Every generation gets hit with stereotypes, but boomers seem to get more than their fair share, for some reason.
Whether it’s the idea that they don’t understand technology, are out of touch with what’s going on in the world these days, or had everything handed to them, a lot of these generalisations just don’t hold up. The truth is, no generation is a monolith, and plenty of boomers are tired of being lumped into outdated and unfair assumptions. Here are some of the stereotypes they’ve had enough of hearing.
1. Boomers had everything handed to them.
There’s a common belief that boomers walked into an easy economy where jobs were plentiful, housing was cheap, and success was just waiting for them. While some had advantages that aren’t as common today, that doesn’t mean they didn’t work hard for what they have. Many spent decades building careers, paying off mortgages, and saving for retirement without the safety nets that exist now. Assuming that all of them had an easy ride ignores the struggles they faced, from high interest rates to economic crashes. Plenty of them grew up in working-class families, worked multiple jobs, and had to be just as resourceful as younger generations do today. While the financial landscape has changed, it’s unfair to act like boomers were handed everything without effort.
2. They refuse to learn new technology.
The stereotype of boomers struggling with technology is everywhere, but the reality is more nuanced. Sure, some prefer traditional ways of doing things, but plenty of boomers are active on social media, use smartphones, and can navigate modern tech just fine. In fact, many of them adapted to massive technological changes over the years, from typewriters to computers to the internet. There are just as many younger people who struggle with certain aspects of technology, especially if they aren’t interested in it. The difference is, when a younger person doesn’t understand something, people don’t assume their entire generation is incapable. Boomers might have had to adjust more than digital natives, but plenty have kept up just fine.
3. Boomers are bad with money.
Some people believe boomers are financially irresponsible, wasting money on luxury cruises and retirement splurges while younger generations struggle. The truth is, most were taught to be careful with their spending, live within their means, and save for the future. Many of them lived through economic downturns and recessions, which shaped their financial habits and made them cautious with money. While some have pensions or paid-off homes, many are still working well into their retirement years because they have financial responsibilities. It’s unfair to assume that just because some are well-off, the entire generation is sitting on piles of cash. Plenty of them are still dealing with rising living costs, medical expenses, and supporting their families.
4. They’re all stuck in the past and refuse to move with the times.
Change can be hard for anyone, regardless of age, but boomers get a reputation for being completely stuck in their ways. The truth is, this generation has lived through massive cultural, political, and technological advances, and has had to adapt in ways younger generations haven’t yet experienced. Many of them have changed their views over the years, whether it’s on social issues, workplace dynamics, or personal values. The assumption that they all refuse to grow and evolve is just that — an assumption. Plenty of boomers are open-minded, willing to learn, and continue to adapt to new ways of thinking. Like any generation, some are resistant to change, but that doesn’t define the entire group.
5. They don’t care about the struggles of younger generations.
There’s a common idea that boomers dismiss younger people’s challenges and tell them to “just work harder.” While there are definitely some who hold that mindset, plenty of them understand how different the economy, housing market, and job landscape are today compared to when they were younger. Many have children or grandchildren facing these struggles and do care about what they’re going through. It’s also worth noting that not every boomer had an easy path in life, and many faced financial or career troubles themselves. Just because their experiences were different doesn’t mean they can’t acknowledge the struggles younger people are dealing with. Many offer support, advice, and even financial help when they can.
6. They all vote the same way.
Boomers are often lumped into one political category, as if they all have the same beliefs. In reality, they’re just as diverse in their views as any other generation. While some may hold more traditional values, others are progressive, involved in activism, and push for change in various areas. It’s easy to stereotype an entire generation based on a voting trend, but plenty of them don’t fit the mould. Like with any group, there are a wide range of opinions, backgrounds, and values that shape how they see the world. Just because they grew up in a different time doesn’t mean they all think alike now.
7. They had it easy when buying a home.
Yes, house prices were lower when boomers were buying property, but that doesn’t mean homeownership was effortless. Many faced extremely high mortgage interest rates, tough job markets, and the same financial stresses people face today. Comparing house prices without looking at the bigger financial picture oversimplifies the reality of the situation. Plenty of them made sacrifices to afford their homes, just like younger people do now. While the market has changed, assuming that they all bought houses without struggle ignores the challenges they also faced. Some never managed to buy property at all, despite working hard their entire lives.
8. They don’t know how to have fun anymore.
There’s a stereotype that once people hit a certain age, they stop enjoying life and become serious, grumpy, or uninterested in fun. But plenty of boomers are travelling, taking up new hobbies, learning new skills, and enjoying life in ways they never had time for when they were younger. Many of them are more active than ever, going to concerts, playing sports, or even starting new careers later in life. The idea that ageing automatically means becoming dull is outdated and just plain wrong. They’re still going to festivals, dancing at weddings, and planning holidays with their friends. Plenty of them are embracing new experiences just as much as younger generations, if not more.
9. They don’t understand mental health.
It’s true that mental health wasn’t as openly discussed when boomers were growing up, but that doesn’t mean they don’t understand or care about it. Many have had their own struggles and have learned about mental health through their families, workplaces, or personal experiences. Just because they weren’t raised in a time where therapy and mental health awareness were common doesn’t mean they dismiss its importance. While some may have a different approach to dealing with emotions, plenty of them are supportive, open-minded, and willing to listen. Many have adapted to newer conversations around mental health and are more understanding than they’re given credit for. Assuming they all ignore mental health issues is just another unfair generalisation.
10. They never had to deal with hard times.
Every generation has its struggles, and boomers are no exception. Many lived through wars, economic recessions, job shortages, and personal hardships that shaped their perspectives. They weren’t immune to financial stress, political uncertainty, or the challenges of raising families, even if their difficulties looked different from today’s. Assuming that they never had to deal with real problems ignores the reality of their experiences. Plenty of them had to work long hours, take on extra jobs, or raise families in unstable economies. Just because their challenges were different from those faced today doesn’t mean they didn’t exist.
11. They think younger people are lazy.
While some boomers might complain about younger generations, most don’t think all young people are lazy. Many admire the drive, creativity, and ambition of younger people and recognise that the world is different now. There’s a big difference between not understanding certain modern challenges and actively dismissing an entire generation’s work ethic. Plenty of them have worked with, hired, or mentored younger generations and see firsthand how hard they work. The stereotype that they all sit around complaining about “kids these days” just isn’t accurate. Many of them appreciate the energy and new ideas that younger generations bring to the table.
12. They don’t use social media.
Plenty of boomers are active on Facebook, Instagram, and even TikTok, whether it’s to stay connected with family, share their interests, or keep up with news. While they might use social media differently than younger people, that doesn’t mean they don’t understand it. Many of them were even early adopters of technology and have kept up with online trends. Assuming they don’t know how to navigate social media just because they’re older is a huge generalisation. Some might not care about keeping up with every new trend, but plenty of them are just as engaged online as younger generations. They use it in ways that are useful to them, which doesn’t mean they don’t know how it works.
13. They all have secure pensions and retire comfortably.
Not every boomer has a pension or a stress-free retirement. Many are still working well past retirement age due to financial commitments, rising living costs, or personal choice. The assumption that all of them are enjoying luxurious retirements ignores the reality that financial struggles affect people at every stage of life. Some have been able to retire comfortably, but others have had to deal with unexpected costs, medical expenses, or supporting their families well into later life. The idea that every boomer is relaxing on a beach with a hefty pension is far from the truth for many people in this generation. Like any age group, their financial situations vary widely.
14. They don’t get pop culture.
While they might not keep up with every new trend, plenty of boomers love modern music, movies, and TV shows. They’re still interested in entertainment, and many keep up with pop culture more than people assume. Some of them grew up during the height of rock and roll, punk, and early hip-hop, so they’ve always been engaged with the cultural shifts around them. Age doesn’t automatically mean being out of touch. Plenty of them are just as up-to-date on new trends as anyone else — they’re just not obsessing over them. They might not follow every social media influencer, but they know more about what’s happening in the world than they’re given credit for.
