Each Generation of Women Has Its Own Concerns

Cross the generational lines

Dear Ellie:

I was in a women’s group meeting recently, and I was surprised at the differences in the interests and concerns of women of different ages. I guess I never realized how much our age affects our perspectives. Do you have the same experience when you teach, make a presentation, or just go to an event with women of different ages? Debbie

Dear Debbie:

Yes, of course. Women—and men, for that matter—of different ages have lived through different historical events, and they focus on the particular issues of their own personal lives at different stages. Our age often determines what our most important issues are. The research on adult development gives us some guidelines about what to expect at different stages of our lives.

I made a presentation at a women’s group recently and started the program with a question that I often ask my audiences to address in pairs, preferably with someone they do not know. What is the most important issue in your life right now? was the question. Here are some of the answers I recorded in my notes: Read More >>