She might just be tired? If you've spent decades caring about whatever the hot button political topics of the day are then eventually the tank might be dry and it's someone else's (your) turn to care?

Are you sure you won't reach that same point at some time in the future?

For sure, I think being old and tired is some of it.

But on the other hand they are constantly enraged over some perceived threat to America posed by Democrats. They have not cast a vote for anyone without an R next to their name in 50 years. They care very much about the future insofar as it shouldn’t look anything like “left coast ideas spreading.” And in the same breath they can acknowledge that climate change may doom us all. They would rather the world burn than a hated ideology gain one inch.

Unfortunately this sort of mindset is quite normal where I live.

My [slightly older than boomer] mother is terrified at what the future holds for humanity. It literally keeps her up at night. She also smothers her grandkids with love, which I expect is common amongst grandmothers.

My 27 year old nephew, on the other hand, couldn't care less. Well, I mean, he likes to roll coal, but I don't think he's necessarily doing it deliberately to spite the environment, he's just a jerk.

Do you think that attitude is manifestation of feelings of helplessness rather than apathy?