question about a problem I'm having

Well, if you start writing you could generate ideas for the older generation as you go, but then again you might also miss some characterization opportunities by not knowing more about some of your characters. Do the generations interact? If so you should probably do some more preliminary idea-generating for your older characters before starting the writing.

It might help you to identify why you're having trouble working up those characters. Are you positive your story needs them?

Saanen made some really good points. I think it would be great to just jump right in with the ideas you are having, but it would all depend on the interaction. Because, like Saanen said, you could be missing out on some characterization opps.

If I find myself facing your dilemna, I would usually sit down and do a few 10 minute writing exercises to try to generate some ideas. What you write during these exercises doesn't have to be used in the WIP, just use them as jumping off points to get to know your characters better. I also do on-the-spot diary entries, putting myself into the headspace of a potential or known character. That way all this stuff comes out about the character...it's like the character is telling you about themself. Again, the writing I do in diary entries isn't used in my WIP, just used as a background to better understand my characters.

I would also ask myself if the other generation are needed. It sounds, from the little you said, that they would be. It sounds like you are looking at the older generation being half the content...but I could be wrong. Hope some of this helps.

Does the difficulty come from trying to write about people much older than yourself and not being in touch with the concerns of that age group? I see a tie-in with the "first novel after age 40" thread.

Well, okay, that was simply the first thing that occurred to me. Next question:

I'm having problems thinking of ideas for the older ones

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What kind of ideas are you not thinking of? Like where they live and what kind of work they do? Or more like their personalities? Or what situations to put them in?

When in Doubt Ask the characters

One thing that I have found helpful when I get "stuck" with characters is to spend some time writing as if I were that character. In other words...say your father in the story is named "Charlie". Set a timer and write for 15 minutes as if you were Charlie. Pretend that someone has asked you (Charlie) to tell about your life.......thinking in that mode....I'm already thinking of Charlie and his wife being invited to a class reunion. They would talk about whether to go or not go, do some thinking about what could have been, and then once there Charlie would have to tell about significant life events in order to catch someone up on what he's been doing since high school. Maybe if you take a shot at it like that, you'll discover some things about the older folks that will work for your story. Also as a 30 something single parent...most of my days center around work, parenting issues and realizing that somehow I've "grown up" without realizing it. I've also found some great character development questions in my online searches...if you're interested drop me an email and I'll forward them to you.

Good luck!