**4. Generation X**

Generation X (Xers, as they are known in short) are those born between approximately 1965 and 1980. Gen Xers grew up in a period of financial, familial, and societal insecurity associated with a significant recession. They witnessed their parents being laid off along with the decline of the American global power. Also, Xers grew up with a stagnant job market, corporate downsizing with limited wage mobility, and are the first individuals predicted to earn less than their parents did [2]. They have grown up in homes where both parents worked. This created a "latch-key kid" generation, where they were obligated to fend for themselves. They were influenced by music television (MTV), the HIV/AIDS epidemic, the fall of the Berlin Wall, and their mantra in high school was "question authority" because they felt authority had let them down [9].

Due to their economic hardships, Xers started to walk away from the workaholic lifestyle of the previous generation. They value a balance between work and life and are fiercely independent, entrepreneurial, pragmatic, and creative. They value actions more than words and accomplishment more than money [2].

#### **4.1 For educators**

Much like the Boomers, Xer's words may sometimes sound harsh to younger generations. They tend to be straight to the point and less formal [9]. They will notice when a student is trying their best or putting in more hours and be more likely to acknowledge hard work over intelligence. Being mindful of these personal tendencies will hopefully help mitigate them. Learning to give impersonal, balanced feedback can make interactions more meaningful. Making sure to include positive reinforcement and not just point out what a student does wrong is also helpful [3].

### **4.2 For learners**

When communicating with the Gen X generation, be direct and practical. Do not be afraid to share ideas. As mentioned previously, Xers appreciate innovation. Learners should show independence and initiative, like looking things up before they are told or finding a patient's test results that they know the preceptor is waiting for. Asking thoughtful questions also shows that learners are listening and trying to learn, not just going through the motions or biding time until they can leave. Teachers can tell who is really trying and who is not [3].

#### **4.3 For healthcare providers**

Since the average age of practicing physicians is 53.8 [10], Gen X healthcare providers are more likely to be the same age or younger than most of the patients they see. This may create some sense of distrust that must be overcome by exhibiting confidence and excellence and educating patients thoroughly on your proposed diagnosis and recommendations.

Surprisingly, Xers are most likely to conduct independent research on conditions and medications – even more than Generation Y or Z. They are less likely to heed all of the physician's advice than the older generations (38%) but also less likely than Generation Z (43%) [5]. This is likely due to the aforementioned insecurity and independence they grew up with. Since so many patients investigate medical issues on the internet, the decision-making process may improve if efforts are made to share the burden of responsibility for knowledge. Further benefits may arise from physicians who assist patients in the information-gathering process [10]. To combat online misinformation, healthcare providers must positively influence patient selection of online materials [10]. This means that physicians should have some idea of certain websites they could recommend to their patients that are accurate and up to date.
