Even the asymmetry of juxtaposing "Gen X" alongside "Gen Z" in one's vocabulary -- while relegating "Gen Y" to the popular pejorative of "Millennials" -- is low-key ageism. It subtly and covertly solidifies the prewritten narrative that, even as new generations arise, Millennials will permanently be deemed as our society's "redheaded generational stepchildren."

That's why symmetry is key. If I use "Gen X" or "Gen Z" in communication, I also consciously use "Gen Y" in the same breath.

If I use "Millennials" as a descriptor (for "Gen Y"), then I use "GenXer" (or, alternately, "Xer") or "Zoomer" (or, alternately, "Centennial") as complementary descriptors for Gens X & Z. (And, contrary to colloquial idiosyncrasy, "GenZer" is just a phonetically-awkward and ageistly-inappropriate descriptor).

I think another key is to find ways to foster intergenerational respect and collaboration. Things are only going to get harder once the Alphas ("Gen Alpha," or "Gen AA") come-of-age. And the generation after theirs. And so on...