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Yahoo
16-06-2025
- General
- Yahoo
8 Things Most Boomers Experienced as Kids That Made Them More Resilient Than Other Generations, Psychologists Say
8 Things Most Boomers Experienced as Kids That Made Them More Resilient Than Other Generations, Psychologists Say originally appeared on Parade. "OK, Boomer" became a catchphrase a few years ago. Often uttered by Millennials, the line was typically accompanied by an eye roll and implied that whatever the "Boomer" (sometimes the Millennial's parent) said was uncool and out of touch. Yet, psychologists say that we could learn a lot about resilience from the Baby Boomer generation, or people born between 1946 and 1964."Resilience is not about 'sucking it up' or 'pulling yourself up by your bootstraps,'" clarifies , a psychologist with Thriveworks. "It is the ability to recover, adapt and grow through adversity. Boomers learned this out of necessity. The Boomer generation…grew up in the post World War II era marked by rapid industrialization, cultural shifts and less emotional handholding."Of course, discussion of generations can often veer into generalization territory. People are still unique, regardless of the year on their birth certificate. Still, Dr. Saidi says it's essential to be mindful of how the cultural, societal and parenting trends and events of your childhood might affect you as an adult."So much of who we are, how we handle stress and emotions, and how we relate to our peers is shaped by parenting, school and cultural norms," she points Saidi and two other psychologists share eight childhood experiences that have made Boomers resilient (and what to do if you were negatively affected by growing up during this time).Related: It's probably a good thing Boomers couldn't doom-scroll back in the day because the news was a rollercoaster then, too."Boomers were exposed to societal upheaval through events like the Vietnam War, the Civil Rights movement and the Cold War, which forced them to grapple with uncertainty, loss and moral complexity at a young age," shares a psychologist. "They were able to bounce back from disillusionment and hold nuance, which are both hallmarks of psychological strength."Related: The Boomer Generation got an early crash course in the value of responsibility and a dollar. However, it did more than add change to their piggy banks."Many Boomers helped with chores, looked after siblings or worked part-time jobs in their teens," reports Dr. Ernesto Lira de la Rosa, Ph.D., a psychologist and Hope for Depression Research Foundation media advisor. "These early responsibilities helped them build confidence, discipline and a belief that their efforts mattered." Boomers couldn't type a query into Google or ChatGPT."Boomers had to learn and problem-solve without the internet," Dr. Schiff says. "They would turn to books, libraries or knowledgeable adults in order to answer questions they had."Dr. Saidi wants to double-click on the library point."Boomers had to learn how to gather, synthesize and retain information [through]... libraries and analog learning," she explains. "Research back then was not just one click away."Related: It wasn't all work and school and no play, though. Boomers often like to share how they knew it was time to go home for dinner: the street lights were on. It's generally not a generational urban legend, and psychologists say the adult-free playtime likely had significant resilience-building benefits."Without constant adult supervision, boomers developed risk tolerance, independence and problem-solving skills through their everyday activities, such as climbing trees and riding bikes," Dr. Saidi says. It's not just that Boomers enjoyed unstructured outdoor play—it's the type of structures (and playgrounds) they accessed. Boomers didn't play on the playgrounds of today."Boomers grew up with metal slides, monkey bars and few safety rules," Dr. Lira de la Rosa explains. "While not always safe, this environment helped them learn how to handle falls, take risks and figure out what felt safe for them."Related: "One-click buy" was not a thing when Boomers were coming of age."Boomers grew up without smartphones, streaming services and overnight shipping," Dr. Schiff says. "There was less instant gratification. If they wanted something, they had to save up and wait. This helped them build up patience and the ability to tolerate discomfort. These are key ingredients for managing stress later in life." These days, the entertainment industry is adapting to the reality that we often use multiple streams at once (AKA scrolling TikTok while "watching" a movie). Boomers were often lucky to get to watch a little TV each week—and it wasn't HD."Having fewer digital distractions led to increased boredom tolerance, which often sparked imagination, creativity and resourcefulness," Dr. Saidi says. "Without having 24/7 internet access or screen time, they had to entertain themselves."Related: Speaking of fewer digital distractions, Boomers couldn't send someone a message via WhatsApp or text. However, they were arguably more connected than younger generations."Because there was no texting or social media, people talked in person or on the phone," Dr. Lira de la Rosa says. "This built strong skills like listening, reading social cues and resolving disagreements in real-time."Related: Remember, there's a difference between "resilience" and "martyring yourself." "Many Boomers grew up with the idea that you should keep your problems to yourself or 'just deal with it,'" Dr. Lira de la Rosa says. "However, seeking support is not a failure."In fact, he explains that asking for help is a sign of strength."Whether it's turning to a friend, partner, support group or therapist, reaching out is often the first step toward feeling better," he points Dr. Lira de la Rosa says that Boomers may have been repeatedly told not to cry or to "tough it out" as children and internalized this message to their detriment. "When we suppress emotions, they don't go away," he explains. "They often show up as stress, anxiety or even physical health issues. Being able to name and feel your emotions can improve your relationships, reduce your stress and help you feel more at ease in your own skin."Dr. Schiff agrees, urging Boomers to rethink using emotional suppression as a survival strategy."Name and express your feelings in order to build deeper self-awareness and stronger relationships," she It's OK to move on from old expectations. "Norms from childhood may have helped you survive or succeed in the past, but they might not fit your life now," Dr. Lira de la Rosa an internal monologue that includes things like, "I have to do it all myself," or "Therapy is only for people who are really struggling.""Questioning those ideas doesn't mean you're betraying your values," Dr. Lira de la Rosa continues. "Rather, it means you're growing. Letting go of what no longer helps you creates space for healthier coping and more meaningful connections." Up Next:Dr. Crystal Saidi, Psy.D., a psychologist with Thriveworks Dr. Holly Schiff, Psy.D., a psychologist Dr. Ernesto Lira de la Rosa, Ph.D., a psychologist and Hope for Depression Research Foundation media advisor 8 Things Most Boomers Experienced as Kids That Made Them More Resilient Than Other Generations, Psychologists Say first appeared on Parade on Jun 15, 2025 This story was originally reported by Parade on Jun 15, 2025, where it first appeared.
The Independent
13-06-2025
- Entertainment
- The Independent
The Women's Prize for Fiction 2025 has gone to a debut author – here's where to read the winning book
The winner of the 2025 Women's Prize for Fiction has been announced. Triumphing over authors including Elizabeth Strout and Miranda July, debut novelist Yael van der Woude took home the prize for The Safekeep. Aiming to champion women authors and fresh voices, the prestigious literary award is now in its 30th year. The open-air ceremony was attended by Queen Camilla, who praised Kate Mosse and the other founders of the award. Camilla said, 'They believed that women's stories should be truly heard, understood and honoured; and that it was time to disprove Virginia Woolf's famous statement that 'Anon…was often a woman''. 'They did this by establishing the Women's Prize for Fiction and its instantly recognisable statuette, 'The Bessie'. This simple, but radical, step brought the female voice from the margins of the literary world to its very centre,' she said. According to the judges, each of the shortlisted books explored the need for personal freedom and human connection. They explore a range of topics, covering cultural heritage, friendship, and sexual awakenings. Woude's winning novel The Safekeep is a searing story of two women in the Netherlands after the Second World War. Chair of the fiction prize's judging panel, author Kit de Waal, said: 'The Safekeep is that rare thing: a masterful blend of history, suspense and historical authenticity … a classic in the making.' Above all, the shortlisted novels put a spotlight on the female experience, from 1960s Europe to present-day America. Here's everything you need to know about the winning book and the other novels in the running. Set in the Netherlands, The Safekeep by Yael van der Wouden is a story of facing up to desire and the past. It follows Isabel, living as a recluse in her late mother's country home. Her solitary life of discipline and routine is threatened when her brother arranges for his new girlfriend to stay for the sweltering summer season. With just the two of them in the house, Isabel's need for control is tested, and the tension between the women builds to a crescendo. One of the buzziest debuts of the year – and a personal favourite – Nussaibah Younis's Fundamentally is an entertaining novel about a brutal subject. It follows Nadia, a young lecturer whose research into Isis brides leads to her running a deradicalisation program. Newly heartbroken, she is thrown into the chaotic world of international aid. Nadia soon forms a connection with east Londoner Sara, who joined Isis when she was just 15. Exploring faith and friendship, radicalism and racism, and decades of bureaucratic and systemic corruption and hypocrisy, Younis is funny, thoughtful, and sensitive about difficult topics. With signature wryness, the celebrated American writer and director Miranda July explores female reinvention, sexuality and menopause in All Fours. It follows a 45-year-old woman who sets out on a road trip from LA to New York but ends up in an unconsummated affair with a handsome man in a motel room close to home. Three weeks later, she's thrown back into her married, child-rearing life, but is this enough for her anymore? July breathes fresh life into a well-trodden theme - how creative and sexual freedom is at odds with the traditional trajectory of a woman's life. Her protagonist breaks free of convention to have her cake and eat it, too. Hilarious and profound, there's a reason why so many women love this novel. Another absorbing debut, The Persians tells the story of three generations of women in a once illustrious family in Iran. Spanning from the 1940s up to the present day, the narrative is shared between five women, beginning with Elizabeth. The elderly matriarch of the family during the 1979 revolution, Elizabeth decides to stay with her husband in Iran and sends her two daughters, Seem and Shirin, to America. Elizabeth's grandchildren are split up; one of them, Niaz, stays with her grandmother in Iran; the other, Bita, is a law student who feels generational guilt for the country her parents left behind. Drawing comparisons to Min Jin Lee's Pachinko, it's a powerful story of one family and their country. Elizabeth Strout has been longlisted four times and shortlisted twice for the Women's Prize for Fiction. Her latest recognition comes for Tell Me Everything, which sees two of her most famous characters meet - a delight for her fans. It's autumn in Maine, and long-time Crosby inhabitant Olive Kitteridge now resides at a retirement home in the coastal town. She is befriended by the acclaimed writer Lucy Barton, who lives in a house by the sea. Striking up a special bond, the two spend long afternoons telling each other stories of the people they have known and the places they've been. Quietly beautiful, the novel explores new friendships and old loves. Aria Aber's debut Good Girl follows Nila, a wild party-girl and aspiring artist growing up in Berlin. The daughter of Afghan doctors who fled their country before she was born, she is grieving the death of her mother and finding solace in the nightclubs of Berlin. A tumultuous romance with a charismatic American author offers escape from the pressure of being the Afghan ideal of a 'good girl.' Exploring politics, art, history and shame in her journey of self-discovery, it's won critical acclaim.
Wall Street Journal
22-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Wall Street Journal
‘What Art Does' Review: Brian Eno's Mind at Play
Art—as a field of work and study and as a matter of qualitative rather than quantitative value—is threatened, misunderstood and undervalued. No doubt this is because art is not an obvious form of self-advancement—it doesn't make you thinner or, except in very rare circumstances, richer. It does, however, improve you, and Brian Eno's 'What Art Does: An Unfinished Theory' explains how. All the pretense one might anticipate in a book with both 'theory' and 'art' in the title is undone by its gestural, playful design and illustration by Bette A., a Dutch artist who illuminates Mr. Eno's discussion of how art is 'like a language that changes meaning depending on the listener.' Take, for example, her cheerful drawing of hairstyles—they reflect 'Bette's Grandma's feelings about haircuts'—which depicts the severe, shaven noggin of someone who 'is against something' and a fluffier coiffure for one who 'wants to get married.' Together Mr. Eno and Ms. A. contemplate the art inherent in 'natural' haircuts and the 'highly sculpted beehive' that suggests 'time, formality, maintenance.' Ms. A. is the perfect foil for the king of the art-school rockers. British popular music of the second half of the 20th century was profoundly influenced by the U.K.'s post-World War II art schools. While it will surprise no one that Paul Simonon, the Clash's bassist, went to art school, the list also includes John Lennon and Pete Townshend. The art schools were easy to get into and their teachers were well regarded. The schools' core view was that the postwar world would be creative, incorporating a number of disciplines. Their graduates would be in tune with culture, ready to work in design (both industrial and graphic), fashion, advertising and entertainment, well-prepared for a world in which there was a lot to buy and sell to newly flush teenagers. Mr. Eno, born just after the war, attended Ipswich School of Art, earning a diploma in fine arts from the Winchester School of Art in 1969.
