The phrase “Ok, Boomer” has become a popular way to dismiss perceived resistance to change or differing viewpoints from older generations. However, relying on stereotypes can create unnecessary divides and overlook the diverse perspectives within any age group. This article challenges common misconceptions about Boomers, highlighting that many of these stereotypes don’t reflect the true diversity and adaptability of this generation.
Baby Boomers don’t work beyond retirement
Boomers have long since shaken off the mandatory retirement at the age of 60 and chose to stay in the workforce, many not retiring or retiring and beginning their encore careers. The desire to keep working is driven in part by necessity after losses in 2008. But it’s also about maintaining relevance and mental acuity and their famous desire to “stay forever young.”
Baby Boomers are resistant to change
This stereotype is debunked by the fact that many Boomers are open to new experiences and continue to learn and adapt. About 80 percent of Boomers want to travel to places they’ve never been and continue participating in career-training activities, try out new lifestyle habits like healthy food or a new form of exercise, and join volunteer or study groups after leaving their jobs.
They are not environmentally conscious
Baby Boomers are often falsely stereotyped as not caring about the environment, possibly because they enjoyed muscle cars and environmentally unfriendly things before they knew better. However, Boomers are more likely to actively be involved in climate change initiatives than the younger generations, who have been calling them out.
Baby Boomers are not sexually active
We only think about young, vibrant people having sex, but Boomers have not given up on their intimate lives. “A majority of them are willing, if not eager, to see what they can do to continue to be sexually active for as long as possible,” says ASHA. They are living longer than previous generations, and with innovations in sexual health, they plan to enjoy it.
They are not politically or socially active
Boomers were a huge part of political movements for equality and civil rights and were known for their stance on the Vietnam War. To say Boomers are not politically or socially accurate is dangerously inaccurate. After all, most politicians come from the Boomer generation.
Baby Boomers are all the same
Lumping any generation into one big stereotype will always be inaccurate. Boomers, like every generation, have a variety of beliefs, religions, political stances, and income ranges.
They are not entrepreneurial
Boomers make up a significant percentage of business owners and are likely to start new businesses. Baby Boomers own nearly 40% of all small businesses, which are primarily service-based companies.
Baby Boomers are not interested in travel
Boomers account for a significant portion of travel spending and are active travelers, responsible for 80% of luxury travel spending. Many are taking advantage of retiring or having more flexibility in their encore careers and businesses to finally see every place they have never been.
Baby Boomers are all inactive
Boomers may have to take things a little slower because of bad knees and sore backs but they are not sitting idly waiting for their funerals. Many exercise daily and participate in outdoor activities like hiking and cycling. Baby Boomers have been starting up yoga or vegetarianism because an “alternative” lifestyle was suggested for a longer, healthier life.
They are not innovative
Boomers have been involved in innovations that have quite literally changed the world. DNA fingerprinting, the Apple II, the World Wide Web, Viagra, and improved rechargeable lithium-ion batteries were all invented by Boomers, and that is barely the tip of the iceberg. Without Boomers, we might still be outside playing.
Baby Boomers are not fashion-conscious
Female Baby Boomers, in particular, spend significantly on fashion and reject derogatory language like ‘anti-aging.’ They have been throwing out the rules on how older women should dress, which has actually given way to every generation’s approach to aging with style.
They are not adaptable to the modern economy
Boomers have shown adaptability to the changing economic landscape, including the use of technology and social media. While Boomers may have been used to the traditional 9–5 hierarchical work style, they have adapted and enjoyed remote work and the gig economy as much as Millennials and Gen X.
Baby Boomers are technologically inept
They may not have grown up with technology, but they were in their prime during huge tech booms and changes and have handled it well. 60% consume online social media regularly, and Boomers get excited about apps that make their lives easier, like healthcare management and being able to talk to their grandkids.
They are disinterested in the younger generations
Boomers may be accused of not caring about the younger generations because of what has been perceived as the “me” generation; however, many are allowing their children and grandchildren to live with them much later in life to save money. They have also been active in initiatives to build a better world for the future.
They are healthier than previous generations
While Boomers have a longer life expectancy, this doesn’t necessarily mean they are healthier. Much of the longer lifespans for Boomers have been because of medical advances and medicines that allow people to live with chronic ailments or issues such as high cholesterol that may have been a death sentence before.
Baby Boomers are all wealthy
Wealth always varies widely among generational groups. While Boomers seem to have more, it is often because they were able to purchase homes at a time when it was easily attainable. Millennials were hit harder on the job front during the Great Recession of 2008, but Boomers and Generation Xers suffered the greatest losses in terms of home values, household finances, and retirement savings.
Baby Boomers are a burden on the economy
Boomers are far from being the generation who retires and sits on their couch while collecting social security and spending minimally. Boomers contribute significantly to the economy through spending (online and in person), charitable giving, and continued work.
They are all living in the suburbs or countryside
A home in the country or suburbs is no longer the dream of retirees. Instead, baby boomers are trading in their large countryside McMansions for smaller, stylish rented properties in the city. Convenience, cultural attractions, lifestyle amenities, and the prospect of being closer to family have them leaning more urban.