Understanding and appreciating the multi-generational values of your neighbors contributes to a strong community
Desert Ridge, like society as whole, is comprised of the five (5) generations listed below:
Matures: The Matures were born between 1920 and 1945. They’re the last of the veterans of the World and Korean Wars, and are also called the “Silent Generation or Traditionalists.” They’re about sacrifice. They survived the Great Depression, and they still reuse aluminum foil and paper bags. Their heroes were military figures. They believe that a rule is a rule. They feel that change is good, as long as it’s the type of change they’ve envisioned. The Matures defined the world in which we live for many years, but they now have to give way to the Baby Boomers.
Baby Boomers: Baby Boomers were born between 1946 and 1964. Approximately 77 million in number, they’re workaholics who believe in teamwork, democracy, and loyalty. They don’t necessarily see the need to follow rules. Baby Boomers value the concept of “built to last.” They invented the idea of “meaningful work,” and the workplace continues to be a part of their self-identity. Baby Boomers will occupy the White House until approximately 2030.
Generation X: Generation X’ers were born between 1965 and 1977. Numbering about 44 million, this group was raised in an environment in which both parents worked. They question their parents’ values, and they believe that jobs and housing are disposable. They place greater value on family and personal life than the Baby Boomers do, and they feel that a balanced life is more important than professional accomplishments.
Generation Y: Generation Y’s are the “Millennials” born between 1977 and 1995. They comprise approximately 33 percent of the U.S. population, and projections suggest that since 2010, those age 33 and younger will number 137 million, or 46 percent of the U.S. population. People in this group have always known the Internet, laptops, and cell phones. It would never occur to them to physically touch a television to change the channel. People born in the U.S. after 1983 have always had a President from the Southern states. South Africa’s official policy of apartheid has not existed in their lifetime, cars have always had CD players and air bags, weather reports have always been available 24 hours a day, and genetic testing and DNA screening have always been available. This generation focuses on its individual choices, goals, and the future.
Generation Z: Generation Z’s, known as the “Centennials” born 1996 and after were recently featured in the Desert Ridge Lifestyles Summer/Fall 2018 magazine. They make up 25% of the population and are entrepreneurial, resourceful, imaginative, highly intelligent and independent. They are afraid to move on and would rather live with their parents until they are thirty (i.e., The Peter Pan Syndrome). They are the ideal generation to finally strike the right balance between online and offline workplace communications. Seventy-five percent of this group believe there are other ways of getting a good education other than going to college and they are interested in having multiple roles within one place of employment.
