People often criticize the boomer generation for various reasons. Many from other generations feel that boomers had it relatively easy, though the older generation would likely disagree. This article lists 20 silly reasons why people don’t like boomers.
Their Suspicion of New Technology
As HuffPost reports, new technology was introduced at a slow pace during the 1970s, 1980s, and 1990s. Boomers could choose if and when they wanted to use new technology. They still have that outlook today and won’t use certain technologies if they don’t need to.
Their Fondness for Telling Long Stories
Due to their length of time on this planet, boomers often have valuable life stories they wish to share. They tend to tell these stories in vast detail, not missing a single part of them. Others often find this frustrating, as they could have heard the same story in only half the time.
They Can’t Text Without Using Full Sentences
Boomers grew up in a generation without mobile phones. Life was simple and communication was arguably easier for them. Today, they have to interpret shortened words and sentences along with emojis when receiving messages. They stick to what they know and still reply in full sentences and proper English.
Their Love for Unsolicited Advice
Boomers have been around for 60 to 78 years. They have life experience and are happy to offer advice and help when needed. They can often get a bad reputation from younger generations who feel they’re always trying to offer life advice when the world is different from the one boomers grew up in.
Their Unwavering Commitment to Cable TV
According to PlayToday, over 81% of those over 65 still watch cable TV. Boomers receive some slack for this, as they can often be reluctant to watch a recommended show on a streaming service as it’s not what they’re used to. They like to stick to what they know and are happy with that.
They Have a Gardening Obsession
A popular hobby for boomers is gardening and in particular, their lawn. Ensuring the lawn is the perfect length and color requires a lot of time and focus. Others feel boomers take too much pride in this and focus too heavily on whether they have the best lawn in their neighborhood.
Their Fear of Online Banking
Boomers have always done their banking in a branch where they can speak to a helpful, friendly person who they know will deal with their request adequately. The introduction of online banking was a scary thought for boomers, as it was unknown. Instead, they’ve stuck to what they know best and still use the traditional methods.
The Inevitable Email
Boomers have been known for oversharing via email, which other generations have found frustrating. Whether it’s an inspirational quote to motivate people for the day ahead or a picture of what they got up to with their dog on the weekend, you’ll often find it sent to the entire office.
Their Taste in Music
Younger generations aren’t big fans of boomer music. They often find it too loud and too much of the same. Boomers often prefer to listen to music from the past that they’ve been listening to for years instead of seeing whether they like what’s popular today.
They Take Forever at the ATM
If you find yourself stuck in a line at an ATM, there’s a strong chance it’s because a boomer is at the front. Boomers like to be thorough when it comes to their banking. They need to ensure the technology of an ATM is working correctly and they’ve received their money in full.
The Supermarket Is a Social Event
When in the supermarket, you’ll often see people going at a leisurely pace. Slower shoppers are often boomers, and they like to enjoy their shopping and go at their own pace to avoid missing any items. They also like to engage in conversation with staff and fellow shoppers.
Early Dinner Reservations
Boomers love an early dinner reservation. They don’t like to be out late, especially when eating, as they need to let their food digest adequately. They often want to finish the night early so they can get back home and sit in front of the TV to end the night like any other.
Their Reluctance to Use Apps for Everything
Baby boomers often struggle to understand how new technology improves their lives. The need for an app for every aspect of their lives can be very overwhelming and hard to get their head around. With this comes a fear that they’ll use them wrong and something bad could happen.
They’re Always “Just Resting Their Eyes”
Boomers don’t like to admit they’ve fallen asleep when with company. They will often refer to this as ‘just resting their eyes,’ although everyone knows, including other boomers, that they were asleep. This is often an excuse, as they don’t want to come across as rude for taking an unexpected nap in front of others.
Their Mistrust of Anyone with a Beard
Boomers grew up in an era when your appearance was very important. For men, this included having a clean, shaven face. If you had a beard, it was seen as unprofessional and was also thought to be unhygienic, as food and drink could get caught in it.
They Still Use Physical Maps and Phone Books
Boomers still prefer their traditional methods of getting a distant relative’s number out of their phone book and typing it in instead of saving it to their phone. They also trust physical maps over digital ones. If they’ll stick to these ways as long as they work for them, then why change?
They’re Perplexed by Modern Fashion Trends
Fashion is constantly evolving and today’s fashion is something boomers often struggle to understand. They often like to make jokes about items such as ripped jeans, asking, “Did you fall over in those?” and struggle to understand why people would pay money for them.
They Insist on Driving Everywhere
Boomers prefer to be in control and drive themselves instead of using public transportation, which they see as unreliable. They enjoy driving and love to make it a weekly activity, such as going for a Sunday drive. They even prefer driving over walking short distances, as things like the weather could change.
Their Passion for Collecting Things
Boomers can be hoarders. They like to collect things and justify them by stating that they may be valuable one day. In fact, during the 1970s, when oil prices were spiraling, boomers were actually advised to collect hard assets such as stamps.
They Always Have Hard Candies
If you ever spend a few hours with a boomer, it’s likely that at some point you’ll be offered hard candy. Boomers love sucking on hard candy, as they feel it’s the first point of contact to resolve issues. They are always kind enough to offer these out in a way that brings a small amount of joy to others.