How understanding the influence of brain development over a person’s lifetime can help with cross-generational communication

Every generation feels misunderstood by the one before. It’s a rite of passage, a fact of life. This gap can result in a lack of communication, strained relationships and a shared sense of frustration. Why is it sometimes so hard to make meaningful connections with people who are younger or older than you? According to Simone de Hoogh, founder of non-profit venture PowerWood, which works with neurodivergent young people and their families, there are two main reasons: brain development and hormones.

These two factors and one other – environment – make a significant impact on how you feel, act and communicate.

Understand how these interrelate through the various stages of a person’s existence and you might just make a breakthrough when it comes to communicating with those at a different point in their life from you.

Life-stage differences

Of course, not everyone feels that it’s hard work talking to an older relative or worries about how they’re perceived by a younger contact. Many empowering and mutually respectful relationships are formed across the generations, enhancing friendships in a wonderful way. But it’s also common to simply not know what to say or how to say it, which can make conversations feel stilted and awkward.

Simone explains why: ‘We all live in our own reality and [these] differ depending on our culture, background and personal circumstances. It [can therefore be] challenging for the different generations to understand each other’s habits and views on what is “normal”.’