Interesting Article About the Millenial Generation

I read this interesting article the other day about some research that the Pew Foundation did on behaviors of the Millenial Generation. Millenials are defined as the population that currently fall in the 18-29 year old demographic (born in years between 1981 and 1992). For career counselors, it is interesting to study this generation, as it can represent a large population of the people we serve, especially if we work in a college setting. In other words, I must know the people that I am working with on a daily basis.
According to the research, compared to other generations that came before them, they are more more racially diverse, less likely to be affiliated with a religion, less likely to have served in the military, and are "on track to become the most educated generation in American history."
This is powerful information, especially the quote that states this generation is more educated than any preceding them. As the article points out, they are entering the job market in one of the most difficult times in recent history. The recession we are currently experiencing is considered by many to be the most far reaching and devastating since the Great Depression. Yet, this population of Millenials tends to have far more of an upbeat and positive attitude than other demographics. Why is this? There are several possible scenarios. One theory is that younger people tend to be less focused on the future in general, and that they still have that feeling of invincibility. Are there other reasons? And what are the consequences for an entire generation of young people that have been, and continue to be affected by economic hardship? If they enter the workforce later than other generations, despite being more educated, what are the long term effects on their careers, and their financial stability? One growing problem is the lack of retirement planning that Americans face. American savings rates have been declining on a steady pace over the last 10-20 years. Combined with the latest economic hardship, what affect will all this have on the Millenials? The generation coming out the Great Depression tended to save more money, knowing what was possible. Will today's Millenials follow that pattern as well? Or will their optimism keep the overall savings rate declining? What do you think?
A link to the Pew Research article is posted here:

http://pewresearch.org/pubs/1501/%20millennials-new-survey-generational-personality-upbeat-open-new-ideas-technology-bound