Getting to Know Generation X: Health Education for the Thirteenth Generation

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Abstract
Approximately 80 million Americans ranging in age from 11 to 31 make up the largest group of young adults in American history. This new generation has been dubbed “Generation X.” This article acquaints readers with this new generation of youth as they are described by the popular press and in health education literature. The article describes the following: (1) sociodemographic characteristics, (2) health characteristics as described in Healthy People 2000 and other health education literature, (3) learning characteristics of this generation, (4) the basis for conflict between generation X and the baby boomers, and (5) ways to conduct more effective health education with this generation given their characteristics. Recommendations for health educators, many of whom are baby boomers, to overcome these conflicts and effectively reach this group with health and education messages will be provided.