What does activism mean for American Boomers?
REPORT
8 Jun 2020
What does activism mean for American Boomers?

Boomers may have grown up alongside the hippie movement, but Gen Yers and Zers seem decidedly opposed to their contemporary social and political views. Are older Americans as conservative and self-serving as the ‘OK Boomer’ insult makes them seem? Or are they still keen activists?

Dr. Meredith Minkler

Dr. Meredith Minkler is a professor emerita of health and social behavior at the University of California, Berkeley. She has more than three decades of experience working with community partnership organizations to study and address equity and social justice issues.

Dr. Naomi Woodspring

Dr. Naomi Woodspring is a visiting fellow at the University of the West of England. She has an MA in clinical psychology with an emphasis in adolescence and families. She holds a PhD in critical gerontology (ageing studies) and has written and spoken widely about Baby Boomers and ageing. Her work spans such areas as ageing and beauty, embodiment, music, time, and attitudes to ageing. Dr. Woodspring is currently researching multi-generational living arrangements. She is committed to stepping away from the jargon of academic-speak and presenting her work in accessible and engaging ways.

Lenard W. Kaye

Lenard W. Kaye is a professor of social work at the University of Maine’s School of Social Work. He is also the director of the university’s Center on Aging.

Jeff Beale

Jeff Beale is a marketing strategist and author. He has worked with companies including Turner, Home Depot, and AT&T.

Jo Yurcaba

Jo Yurcaba is a North Carolina-based writer. They are primarily a news reporter covering US politics, with a focus on LGBTQ+ rights, but they often apply their journalism skills to other writing fields, such as branded content and script-writing.