Younger people are more likely to embrace technology. About 75 percent of adults 18 to 30 went online daily, compared with 40 percent of those 65 to 74 and about 16 percent for people 75 and older. The age gap widened over cell phones and text messaging. About 6 percent of those 65 and older used a cell phone for most or all of their calls; 11 percent sent or received text messages. That's compared with 64 percent of adults under 30 for cell phone use and 87 percent for texting.

Americans differ on when old age begins. On average, they say 68. People under age 30 believe it begins at 60, while those 65 and older push the threshold to 74. Of all those surveyed, most said they wanted to live to 89.

Pew interviewed 2,969 adults by cell phone or landline from Feb. 23 to March 23. The poll has a margin of error of plus or minus 2.6 percentage points. In cases where older persons were too ill or incapacitated, their adult children were interviewed. Pew also used surveys conducted by Gallup, CBS and The New York Times to identify trends since 1969.

[WhoWeAm]

What do we have to say about the widening age gap between the aging population and the youthful generations? Yes, the fluency one has with technology is a major impact, but I think societal and personal viewpoints are the largest contributors to the clear differences between the way the elderly and younger people live. The article mentions that two-thirds of all people 65 years and older considered themselves to be religious. I have to wonder if believing in a higher power contributes to the obvious differences and leads to misunderstandings in the chosen lifestyles of the various generations. Here's an example of what I'm talking about: http://whoweam.com/portraits/noah-langley/; An older gentleman who is convinced that the younger generation is selfish simply because they tend to stray from the word of God.

[rhs648]

correction

Stop and think for a moment. The people who gave us laser, cell phones, computers, DVD players, and color TV are mostly in their 50's, 60's, 70's and 80's. The first digital camera was developed in the mid 1970's. The development of plasma screens was begun in the early 1970's. Color TV was developed sometime in the 1940's. In fact, the first patent for a color TV dates back to 1904 in Germany. The idea that technology is only for young people is rediculous. At 61, I am more computer literate than most young people. Some of us remember when we had to write our own programs to make our early computers productive.

[rhs648]

Stop and think for a moment. The people who gave us laser, cell phones, computers, DVD players, and color TV are mostly in their 50's, 60's, 70's and 80's. The first digital camera was developed in the mid 1975's. The development of plasma screens was begun in the early 1970's. Color TV was developed sometime in the 1940's. In fact, the first patent for a color TV dates back to 1904 in Germany. The idea that technology is only for young people is rediculous. At 61, I am more computer literate than most young people. Some of us remember when we had to write our own programs to make our early computers productive.

[johnbrown8888]

The divide is not really between Boomers and Gen D. It's between both of them and the Generation X, the "greed is good" generation suckled on Ronnie Reagan.

Everybody hates Gen X.

[John_Merritt]

One word can sum up everything. Technology.

Back in the 1960's and 70's we did not have the technology to express our views. We had to walk the streets and picket lines in 100+ degree weather, etc. to make our point and take a stand. Younger people can take the same stand by meeting and greeting over the communication lines that all of us have. It requires little effort, and does not require you to look in the eyes of a person who opposes you.

Technology has made our lives easier. Work smarter, not harder. Young people do not have a true work habit that requires absolute physical exertion on their part, because most things have been built from an infrastructure standpoint, now we use technology to improve things based on the basic foundation. Working smarter is definitely better but if you don't have an appreciation of what it took to get us there, than it is missed in the translation.

Technology has made our lives easier. Now we do not have to go out and seek entertainment, we can bring it into the home. Whereas parents would enjoy things in nature with their children, now we all stay at home and have Netflix bring us movies, the internet provide social networking, and we can communicate via computer and video cameras.

On the point of morality, we have rampant acceptance of virtually anything goes. Back in the day, a man would have to go to the store to purchase a magazine, and might not because of the embarassment. Now we can have it delivered over the net at a touch of a key. Kids enjoy the same benefit. No discussions, no embarassment, 'no harm, no foul'. It is easy, requires no effort and you don't have to explain to anyone, or to be seen by someone that you don't want to be seen by.

On the acceptance of gay marriage and interracial relationships, there is a greater appreciation for all things. Whereas older Americans are willing to accept things to a point, younger Americans say 'what the heck, if it feels good do it'. (That also was a credo we used in the 60's, but we have ramped it up abit.) There is also a 'protectionist' component to it. Whereas , older Americans want to preserve the 'purity' of relationships based on many views, younger Americans feel differently for many reasons. Many of which can be based on the lack of more involved parenting at home. And others are just more sensitive and accepting of others lifestyles. They may not do it themselves, but they don't care if others want to do it. Esepcially they don't want to stand out when they know their friends might not tolerate their response. Big difference that is rarely mentioned.

On religion, technology can bring God into the home. It requires much to get up at 0800 on Sunday morning, when I can get on the internet, if I do, and watch it anytime. The importance of family in the church unit is not measured the same way as it is for older Americans. We know that relationships with God and others requires us to get involved in a way that many young Americans may not. This all depends of the church, religion and person for obvious reasons.

Technology has brought information into the home where everything is very easily acceptable. The kids hear of the stories from Iran and other places that are repressive, and much of what they hear is based on the opinions, that 'religion destroys everything'. If you don't believe me get on any network and read the blogs out there.

Because everyone desires to be looked upon with acceptance by all many are not willing to take a stand that might make them unpopular. Hence we all make decisions based on what we perceive of our outside world and how we will be accepted whether we agree or reject everyone's opinion and desire.

As you can see, Technology will either be a blessing or a curse, dependent how we use it from this point forward. You don't think that China does not know that technology can be used effectively, but yet they are reticent to allow certain things over their lines. They know, because they are observant and they are smart.

I can on and on (we call it rambling) but I will spare you. As you can tell, "I say what I mean, and mean what I say". It pays to be honest. Have a great evening.

[johnbrown8888]

"A few weeks ago I was at a store in Kansas City and a young lady with 2 kids were inside the store. She had one 5 year old child and an infant in a stroller. I held the door open for her and she came out of the store and did not make eye contact with me or even attempt to say thank you. "


Sheeyit, that's nothing! Ever see a cowboy type in his big dualie pickup and wearing the requisite cowboy hat in the cab say "thank you" when you pull off to the side of the road to let His Highness by?

It's just good ol' American rude FU attitude. Transcends the generations.

[formrusmcsgt]

Religion is a far bigger part of the lives of older adults. About two-thirds of people 65 and older said religion is very important to them, compared with just over half of those 30 to 49 and 44 percent of people 18 to 29.
---
There may be hope for us yet.....

Dogma means less and less to successive generations it appears.

[rhs648]

Thank you for using the word "appears" in your post. Around ten years ago, I read an article that stated that hard drives had no future because manufacturers had reached the practical size limits. That article "appeared" to make sense at the time it was written. Today, we have hard drives over a terabyte in size and growing.

[hungry1968-15]

"Religion is a far bigger part of the lives of older adults. About two-thirds of people 65 and older said religion is very important to them, compared with just over half of those 30 to 49 and 44 percent of people 18 to 29."






In just a few short decades, America is going to be a predominantly secular society, and I can't wait!!!!

[rhs648]

Religion enjoys both periods of decline and renewal. I know a number of families where the children are now more religious than their parents or grandparents. This is something that probably can't be judged by a generation or two. There is both anecdotal evidence and scientific evidence. It will probably take a long time to really know whether religion is in a permanent decline or a temporary decline. If it is a tempoeary decline, future generations could prove to be far more religious.

[jbright9]

I think this is kind of silly. My generation, I am one of the older baby boomers, is so much more willing to adjust to rapid change than our parents ever were. We have grown up with technology and have adapted to its ever evolving changes over and over. We have embraced social change and spearheaded the major gains of women. All of my friends have accepted their children's living with girlfriends and boyfriends before marriage or have dealt with multiple divorces. My children and my friend's children tell us everything as we are open and nonjudgemental while my generation kept things from our parents and hoped they didn't find out. As we age, we have pushed back what we consider old probably because most of us are healthy and still living our lives. I voted for Barack Obama as did my husband and feel proud to have done so. There may be subtle differences between my generation and those following it but nothing like the huge gap between my generation and our parents. I once attended a lecture by Margaret Mead in which she spoke on the generation gap between the baby booomers and their parents. She said the baby boomers grew up in a generation in which with a flip of the switch and we had immediate gratification. I think she is right we were the first to experience technology and starting with TV we have enjoyed each advance.

[Oregon_State_OSU]

Parents need to teach their kids to say Please and Thank You & also teach their kids not to touch or play with other peoples property.

Young kids today just expect everything handed to them and feel that they are entitled to it and are rude and pissy if they dont get what they want.