This Generation? Or this Age? Why is this Present Decade so Critical?

"Assuredly, I say to you, this generation (age?) will by no means pass away till all these things take place." Jesus Christ began His earthly ministry when He was about 30 years old, sometime between 26-30 AD. Therefore, the latter part of this decade will mark the 2,000-year anniversary of that event. How does this relate to the end of this age and His famous parable of the fig tree?