Solid synthesis. The Gen X crash test dummy framing really nails it becuase they're hitting system failures that everyone else will face later. What's intersting is the disconnect between brands chasing Gen Z attention and ignoring where the actual spend power sits. That mismatch isn't gonna age well for most companies.
This digest does a good job of zooming out while staying grounded in lived reality. The throughline I keep coming back to is mismatch. Longer lives paired with systems, narratives, and products that were never designed for them. Gen X showing up as the stress test feels accurate, not because of individual failure, but because structural cracks are finally visible. I also appreciate how you link culture, money, and design instead of treating aging as a single issue to solve. The point about narrative shaping behavior feels especially relevant. When midlife is framed as decline, ambition shrinks. When it is framed as capacity, people keep building. This reads like a call to redesign expectations as much as infrastructure.
But old can be pretty good too. I got my best job after five try’s at age 48. I loved it and retired at age 76. Then I led architectural walking tours in NYC for ten years - including Grand Central Terminal.
At age 62 I bought a penthouse in NoHo, selling it in 2022 after 23 years for a bundle. Moved to a townhome in NJ and am very happy. I have even started my own Substack. More fun at 91.
The information and research you present here is always so enlightening and helpful. The most memorable point from this post: Legacy is becoming less about money and more about meaning.
Solid synthesis. The Gen X crash test dummy framing really nails it becuase they're hitting system failures that everyone else will face later. What's intersting is the disconnect between brands chasing Gen Z attention and ignoring where the actual spend power sits. That mismatch isn't gonna age well for most companies.
This digest does a good job of zooming out while staying grounded in lived reality. The throughline I keep coming back to is mismatch. Longer lives paired with systems, narratives, and products that were never designed for them. Gen X showing up as the stress test feels accurate, not because of individual failure, but because structural cracks are finally visible. I also appreciate how you link culture, money, and design instead of treating aging as a single issue to solve. The point about narrative shaping behavior feels especially relevant. When midlife is framed as decline, ambition shrinks. When it is framed as capacity, people keep building. This reads like a call to redesign expectations as much as infrastructure.
Yes - redesigning expectations is essential here.
But old can be pretty good too. I got my best job after five try’s at age 48. I loved it and retired at age 76. Then I led architectural walking tours in NYC for ten years - including Grand Central Terminal.
At age 62 I bought a penthouse in NoHo, selling it in 2022 after 23 years for a bundle. Moved to a townhome in NJ and am very happy. I have even started my own Substack. More fun at 91.
I would hope this is still possible.
This is fantastic to hear Bill - thanks for sharing.
Bryan, this is such a great story! Thank you for your work. I would love to syndicate this on The Midst Substack. Would you be open to that?
Amy Cuevas Schroeder, amy@the-midst.com
I think that could be very interesting Amy.
The information and research you present here is always so enlightening and helpful. The most memorable point from this post: Legacy is becoming less about money and more about meaning.
Thank you - yes, I love that sentiment too!