by Brian | Jan 6, 2023 | News
Generations such as the Greatest, Interwar, Boomers (B), X,Y, Z and Alpha were each born during specific social, economic and political circumstances. Being exposed to the first or second world wars, a man on the moon, the mobile phone, 9-11 or the covid pandemic and more, can shape our values and attitudes.
Your birth year determines which generation you belong to. We look deeper into this below.
Demographics
According to the 2021 Census, Canada has a population of approximately 36,991,981 and the working age (15-64) population is 23,957,760.
The working age population is the pool of Canadians 15-64 years old who are potential workers.
As of December 2021, there were 19,371,000 people in the labor force.
Canada’s labor force is made up of B, X, Y and Z generations listed below.
The Greatest and Alpha generations are not included given their age. Men and women born during The Interwar generation have some present day workers, but not a significant enough number to include. Plus Canada’s working age population has a range of 15-64, beyond 64 you’re not counted as a worker for statistical purposes!
Individuals per cohort making up the Canadian population (2021 Canada Census)
Add 3 Years To The Ages For 2024
- Greatest Generation: 135,560 people 94 or older (born before 1928)
- Interwar Generation: 2,716,910 people 76 to 93 (1928 to 1945)
- Generation Alpha: 3,194,415 people, 11 or younger (born in later 2010 or after)
As of 2021
- 9,212,640 Gen B, 56 to 75, born 1946 to 1965.
- 7,060,355 Gen X, 41 to 55, 1966 to 1980
- 7,926,595 Gen Y, 25 to 40, 1981 to 1996
- 6,700,000 Gen Z, 9 to 24, 1997 to early 2010
Big changes in the North American labor market.
According to Marija Lazic in the United States; “over a third of Americans don’t believe they’ll ever retire and about 10,000 baby boomers turn 65 each day, and the entire generation is expected to reach retirement age by 2030.”
Canada also faces record retirements from an aging workforce according to the 2021 Canada Census.
Older workers are retiring in large numbers which is creating a labor shortage in 6 or more sectors. These include trucking, the trades, health care, construction, retail trade, education and social services.
A new analysis of labour force survey data by the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives (CCPA) found that 73,000 more people retired in the year ending August 2022 compared to a year earlier, a jump of 32 per cent.
“The risk you have, and in some sectors you’re already seeing it, is that people are leaving without there being enough younger workers to take over,” Jimmy Jean, chief economist at Desjardins Group told Reuters. “So there’s a loss of human capital and knowledge.”
“It is not just the 65-and-over crowd packing up their offices and hanging up their tool belts. A record number of Canadians aged 55-64 are now reporting they retired in the last 12 months,.” Statscan data shows. (Graphic).”
Now, let’s look closer at the Boomer, X, Y and Z generations that make up the modern labor force in Canada and the USA.
Characteristics of Boomers, Gen X, Y and Z
The work and personal characteristics of the different generations are not hard and fast definitions, but useful as a starting point.
We shouldn’t stereotype any generation, but having insight into a particular group, gives us a starting point for better understanding and communication.
As of 2024, the following ages and birth years apply
- 9,212,640 Gen B, aged 59 to 78, born 1946 to 1965.
- 7,060,355 Gen X, 44 to 58, 1966 to 1980
- 7,926,595 Gen Y, 28 to 43, 1981 to 1996
- 6,700,000 Gen Z, 14 to 29, born 1997 to early 2010
Baby Boomers
Boomers leaving the workforce, are largely being replaced by Gen X, Y and Z and soon Alpha.
- This generation has focus, discipline and a strong work ethic
- may have strong emotional intelligence
- value health and longevity
- can be non-conforming and question authority
- have evolved to be self-sufficient with problem solving and some prefer working independently versus in teams.
- are willing to work hard and compete to reach company goals and take pride in the companies they work for, their job titles and how long they have worked for the company
- believe authority comes with experience (like seniority) and more likely to trust an older worker with years of experience versus a younger manager.
- 9,212,640 Boomers, aged 56 to 75, born 1946 to 1965.
- 7,060,355 Gen X, 41 to 55, 1966 to 1980
- 7,926,595 Gen Y, 25 to 40, 1981 to 1996
- 6,700,000 Gen Z, 9 to 24, born 1997 to early 2010
Characteristics of Gen X:
Chris DeSantis in the Fortune magazine writes; “Demands for more work-life balance that workers had not been able to make under the covenant were first implemented by Gen X entrepreneurs.”
- Born between 1966 and 1980, this group contains many entrepreneurs (dot.com) and often described as the MTV or Sandwich generation.
- Moved into management positions roles as Gen B retire.
- More diverse than previous generations, being exposed to increasing immigration and the presence of female colleagues in the workforce.
- Computer literate and a lot more, were present for the technological change from analog to digital and involved in the transition to make it happen. Examples of this include the creation of YouTube, Amazon, Wikipedia, and Google. Along with these companies and others, major shifts in how we communicate, source information and shop resulted.
- more willing to change jobs or careers to get ahead than the previous generations.
Characteristics of Gen Y
They were not born into the digital age like Gen Z, living during the transition from analogue to the digital world.
- Like Gen Z, this groups lifestyle includes technology as part of their everyday lives with many of their activities coordinated by a screen.
- They value telecommuting or working remotely with flexible hours to accommodate family and personal responsibilities. Professional development is an important need as are purposeful tasks rather than being focused on profit primarily.
- Gen Y unlike their parents Gen X, believe the world could be a better and/or different place and are ambitious to achieve their goals that reflect this.
- Gen Y are stereotyped as being narcissistic, entitled, spoilt and lazy. In 2014 they were named the me-me generation by Time Magazine.
Characteristics of Gen Z
As of 2023 they are between 13 and 27 years old and are up and coming in terms of running the show.
- Gen Z has surpassed Gen Y as the go to people for all things digital
- Are the true digital natives: from a young age, they have been exposed to the internet, social media, and mobile technology.
- Growing up in a globally connected world they are thought to have become more diverse and inclusive. The internet and social media has allowed them to learn more about other cultures, breaking news, social causes than previous generations
- According to WP Engine, “65% of Gen Z think artificial intelligence will have a positive impact and 75% believe the Internet will bring us closer together
- Gen Z are now a huge part of the world population (estimates range from 24-30%) — and their keen interest in technology makes them an increasingly influential demographic.
- “Gen Z are radically inclusive. They don’t distinguish between friends they meet online and friends in the physical world. They continually flow between communities that promote their causes by exploiting the high level of mobilization technology makes possible.”. Article By Tracy Francis and Fernanda Hoefe
- They like to get everything they want immediately apparently, a fact fostered by the digital world in which they are immersed, and their lifestyle is influenced by youtubers.
- “Virtual reality, Augmented Reality, Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, and Gen-Z are all maturing together.”
Alpha Generation
The latest generation Alpha was born in 2010. In 2024 the oldest will be 14, a teenager!. As per the 2021 Canadian Census there are 3,194,415 Alpha people in this group. Generation Alpha is also characterized as digital natives and a screen is central to their lifestyle..
It will be interesting to see how these generations unfold in the years ahead!
Brian
by Brian | Aug 14, 2016 | Planning, Wellness Matters
Wellness is a lifestyle you choose daily to manage and fulfill your needs.
Three important areas may be improved by practicing this lifestyle:
Disease Prevention
The incidence or effects of disease or illness may be reduced.
Complete, Optimal Health
We are dynamic, multi-dimensional beings and symptoms of disease or illness are the result of an imbalance in these aspects. Optimal health is related to the integration of mind, body and environment.
Positive Wellness
By cultivating positive emotional-mental states (happiness) we improve our quality of life and promote longevity.
Happiness is not an unrealistic, fluffy concept. It has been pondered, and attempts to define it go back millennia. When the forefathers of the USA were drafting the Declaration of Independence in 1776, it was included as an inalienable right in Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness.
A spiritual system to achieve Happiness is a central theme in Buddhist teachings.
Wikipedia states: Humanistic psychologists—such as Abraham Maslow, Carl Rogers, and Erich Fromm—developed theories and practices pertaining to human happiness and flourishing. More recently, “positive psychologists have developed research supporting the humanistic theories of flourishing. In addition, positive psychology has moved ahead in a variety of new directions.”
Disease prevention, optimal health and positive wellness (happiness) are all potential benefits of practicing a Wellness Lifestyle. But, how do we live this way? What is involved?
Dimensions, Needs and a Wellness Lifestyle
At the beginning of this post, I described Wellness as a lifestyle you choose and manage. This is an important concept that implies we’re responsible for the actions we do or don’t take as our lives unfold. The intent is not to strive for perfection but a steady, committed effort and growth towards optimal health and wellbeing. It doesn’t mean we live with our head in the sand and unaware that living is risky business and undesirable events can happen out of the blue, that we have no control over.
We are multidimensional beings, where each dimension overlaps and influence the others. Dimensions can interact negatively or positively, which is why wellness planning is necessary.
As we are: “In the process of achieving or striving for holistic wellness (a journey, not an end-state), people come closer to satisfying their system of basic human needs.” (McGregor 2010)
I have developed A Complete Life Wellness Plan™ for the purpose of managing our needs. It has a framework of seven dimensions that consist of the:
- Physical
- Emotional-Mental
- Intellectual
- Spiritual
- Social
- Environmental
- Occupational
Adjustments are made to each dimension as required, to create greater degrees of balance and wellbeing and are included in your plan.
by Brian | May 1, 2016 | Blog, Wellness Matters
The Indian God Shiva, at the ancient Khmer ruins Prasat Pueai Noi, in northeast ThailandYoga has been around for millennia; “the development of yoga can be traced back over 5,000 years ago, but some researchers think that yoga may be up to 10,000 years old.”
It is believed that yoga started in the ancient Samskrithi culture of Bharata, (India).
The origin of; “the word Yoga is derived from the Sanskrit ‘Yuj’ which essentially means to join or unite. The union referred to is that of the individual or the self-uniting with Cosmic Consciousness or the Universal Spirit.”
If you’re interested, check out the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali, one of the ancient Indian texts that is often cited as the basis of the philosophy behind yoga. There are eight limbs of yoga, made up of 195 sutras that focus on gaining mastery over the mind and emotions in order to grow spiritually.
Mind-Body
There is mounting medical evidence (MRI’s and other) confirming what was known long ago, that practicing yoga has numerous health benefits. This includes but is not limited to; increased strength, balance and circulation, better immunity, breathing and posture and reduced stress, anxiety, improved mood and greater self-awareness.
The remainder of this post takes an abbreviated look at that part of the mind known as ego. If you have a curious “mind” and want to know more about the ego and self-realization, there is an abundance of information about this subject online.
Some background
An article on Psychcentral.com advises that: “though the term ‘ego’ is commonly used to describe one who boasts, is arrogant, treats others with scorn, lacks empathy, and the like, the concept of ego is neutral in itself.
The word ‘ego’ is a Greek word for “I”, meaning the core sense of self, a distinct and unique expression of personhood, albeit one that paradoxically exists in connection or in relation to life and others.”
Our ego by this definition then, is necessary and when at rest, neutral. It’s also capable of misbehaving though, as described in the following paragraph!
Doing Yoga or Ego?
A post in the Elephant Journal comments: “when ego mind is the performer of postures, our mind is actively engaged in self-criticism, comparing our performance with others, and judging ourself and others. Our mind is agitated and engaged in internal conflict even as our body is engaged in performing postures. As a result of constant internal conflict, our mind is restless. Whenever we are mentally agitated, restless, emotionally reactive to whatever we are facing at any given moment, we are engaged in the posture of ego.”
Learning how to transcend or calm a “restless mind” is an invaluable life skill that is transferable outside the yoga studio.
I’m open to the possibility of “self-uniting with Cosmic Consciousness or the Universal Spirit” but also pleased to be doing yoga and not ego on a more consistent basis.
It does however require showing up, practice and some sweat!
Brian
by Brian | Apr 25, 2016 | Wellness Matters
What comes to your mind when you see or hear the word “spiritual”? A common answer is that it refers to religion or religious beliefs.
Everyone has a spiritual component, but not everyone is religious. A comparison of the two is provided by the Merck Manual: “Religion and spirituality are similar but not identical concepts. Religion is often viewed as more institutionally based, more structured, and more traditional and may be associated with organized, well-established beliefs. Spirituality refers to the intangible and immaterial and thus may be considered a more general term, not associated with a particular group or organization. It can refer to feelings, thoughts, experiences, and behaviors related to the soul or to a search for the sacred (e.g., a Divine Being, Ultimate Reality, Ultimate Truth).” 1
The spiritual need for connection with the divine may be fulfilled in a community church, temple, mosque or other gathering place or a personal relationship with a higher power and may involve prayer, singing, meditation, chanting, fellowship, being alone or other. The main stipulation is that however you accomplish this; it does not harm yourself or others.
The next sections will look closer at connection and meaning, the two parts that make up spiritual wellness.
Connection
A definition of Spirituality provided by the University of Minnesota website states: “Spirituality is a broad concept with room for many perspectives. In general, it includes a sense of connection to something bigger than ourselves, and typically involves a search for meaning in life. As such, it is a universal human experience—something that touches us all. People may describe a spiritual experience as sacred or transcendent or simply a deep sense of aliveness and interconnectedness.”2
Spiritual wellness then relates to: developing a personal sense of connection to God and/or a power greater than ourselves and as a result create more meaning in our lives.
Positive inner states of peace, gratitude and hope are indicators that your efforts to find connection and meaning are succeeding.
Meaning
The second part of the spiritual dimension is how we derive meaning in our lives. This will differ for each person and change over time as our circumstances do.
Examples of how meaning can be experienced include but are not limited to:
- Religious or personal beliefs and practices that aim at connecting us to God or a higher power.
- Meaningful connection may also be found by spending time in nature, listening to music, artistic pursuits or other activities.
- Relationships with others can give our lives meaning.
- Meaning can also be experienced through working, both paid and unpaid
Meaningful connection usually results from a combination of activities in our lives. For my mother, her family was central for connection and meaning. She also cherished nature and music and believed in the power of prayer. This gave her life meaning and direction.
Since ancient times the: “Native Americans follow their ancestors’ two purposes of life: to know the self and be of help to others. They vest many of their beliefs and spiritual powers in nature, the land, and animals.” 3 This provided the connection to something larger and is very different from the beliefs of Christianity or other forms of religion. These differences are an example of diversity and inclusion within free societies.
Stepping back from our lives
A good place to return to as our lives change, is reflecting on the big picture questions. Examples of a few questions that I have pondered are listed below. I provided a sample of my answers to illustrate.
Why am I alive?
- Grow into my potential
- Do the best I can each day
- Build bridges to others to increase connection
- Develop compassion for myself and others
What do I find fulfilling in my life?
- Spending time with family and friends
- Living a wellness lifestyle
- Belonging to a spiritual community that provides connection
- Travelling and experiencing, embracing diversity
Where do I fit in?
- With others who are adventurous and into exploring their potential
- Sharing my creativity
- As part of the wellness community
Each person may have different answers depending on their spiritual perspective, there are no right or wrong responses. Answers to these or other questions can ground us and provide a spiritual foundation to build connection and meaning
Health, Longevity and Spiritual Wellness
There are many studies that correlate spiritual health with longevity, an example of these findings follow.
“Medicine has begun to recognize the strong influence of spirituality on health and illness. Studies of cancer patients have shown that those who continuously pursue goals related to living a meaningful life boost the natural killer cell activity in their immune systems.” 4
“Gerontology professionals agree that spirituality is important to older adults towards effective psychosocial function and successful aging.” 5
Our Spiritual needs are an important dimension of our wellbeing that influences our quality of life.
______________________________________________________________________________
References
1 Religion and Spirituality in the Elderly
Retrieved from: http://www.merckmanuals.com/professional/geriatrics/social_issues_in_the_elderly/religion_and_spirituality_in_the_elderly.html
2 Taking charge of your health and wellbeing
Created by the Center for Spirituality & Healing and Charlson Meadows. What Is Spirituality?
Retrieved from: http://www.takingcharge.csh.umn.edu/enhance-your- wellbeing/purpose/spirituality/what-spirituality
A collaboration between University of Minnesota-Center for Spirituality & Healing and Charlson Meadows renewal center
3 Spirituality and Aging
Retrieved from: http://cas.umkc.edu/casww/sa/spirituality.htm
4 Understanding Wellness
Retrieved from: Chapter 1, 5 Mauk, K. (2006). Gerontological Nursing: Competencies for Care. Sudbury, MA. Jones & Bartlett Publishers.
by Brian | Apr 2, 2016 | Ageism, Career Management
Countries such as Canada and the U.S.A. have largely abolished mandatory retirement and opened the gates for unretired Boomers to keep working. What lingers is possible age discrimination which will vary in degree, depending on the work setting.
For those un-retired workers who need or chose to keep working up to and past 65, ageism is a force that can work against your success in doing so.
Not only is age discrimination painful, it is unfair and can pose a barrier to finding or maintaining a job. It can also be experienced in settings other than the workplace.
Work related ageism is due to long-held cultural beliefs and policies that we stop working at or before 65, because by this age we are too old to work. Granted in some cases workers are no longer competitively employable by or before 65.
Human Rights and Discrimination
The Ontario Human Rights Commission describes age discrimination in employment as: “Assumptions and stereo-types about older workers are unfortunately all too prevalent in our workplaces. Older workers are often unfairly perceived as less productive, less committed to their jobs, not dynamic or innovative, un-receptive to change, unable to be trained or costly to the organization due to health problems and higher salaries. These ideas about older workers are simply myths that are not borne out by evidence. In fact, there is significant evidence that older workers:
- are highly-productive, offering considerable on the job experience;
- do as well or better than younger workers on creativity, flexibility, information processing, accident rates, absenteeism and turnover
- can learn as well as younger workers with appropriate training methods and environments
- and do not fear change but rather discrimination
In the United States, employment-related age discrimination charges can be filed through the US Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. In Canada the governing body is the Canadian Human Rights Commission.
Effects of Ageism and its Practice in the Workforce
Jen Laskey (2008) provides the following definition of Ageism and the psychological effects. “Ageism refers to a basic denial of older people’s human rights. The term was coined in 1968 by Robert N. Butler, M.D., a gerontologist, psychiatrist, and Pulitzer Prize–winning author. Like racism or sexism, ageism has a myriad of negative effects on emotional well-being. Age-based discrimination can decrease one’s self-esteem; it can cause feelings of stress, anxiety, guilt, shame, or helplessness. Others may also be quick to accept stereotypes about aging, thus compounding these effects.”
Alison Doyle, a job search expert advises that “Employment discrimination happens when a job seeker or an employee is treated unfavorably because of his or her race, skin color, national origin, gender, disability, religion, or age.”
The next paragraph is of particular interest to unretired Boomers:
How ageism is practiced is summarized by Kacey Stapleton (2009) in the following excerpt: “Ageism in the workplace is usually seen as a prejudice against anyone nearing or passing the standard age of retirement. Discrimination can either be systematic or incidental denial of employment, advancement or fair treatment. Systematic discrimination means an employer deliberately instructs management either against hiring individuals of a certain age or to force out workers as they near the age of retirement.”
Age discrimination can occur not only from a younger person towards an older one, but also in the other direction. Members of the older generation may view younger workers as inexperienced, or not reliable to name a few additional stereotypes, and values can clash. These types of discrimination issues can be found in the increasing number of inter-generational workplaces.
Beliefs Underlying Ageism
A post retrieved from the Older Adults-Aging in Canada website (2012) indicates that: “Older adults in the workplace are often perceived to be lower in productivity, slower in decision making, resistant to change, and slow to learn. Evidence suggests that this is not the case. Even with radical changes in technology and the expectations of faster and more intensified work, older workers are as productive as their younger counterparts with the appropriate training.
The central issue is not necessarily what your age is, but one of attitude of those perpetuating ageism. Read the list of six common stereotypes below and determine if they hold true for you. If so then it will become your homework to address them as need be.
- Have Reduced Learning Capacity
- Possess Outdated Skills
- Are Resistant to Change
- Demand Higher Wages
- Demonstrate Slower Decision- Making
- Have Lower Productivity
By confronting ageism in the labour market, un-retired Boomers may defuse this form of discrimination not only for themselves, but also the younger generations that follow.
Another option
I believe self-employment may give you more control as an older worker. I talk about this more in my book; “The Un-Retirement Guide” which is described under the Offering tab in this website.
