Latest news with #GenerationXer
The Courier
23-05-2025
- The Courier
Could you ditch your mobile? Here's what I learned going 5 days smartphone-free
I'm guessing I'm among a majority when I admit my smartphone goes where I go. Even just to different rooms in the house. So when I decided to go smartphone-free for five days it turned out to be a bigger challenge than I anticipated. I rely on it for everything from shopping and snaps to banking and boredom-busting. But I lose hours a day mindlessly scrolling, whether through social media, news or shopping apps. Three hours 20 minutes a day to be precise, according to my screen time from the previous week. Apparently that's on par with the average British adult. So for five days I turned my smartphone into a 'dumbphone'. I switched off bluetooth and notifications to reduce temptation to pick it up. I restricted my use to calls, texts, alarms, calendar and calculator – the functions before mobiles became smart. I'm a Generation Xer who got her first mobile – what we now call a dumbphone – around age 20. Surely this wouldn't be too difficult? Here's how my smartphone-free week went. My alarm goes off I press snooze on my phone and notice there's not the usual list of notifications demanding my attention. Normally I'd check the weather app to see what clothes to wear and look at the news. Instead I turn over for a cuddle and drop off to sleep for a few more minutes. When the alarm goes again I open a news app and realise my error when a headline flashes up. My first fail just minutes in! How automatic a response that has become! I allow myself a brief rule break for the greater good and set a stop sign picture as my wallpaper to remind myself. Having not wasted 20 minutes scrolling I have more time than normal to get ready. Over breakfast I read an article from The Courier's Saturday magazine instead of checking emails. I wait until I'm logged on to my work laptop to check my personal emails. But it's been so long since I needed to use the password I have no idea what it is. Reset it is. I've got an interview to do for an article I'm working on. It's likely to be a longer one than my shorthand could cope with. But I won't be able to record it on the app I usually use so I dig out my old dictaphone. Thankfully, it still works. But listening back later the sound quality is terrible. After dinner out for husband Keith's birthday I deliberately leave my phone in my handbag. As we watch television and chat I feel the occasional compulsion to pick it up from the arm of the sofa where it would normally rest. Not for any particular reason either. This must be similar to the habit smokers or vapers feel. But there's a sense of ease without the repeated ping or vibration of notifications. I need to let my son Alex's school know he'll be late in as he has a dental appointment. I'd usually email or use the school app to do this but eventually find a text number. On the way home I try to save time by making a phone call from the car, forgetting I've disabled bluetooth. Grr! At lunchtime I head out for a run with my dog Ivy. Considering my Garmin watch an extension of my phone, I've disconnected it. I guess how far we go. Have you even run if it's not on Strava? (IYKYK). I decide to take a snap of us for this piece and have to lug an actual camera with me. It's been gathering dust for 10 years. There's no selfie mode so it takes a few attempts to get us in frame. It's pay day, hurrah! I've got some banking to do and, of course, can't use the app which opens with facial recognition. After resetting my forgotten password I get into the desktop site. It's not changed since I last used it several years ago and it's really clunky. My bank's IT guys clearly prioritise the app experience. I'm in the office today and often while away my lunchbreak scrolling. Today I head out for a stroll in Dundee city centre and enjoy a bit of people-watching. The compulsion to pick up my phone is reducing. I'm appreciating more and more the notification silence. I notice I'm drifting off between morning alarm snoozes when I'd normally be checking the weather or reading the news. That last bit of sleep before you absolutely have to get up feels the most precious. Normally I get my shopping delivered on a Thursday evening. Ordered on an app, of course. I couldn't face another forgotten password debacle so brave the supermarket IRL. I forgot how uncontrollable full trolleys are. But I come home with a few different purchases from my normal 'favourites'. The compulsion to pick up my phone has definitely waned and I'm less aware of it. In fact, when I go out for a lunchtime dog walk I forget to take it with me. Even though we survived going out with mobile phones before pre-1990s, we worry about our safety now without one. What if we fall? If we get lost? What if the car breaks down? I don't feel like I've missed out on anything the last few days. It doesn't matter that I've not kept up with the news, or don't know where acquaintances on Facebook have holidayed. I've probably saved a few quid by staying off Vinted (I'm addicted). I've read more, had conversations I might not otherwise have had. When I've had time to myself, I've enjoyed just being. On Saturday morning, I must confess I'm glad to have my smartphone back. Oh, the convenience! My smartphone-free week has been a real eyeopener to how reliant we have become on our pocket computers. And also how useful they are in so many ways. We take for granted the instant access to information, entertainment, communication, practical tools. But I've learned a few lessons and have made a few changes. Over the five days I've repurposed almost 17 hours I would have been staring at, listening to or otherwise interacting with my smartphone. So I am making a conscious effort to leave it out of arm's reach. I am resisting the urge to pick it up every time a question springs to mind. I want to be more engaged with the people around me. I've left notifications switched off. My smartphone will respond to my demands not the other way about.
Newsweek
20-05-2025
- General
- Newsweek
Americans Born in These Years Could Be Generation 'Cuspers'
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Categorizing people into generations is a useful way of referring to those born during a span of around 15 to 20 years. It allows researchers to observe changes over time, historical markers, and social attitudes for each new cohort. However, defining the generations isn't an exact science, and there is some debate about when the cutoff occurs for each one. That is often where we find the so-called "cuspers"—people who can identify with two different generations. Perhaps you were born in 1996, which was the last year of millennials, but have more in common with Generation Z (people born between 1997 and 2012). Or maybe you are a Generation Xer (people born between 1965 and 1980) but feel like more of a baby boomer as you are at the older end of the scale. It is the idea of feeling like you fit into both and neither generations at the same time. Licensed psychologist and healthcare-ethics consultant Dr. Jenny Shields told Newsweek that many cuspers face life with an experience of "being in between." Stock image: A group of people huddles together, looking down at the camera. Stock image: A group of people huddles together, looking down at the camera. Kar-Tr/Getty Images This can be complicated as it often detracts from any real sense of identity. "You're formed in the overlap between two cultural moments. You recognize both, speak the language of both, but may not feel fully at home in either," Shields said. Just like with generations, the cusper years are up for debate. Insights from BridgeWorks suggests that someone born in 1965 would technically be a Gen Xer, but they could associate more with boomers (those born between 1946 and 1964). Though they wouldn't remember the early years of the Vietnam War, they would likely remember historical moments such as Watergate in 1972. Indeed, an elder millennial born in 1981 or 1982 will remember the days of dial-up internet and a time before cellphones were glued to our hands. Skip to the mid-1990s and younger millennials might not recall any of that, meaning their elder counterparts probably feel more at home with Gen X. This was also highlighted in a Reddit post on the r/generationology thread. The poster (who has since deleted their account) suggested that the cusp years for the Silent Generation (people born between 1928 and 1945) to boomers are likely between 1940 and 1945. For boomers and Gen X, the cusp would possibly be around 1962 to 1966, according to the Reddit user. As for Gen X and millennials, it is suggested that the cusp years are 1979 to 1983. While 1984 could be a cusp year in some arguments, the poster adds that 1985 onward is "strictly millennial." The lines get a bit more blurred between millennials and Gen Z, but arguably the cuspers are born between 1995 and 2002. Stock image: A group of women of differing ages laugh with one another. Stock image: A group of women of differing ages laugh with one is partly this reason that Shields believes cuspers frequently carry a sense of generational impostor syndrome. "They understand the tone and references of their generation, but they don't feel it," Shields said. "That can leave people feeling a little disoriented, especially in moments when others are rallying around generational identity as a shorthand for belonging." She continued: "Cuspers often learn to code-switch between values, norms, and worldviews that don't always align. That makes them unusually observant and socially flexible—but it can also leave them more prone to feeling like outsiders." So, while we might want the generations to fit into neat definitions, that isn't necessarily how it goes. Generations have to be fluid and recognize individual experiences. There is so much more that helps shape a person, rather than just the year on their birth certificate. Shields told Newsweek: "Generational identity isn't just a demographic label—it's a story. It's shaped by what was happening when you were coming of age. Cuspers are raised during times of cultural transition, and that gets baked into how they move through the world."
Newsweek
11-05-2025
- Health
- Newsweek
Gen X Man Shares What His Midlife Looks Like: 'Investment'
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. When people think about turning 50, they might associate it with slowing down and taking more time for themselves. But not Mustafa Rashed, who is transforming how people view midlife fitness after investing in his health. Fitness has always been important for Rashed, who has spent years taking care of his body and staying in shape. But the Generation Xer (people born between 1965 and 1980) doesn't plan on slowing down now, as he works out for two to three hours, seven days a week. In fact, 50-year-old Rashed, from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, thinks his health is even better than when he was half his age, but he told Newsweek that it's still just "a work in progress." He mixes his daily workouts between strength training, cycling, running, yoga, and surfing. And if that wasn't enough, last year he also started ensuring he hits 10,000 steps every day to boost his fitness. Mustafa Rashed, 50, running and surfing as part of his regular fitness regime. Mustafa Rashed, 50, running and surfing as part of his regular fitness regime. @mustafalrashed / Instagram "I'm willing to trade in sleep to fit everything in," Rashed said. "I'm up every day by 4 a.m. and move a little before work while getting ready for my day. I do the hard stuff first and it gives me the energy and confidence to tackle the rest of my day. Early wins create great momentum for the day. "My philosophy is that as you age, you're going to be stiff from movement or stiff from not moving. So, you might as well have the benefit of movement." Fueling his body with nutrition has also become an important element to Rashed's wellbeing. He explained that he limits his sugar intake, opts for food in its "natural form," and tries to eat as many whole foods as possible. "Food is fuel, and I am very conscious of only putting the best fuel in my engine," he said. Of course, staying on top of his health requires plenty of dedication. But Rashed doesn't see himself as motivated, but rather, disciplined. While motivation can come and go, discipline remains with him and it allows him to "lay the foundation" for the lifestyle he wants when he's sixty, seventy, and beyond. If he remains consistent, he sees no reason why he can't maintain this active lifestyle well into his senior years. "I want a full, present, quality life, and to live independently without assistance to be able to physically participate in raising my children and be with my grandchildren. I also want my boys to know that through consistency and discipline, they can accomplish anything they set their minds to," Rashed told Newsweek. As he gets older, Rashed does face additional challenges, such as a longer warm-up routine and recovery period. But he doesn't let that deter him from his goals, as he says that "movement is the investment." Age is just a number after all, and Rashed doesn't see it as a barrier to being in top physical condition. He continued: "It's a way to prove to yourself that anything is possible. The feeling of being able to push your body past its limits will give you the confidence to do amazing things in all the other areas in your life." Rashed often shares videos on Instagram (@mustafalrashed) to showcase his steadfast workout routine and the progress he continues to make. In April, he shared a video of his active lifestyle and highlighted that "aging is inevitable," but that doesn't have to mean being unhealthy. The clip has gone viral with more than 6.3 million views and 352,000 likes on Instagram at the time of writing. The online response to the video is beyond anything Rashed imagined, and he hopes to encourage many other people to invest in their health now for their later years. Whether they're just starting or getting back into a fitness routine, it's never too late. It's not about secret hacks or gimmicks to stay fit—it's just about commitment. Rashed said: "You have to commit to the same boring, effective routines every day. Boring is good and it delivers the best results over time." Social media users have hailed Rashed for his motivational perspective, leading to more than 3,400 comments on the viral Instagram post so far. One comment reads: "True definition of HEALTH IS WEALTH!" Another person said: "Thank you for that reminder!" While another Instagram user wrote: "Exercise: Fountain of Youth." Is there a health issue that's worrying you? Let us know via health@ We can ask experts for advice, and your story could be featured on Newsweek.
Newsweek
23-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Newsweek
Gen X Mom's Message for Young Women Goes Viral—'Some Things Just Take Time'
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Life certainly hasn't always been straightforward for Genoa Brookins, who got married in her mid-thirties and had her second child in her forties. It took a while to figure out the right path, but now she has an important message for younger generations who worry about not having their life sorted out quite yet. When she thinks back to her twenties, Brookins, now 45, remembers the constant pressure she felt. Whether it was finding the right job, life partner, or starting a family, it felt like there was a checklist she needed to complete, but things just weren't happening for her. By the age of 26, the Generation Xer (people born between 1965 and 1980) thought she'd be married and ready to start a family—but that wasn't her reality. She told Newsweek that she was "a late bloomer," and at the age of 29 she realized that her life would be different than she imagined. "I realized that maybe it wasn't in the plans for me and it kind of bummed me out because I was seeing all my friends get married and having kids. Then that's when things started happening. It was just a growth process," Brookins, of Boulder, Colorado said. Mom-of-two Chenoa Brookins, 45, styling her hair with curlers in a viral Instagram post. Mom-of-two Chenoa Brookins, 45, styling her hair with curlers in a viral Instagram post. @ / Instagram After leaving her twenties in the past, Brookins felt like the world finally opened up. She met her husband at the age of 31, and they were married two years later. She'd been in relationships that didn't work out, and there was no way Brookins wanted to settle for anything less than she deserved. In her view, waiting for the right partner "made all the difference." But that wasn't all that changed, as Brookins became a mom at 36, and had her second child aged 41. It wasn't her initial vision of starting a family by her mid-twenties, but she says that being an older mom taught her patience and wisdom. Now, the Gen X mom-of-two has shared her experience to show that life doesn't always work out as planned, and "some things just take time." She said: "There is no right or wrong, there is just a path, and it depends on how you perceive it. We change so much and there's so many opportunities for growth. It's OK to get married or have kids later in life, or not. Everyone's path is different. "There's just so many challenges that you face as a young person and to come out of the other side of it is a beautiful thing," Brookins continued. Aside from her personal life, it took Brookins years to discover what career she wanted and what she felt passionate about. She told Newsweek that she was "all over the place" throughout her twenties. She worked in a pharmacy before realizing that wasn't the right fit, then interned at a museum, went to law school and took the LSAT, before landing on being a hairstylist. Initially, she used social media to show off the hairstyles she created and to build a portfolio for her clients. Through the 2010s, she saw content creators utilize their social platforms to share everything from fashion to beauty, and by 2018 she decided she wanted to do the same. "I've built up an online community over time. It feels good to be vulnerable and to share that with a network of people. Other people have shared their stories with me too, and it's cool to know this isn't a rare thing and that a lot of people actually feel the same way," Brookins said. She continued: "Life doesn't always turn out how we expect, and it's nice to see someone who is older and been through it." Brookins regularly posts on Instagram (@ to share all things beauty, motherhood, and life in her forties. In February, she went viral after posting about how her life didn't play out how she imagined, but she couldn't be more grateful that she was patient. The post has now amassed over 4.8 million views and 90,400 likes on Instagram at the time of writing. It's also generated over 200 comments as social media users hailed her empowering message to younger generations. One comment on the post reads: "You inspire me in so many ways." Another Instagram user wrote: "This is so helpful, thank you for sharing!" Another commenter added: "Love seeing where this journey has taken you." While one person replied: "as someone in my 20s and stressed about life, I love seeing women like you share advice." Do you have any viral videos or pictures that you want to share? We want to see the best ones! Send them in to life@ and they could appear on our site.
