Will you live a better life than your parents?

earllogjam

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It's hard to predict the future but judging from your experiences up until now do you have faith that you will have a better life than that of the previous generation, in terms of health, standard of living, happiness?
 

MovingForward

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Yes, I am so grateful to my parents. Neither of they went to college. We were on food stamps when I was a kid, and we lived on section 8. My parents continued to work hard. They never complained. I have two sisters and we all went to college. My work ethic is because of them. They are by no means rich, but they are no longer on food stamps or section 8. I know my life will be better and I only wish/hope that I can make their life easier.
 

whatireallywant

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It's hard to predict the future but judging from your experiences up until now do you have faith that you will have a better life than that of the previous generation, in terms of health, standard of living, happiness?

Health - definitely yes! I have had some health problems (one I almost died from) but my health problems have been acute ones, whereas my parents' health problems were chronic ones and lasted from my dad's case from the time he was a little boy until now, and in my mom's case from age 29 until she died at age 66.

Standard of living - At one time I thought so, but not anymore. For a short time I was making more money than my parents did, but now I'm back to making a lot less.

Happiness - Not sure about that. Since I'm so worried about financial stuff lately I'm not very happy, but I'm healthier and don't have the chronic pain and other problems that they had/have. Also, they had each other and were married for many years, whereas I am single and have spent most of my life alone.
 

D_Chaumbrelayne_Copprehead

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It's hard to predict the future but judging from your experiences up until now do you have faith that you will have a better life than that of the previous generation, in terms of health, standard of living, happiness?

This middle-aged guy with a little life experience is gonna step in and say that I've achieved all three, but it's been because I've taken responsibility for it, instead of waiting to see if things turn out OK.
 

B_Hickboy

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What a vague and subjective question. Better relative to what? I've enjoyed more comforts, but it's mostly due to what others have done for me. More moral? I doubt it. My parents set a pretty high set of standards. I think I enjoy it more than they do or have, and that's a pity. They have a good life, and have had a high standard of living since before I was born. They both have had health issues, but at ages 85 and 82 they're pain - free and mentally sharp. My genetics would predict a similar future for me, all other things being equal.
 

midlifebear

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Standard of living: I've achieved much more wealth and property than they imagined was possible for a person. My standard of living is embarrassingly good. But it is directly related to my getting a good education; much more education than needed -- and continuing to learn.

Happiness: No question on this one. My parents lived with one foot in and the other foot out of their little mormon community. The things I've learned (some just recently) about how they were treated by their social peers leads me to understand how unhappy they must have really been.

Health: I have reasonably good health, but will never have the health insurance network of my father who reaped the advantages to two retirement pension health plans: The Railworkers Union and Carnegie Steel Corporation. My father never had to worry about health care. As one admitting clerked noted "Looks as though your dad is even insured for accidents with uninsured chickens!"

Back to Happiness: My only serious concern is that I have control over my death in the event I contract an incurable disease. The idea of lingering in pain and imprisoned in a debilitated body scares the Hell out of me. Hence, the tattoo below my swim trunk line and butt crack that states in English, French and Spanish "Do not resuscitate. Cremate remains upon expiration." And the international toll-free number to call when I'm dead so the Trust and Will go into motion.
 

jason_els

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I'd say it's unlikely, but I'm not ruling it out.

Both my parents have had better regular health care than I have because they've had better access to it as they were working during the time that employer-compensated health insurance was more comprehensive and less costly. As they are now both on Medicare, they have equal access to health services that I have.

Both my parents were also raised during the height of America's economic prosperity. The odds of me reaching their level is less, but again, I'm not ruling it out simply based upon statistics. Being dead broke in midlife is not a good thing. I worry about the years I won't be able to work though who knows? I'm not going to stop trying.

Happiness? That's tough. I feel that I derive happiness from more diverse things than my parents. I tend to be much more open with my friends. After my parents divorced my mom married her high-school sweetheart and they're very happy but my father never remarried. I wish he had as I think he'd be happier. Conversely, both my parents have been in love with another person and I haven't. That is the one thing above all I'd like to experience before I die.
 

SilverTrain

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I'll have had less economic wealth than my parents (unless I become very rich very soon).

I think, though, that I've been (and will continue to be) more spiritually at peace, and more intellectually curious. Many would say those things are more important than money. I would tend to agree.

However, I think I have been (and will continue to be) more "stressed" than my parents. Mostly due to economics and the pressures of everyday life that seem greater (on the average person) now than 20, 30, 40 years ago.

So, it's a mixed bag, and a tough call.
 

Rikter8

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As of right now, Yes, we have it better than our parents.

The Forecast of the future isn't so promising.

Social Security, Pensions, 401K's, and other perks will be eliminated, which means an older generation will have to continue working until they reach their grave.
Education is in the ditch, and continuing to slide down into the water.
When students stop writing in the third grade and switch to computers and PDA's that is just setting society up for a communication failure.

So Short term, life is good. Long term - it will be MUCH worse than what our parents saw. I predict Depression-like society for years to come.