On the surface, it might look like Gen Z and older generations are worlds apart.
After all, one group grew up with smartphones, and the other remembers life before colour TV. But if you look beneath differences in technology, slang, or cultural references, it immediately becomes obvious that they share a surprising number of core values. Whether it’s about community, being resourceful, or wanting a fair shot in life, there’s a lot of overlap. If we focused more on these similarities rather than the things that separate them, there’d be a lot more understanding and harmony in society, don’t you think?
1. Fairness is important to both.
When older generations were young, many marched for civil rights, supported women’s liberation, or protested wars. They believed everyone deserved an equal chance and put in real work to push for fairness. Gen Z, though they rely on social media and viral hashtags, focuses on similar ideals: amplifying LGBTQIA+ rights, climate justice, and racial equality. The methods have evolved — protest signs vs. online petitions — but both groups share a deep-rooted belief that fairness should be a cornerstone in society. While they might see each other as “out of touch,” both aim to address injustice in ways that fit their era.
2. Hard work matters, even if it looks different.
“Put your nose to the grindstone” was a mantra for many older adults, who often stayed in one job for decades. Gen Z sometimes juggles multiple gigs — side hustles, part-time jobs, or creative freelancing — while also studying or pursuing personal projects. Though it seems at odds, both attitudes revolve around working diligently toward goals. One group might see “loyalty to a single company” as the gold standard; the other might value adaptability and skill-building in a fluid job market. Underneath, they share the same ethic: you earn your success by consistently showing up and doing the work.
3. They want genuine connections.
There’s a misconception that older people only value face-to-face time, while Gen Z is glued to screens. In reality, both cherish strong relationships; they just nurture them in different ways. Grandparents might prefer phone calls or in-person visits. Younger people have group chats that run 24/7, but they’re still desperate for emotional closeness. The technology might differ, but the desire for trustworthy, meaningful connections remains the same. Both want to be able to rely on their circle in times of need, share personal struggles, and feel supported.
4. They know how to be resourceful.
Older people often talk about reusing jars, darning socks, and stretching every dollar — skills honed in times of scarcity. Gen Z faces rising living costs, student debt, and job uncertainties, so they’re also embracing thriftiness, whether through secondhand shopping, DIY solutions, or budget-friendly hacks. One group calls it “making do”; the other might call it “upcycling” or “thrifting.” Either way, it’s about making the most of what you have. Instead of throwing something away, you fix it, adapt it, or find a new purpose for it. That spirit links generations more than most realise.
5. Education still opens doors.
When older generations encourage a good education, they’re often reflecting on times when a high-school diploma or college degree was a huge step up from what their parents had. Meanwhile, Gen Z also sees the value in learning, though it might happen through online courses, digital tutorials, or skill-based programs. The end goal remains the same: acquire knowledge or credentials so you can create a stable future. While older people might say, “Get that college degree,” Gen Z might opt for coding bootcamps or specialised certificates. Both are betting on learning as a key to opportunity and growth.
6. They believe in stepping up for each other.
Many older people recall neighbours dropping off food in tough times or small communities pulling together after a crisis. That local bond kept everyone afloat. Gen Z does a similar thing, but harnesses social media to spread the word or crowdfund for emergencies. Whether it’s a church pot luck or a viral GoFundMe, the point is to lean on one another when life gets rough. The technology and scale might differ, but the underlying principle is the same: collective support makes hardships easier to bear. Both age groups see community as a powerful safety net.
7. DIY spirit is alive and well across the board.
Building your own deck or fixing your own car might be second nature to older generations, who picked up practical skills out of necessity. Gen Z might not always work with their hands in the same way, but they master YouTube tutorials on cooking, repairing phones, or editing videos to launch side businesses. The drive to learn, do, and problem-solve on your own is a constant theme in both groups. It’s about feeling capable, saving money, and having pride in making something yourself. One generation might rely on physical tools; the other on digital resources. But each sees the payoff of tackling tasks head-on.
8. Personal responsibility is a shared standard.
An older friend might say, “Stand on your own two feet,” while a younger person might talk about “being accountable for your actions.” Both statements reflect a belief that you should own up to mistakes and keep your commitments. Maybe older generations experienced times when trust was sealed with a handshake, while Gen Z is quick to call out people who don’t follow through on social media. Different approaches, same moral code: do what you said you would, and if you mess up, apologise and fix it. Both see accountability as a sign of reliability.
9. Life skills are still cool.
Knowing how to fix a leaky tap or whip up a homemade meal impresses both older and younger generations. For older generations, these were everyday tasks everyone just had to learn; for Gen Z, mastering them might be a newer novelty, fuelled by environmental concerns or the thrill of self-reliance. You’ll see YouTube channels dedicated to “adulting,” teaching tips on budgeting or minor car repairs, mirroring the same can-do mindset their elders had. That skill-building satisfies the human urge to be capable, bridging the gap between a more analogue era and our digital present.
10. They want their voices to count.
Go back a few decades, and you’ll see protests, petitions, and rallies. Fast-forward to today, and you’ll see hashtag campaigns and viral videos. But in both cases, the energy is about making sure regular people are heard by those in power. Gen Z blasts its message through social platforms, while older activists might’ve relied on phone trees or local newspapers. The tools have changed, but the desire to influence policy, call out injustice, and shape society remains the same. Whether you’re 20 or 70, it feels good to believe you can enact change simply by raising your voice in unity.
11. Authenticity is incredibly important.
Plenty of older people grew up hearing “Be true to yourself” — the idea that pretending leads to emptiness, while honesty encourages respect. Gen Z might talk about “being real” or calling out “fake” behaviour. At their core, both groups agree that putting on a façade or lying isn’t the way to go. They just approach it differently. An older person might share straightforward advice over coffee, while a younger one might post a heartfelt TikTok. But the underlying message is, “Let’s keep it genuine.” Given that the world is dominated by spin and curated images, honesty stays a timeless value people respect across age brackets.
12. They want to leave things better for future generations.
Talk to a grandparent about their hopes for their family, and they’ll likely say they want to leave behind a world that’s a bit kinder, safer, or more stable. Gen Z, whether lobbying for environmental policies or championing social reforms, shares that same outlook. They’re thinking ahead, worrying about what life will be like decades down the road. Though climate change or rapid technological change might not have been on older generations’ radar in the same way, their sense of duty to protect the next wave of kids remains familiar. Both sides emphasise contributing to something bigger than themselves, whether that means cleaning up the planet or building a strong community base for posterity.
