But that's exactly what patients in their upper 30s, 40s and early 50s, the "baby boomer" generation, want. Hungry for information, most want to participate in decisions about their health care. So, offer choices, suggestions and alternatives, and set aside any inclination to try and direct their behavior or control their actions. Remember, this is the Woodstock generation who drove around in the 1960s in VW microbuses with bumper stickers that read, "Question Authority" on them!

Depending upon the generation you belong to, you may feel uncomfortable with one of these approaches. However, by adapting your communication approach based on generational differences, you can improve rapport and increase patient satisfaction.