How did the research reach the conclusion that "baby boomers were more depressed at this current point in their lives than their parents' generation."

Did they contemporaneously ask the same questions of the preceding generation using the same methodology (which would mean that they've been in business for at least 25-30 years researching the same issues in the same way)? It's possible but I doubt it. If, as I suspect, they asked surviving members of the older generation how they remember feeling about charities 25 to 30 years ago then the answers given will enivitably be coloured by their experiences since. People's perceptions and emotional responses change over time.  

Don't shoot the messenger

Ginsters & Donor: I take your points, but the research in question suggested that baby boomers were more depressed at this current point in their lives than their parents' generation. And that's the really worrying thing, I think.

Adam, Intelligent Giving

I'd say it has more to do with how much disposable income people have rather than there attitude to charities. When you have no children to support and no mortgage you have more money to spare (unless you got duped by the banks into taking out a mortgage in the last two years of course - in which case you'll probably be paying it until you're 70!).

Research does show that older people tend to donate more than younger folk. However, I don't think that it makes logical sense to neccessarily reach the conclusion that we're all doomed because charity supporters are a dying breed. Could it just be that your perception and priorities change as you move through life and that this will be just as true in 100 years time as it is now. You can't know for sure until you get there, but that's my hunch.

There is a degree of genuime concern about the dimishing value of legacies though. As people live longer, pensions shrink and the cost of care goes through the roof it could well be that the average estate will be worth less in real terms and that can't be good for charitable income.

Don't shoot the messenger