Thoughts from baby boomer

The op-ed “How to tell if you are irreparably old — and be OK with it” (Feb. 24) struck a chord with me. The writer, a millennial who cannot relate to the younger Gen Z, proclaims, “There is only one thing left to do: slip into obsolescence.” I, a baby boomer, say: “Get used to it!”

I remember how my father, a member of the so-called Greatest Generation, listened to big band music in his car — until that radio station was usurped. I don’t think satellite radio was available back then for him to continue enjoying the melodious sounds of Bing Crosby, Doris Day and Frank Sinatra. In contrast, I listened to the “hipper” songs of the 1960s and ’70s — until the station began broadcasting hip-hop and rap.

The millennial author then mentions not having heard of a particular actor who has millions of Instagram followers. I, a boomer who has never experienced Instagram, could bet my life on never having heard of that actor either.

The millennial author goes on to say that the only person on Twitter worth following is Dionne Warwick. But I have never “Twittered” and have no yearning to do so. And I’m surprised that a millennial even knows of Warwick as I remember listening to Warwick’s songs back in the ’60s, when they weren’t considered oldies.

When I was in my 20s, I wondered why the members of the older generation never updated their style. Now that I am part of the older generation, I understand. For example, the millennial author prefers her out-of-style fanny pack to in-vogue tiny purses; conversely, I prefer my boot cut jeans over today’s skinny style that makes one look like an inverted triangle from the waist down.

So, I say to her: “Welcome!” Welcome to obscurity and the wonderful freedom to not follow the latest style or fad.

— Megan Bedard, Round Lake Beach