Dementia, from a Millennial’s Perspective

Baby Boomers. GenXers. Millennials. What generation do you fall into?

I am a millennial. I have always felt as though I have an “old soul,” so to be working in the field of aging, is no surprise. But to be a millennial working in this field is rare.

To be a Black Millennial in the field; even more extraordinary.

I believe sometimes millennials get a bad rap. You often hear the criticisms and negative terms used such as, lazy, entitled, narcissistic, needy, and so on.

But I don’t connect with any of those words.

In fact, many of the young professional groups and people I come in contact with, who are also millennials, are just the opposite of those things.

Sure, we may have a different vantage point or creative way of dealing with certain topics but it doesn’t make those ideas or concepts any less valuable.

I am proud to be a millennial.

I am particularly proud to be in the field of aging and dementia as a millennial. Offering a fresh way of thinking, new ideas related to aging, and how to disrupt dementia. (Yes, millennials are disrupters. Get with it!)

And this just in: Millennials are caregivers, TOO. Ohhh yeah!! About 1 in 6 millennial caregivers cares for someone with a dementia diagnosis, according to Us Against Alzheimers.

(Check out their issue brief on “Millennials and Dementia Caregiving in the United States” at www.usagainstalzheimers.org.)

Now, when I think of a caregiver, a few words come to mind: resilient, strong, compassionate, smart, problem solver, empowered. The list goes on.

So, this is also inclusive of those millennial caregivers out there working hard to care for their aging parents- their growing children- and themselves. All in a day’s work.

What is even more inspiring is that millennials are not just caregiving, working, and raising families..

We are advocating too!

Around the world you can see millennials putting in the good work to make a difference in their communities and going to the macro & policy levels to implement real change.

Even in your own backyard, I bet you will find a Young Professional group that is solving the next issue, you don’t know about yet.

That’s just it. We are proactive – solutions oriented folk.

I am thrilled, because we have a new Young Professionals Against Alzheimer’s group, locally in Charlotte, NC through the Alzheimer’s Association – Western Carolina Chapter https://www.facebook.com/groups/ypalz/

Once again, we put in work!

All this to say, millennials are more than just a bunch of lazy kids, flitting around and going to brunch (although some of us like that too).

Often times we are the advocates. The caregivers. The champions. The bold voices that are fighting for our communities and families.

Lean in gently and let’s open up the conversation on how we can learn from each generation with our unique values and perspectives.

Are you a millennial caregiver? Let me know below – and let’s stay connected!