As an 81-year-old, I belong to the Silent Generation. I'm not sure why we're called that unless it's because we tend to be in the background. However, I refuse to remain silent about the ageism and generational segregation that exists in our society. That's why I've created a nonprofit organization dedicated to breaking down the barriers that keep different generations isolated from each other, preventing interaction and mutual learning.
There are currently seven generations alive in the world today, but they are not communicating with each other. Instead, they are talking about each other. My nonprofit organization, Breaking Age, aims to change this by bringing as many of these generations as possible together around a dinner table for a guided conversation. During this conversation, each person, regardless of their age, will be seen, heard, and appreciated. We have had people as young as 13 and as old as 100 sitting around the same table, learning from one another.
This is the first project for my nonprofit. Over the next year, we will host dinners at each of the 11 Senior Centers in San Antonio, bringing together over 100 people from seven different generations. Our goal is to change the world, one dinner at a time.
Imagine a table of 8-10 people representing many of these generations listening and learning from each other. You can get a glimpse of what this looks like in this short video.
The Greatest Generation — born 1901-1924 (ages 121-98)
The Silent Generation — born 1925-1945 (ages 97-77)
Baby Boomer Generation — born 1946-1964 (ages 76-58)
Generation X — born 1965-1980 (ages 57-42)
Generation Y — born 1981-1996 (ages 41-26)
Generation Z — born 1997-2012 (ages 25-10)
Generation Alpha — born 2013-2025 (ages 9-1)
I can’t do this by myself. I’ve set up a GoFundMe account to raise the money needed for this project. I would really appreciate it if you would take a look at it and donate whatever you can if you’re so inclined. I’m going to involve all of the contributors by sending photos and testimonials of each dinner throughout the year. You can access my GoFundMe account at the link below.
https://www.gofundme.com/f/build-bridges-across-generations
If you’re in San Antonio, I would like to invite you to represent your generation at one of the dinners. Just let me know if you’re interested.
When we look at the wisdom and experience locked up in those generations, it’s exciting to think about breaking those barriers and learning about our common humanity. I learn so much from my Gen Z granddaughter. I was learning from her when she was a Gen Alpha.
Great contribution! How to do this in other cities and where do you find participants ? Thanks!