G-Sync – The Kids Are Alright

About a decade ago, the author Fran Lebowitz posed the question of why someone middle-aged would spend so much time obsessing about people in their twenties and trying to emulate them.

While her article made a compelling case about those who endlessly chase their youth to the point of handing over their power (and the downside to such action), a recent New York Times article placed the spotlight on the twenty-something class again and this time, with lots to consider that might bring some balance to all of us.

In the piece, "What Is It About 20-Somethings," Robin Marantz Henig goes rather in depth exploring the possibility that we may be witnessing a new cycle of development, "emerging adulthood," that falls right smack between our teen years and before one settles down to the familiar territory of a life of financial independence, marriage and child rearing. (Right away, you can see some holes in the old theory based on contemporary appetites.)

But what caught my eye is conflict I have witnessed over the years within the various age groups.  

While it may be true that many in the emerging adult class do appear to be "struggling" on the surface, in light of Henig's piece, I was reminded of the hope I believe is built into one who is able to delay the start of adulthood by a few years to explore their world.

It is not as if the world is going anywhere, in fact, as recent headlines have proclaimed, not only are we as humans experiencing longer life expectancies, but in some pockets of the world, they are even looking to raise the minimum age of when workers can retire.

I don't know about you, but if I was looking at a game changer like in my 20s, then I would no doubt be a bit hesitant to join the parade.

Truth be told, our twenties is a period of exploration and while many will argue that "emerging adulthood" is not experienced by everyone and probably, then, not a true phase in the sociological realm, I think a compelling case for a transition period to full adulthood is helpful as well.

So what does all this mean this week?

I am not so sure, since one of the greatest insights of age is embracing the questions instead of claiming to have all the answers.

In the end, the next time we come across a 20-something clearly in an "emerging adulthood" pattern, leap off the well-worn path and become free to change the focus and think about how one generation is really just preparing the world for the next to enter and how, in doing so, we honor that we are willing to give them some slack in their self-actualization process that we may not have had the chance to honor.

Chances are once they do settle down, statistics are beginning to show not only will they be happier, healthier and ready to make the leap, but they may actually eliminate the midlife crisis, too.

And judging by the mess the latter creates, I think this is the best argument that the kids are alright.



The Future Needs All of Us (to let it be)


Tommy Allen, Lifestyle Editor


Email:  [email protected]
Twitter Feed: @TommyGSync

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Photo of Slain Caleb Alexander & Esther Thorp provided by TanglefootStudio.com


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