3 Surprising Similarities Between Baby Boomers and Millennials
Much has been said about baby boomers and millennials — and, depending on the source, much of it hasn’t been particularly kind to either group. The strong work ethic and goal-oriented mindset of baby boomers are rarely ascribed to their younger counterparts, while the millennial push for greater career, cultural, and lifestyle fluidity is similarly positioned as being in opposition to boomers.
However, as millennials approach middle age, it’s becoming clear that the similarities between them and baby boomers may be greater than previously argued. Despite being separated by an entire generation of Gen Xers (the children of boomers and parents of millennials), there’s a significant overlap in how these groups work, play, and connect with the world around them. So much so, in fact, that at times it seems baby boomers are more stereotypically Millennial than their younger counterparts.
With that in mind, let’s pay off this article’s title and take a closer look at three areas where the paths of boomers and millennials often converge.
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1. The Rise of Side Hustles for Seniors
Millennials are often credited with popularizing the gig economy and setting up shop at coffee houses, retro arcades, or anywhere else they can enjoy free Wi-Fi. And, to be fair, this is generally true. But what is also true, according to recent studies, is that baby boomers are quietly making their own mark in this evolving workforce.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, adults over the age of 65 are up to four times more likely to be self-employed or working part-time than those under 34. Some do it to supplement their retirement income, some are finally living out their dreams of small-business ownership, and others just want to stay engaged with the wider, working world. Whatever the reasons, this entrepreneurial energy proves that the concept of “retirement” is evolving — it’s less about retreating and more about reinvention and reinvigoration.
2. Foodie Culture Has No Age Limit
If they didn’t quite ignite the foodie revolution (Gen Xers will claim that feat), millennials have certainly supercharged the movement. A penchant for discovering new flavors, local eateries, and socializing after work have made dining out a true hallmark of the generation.
But data shows that the younger generation is not alone in enjoying Taco Tuesdays.
Seniors are increasingly pulling up a chair at the same table. According to another study by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, spending on dining out has risen steadily and sharply among adults ages 65-74. Even the COVID-19 interruption couldn’t stop their desire to expand their collective palate as spending has already rebounded and exceed pre-pandemic levels. However, while concrete statistics are difficult to find, it is suspected that millennials maintain the lead in avocado toast consumption.
3. Senior Social Media Usage Is Soaring
Millennials may be the first generation to be fully digital native, they have not, contrary to popular perception, left the boomers in the technological rear view mirror. According to Pew Research, since 2010, social media usage has grown over 400% among adults ages 65 and older. While the preferred platforms for each generation vary — with boomers more likely to favor Facebook and millennials opting for the likes of Instagram, TikTok, and whatever happens to be the latest thing — the notion that seniors are anti-social media could not be further from the truth. It turns out meme culture is for the young at heart regardless of actual age.
Bridging the Generational Divide
In the end, the similarities between baby boomers and millennials aren’t just trivial niceties — they’re connective tissue that can bind families closer if we’re observant enough to notice them. By understanding how a generation of grandparents can more closely align with the tastes, skills, and styles of their grandkids, life can be less about sharing past experiences and more about shared experiences in the here and now. And those are the kinds of experiences that build lasting memories that no labels, generational or otherwise, can define.
At Summit Vista, we celebrate this spirit of generational unity. Our award-winning senior living community offers everything from chef-prepared meals and wellness programs to inspiring spaces for lifelong learning and creativity. Here, retirement doesn’t mean slowing down — it means redefining what’s next.
Contact a Summit Vista retirement counselor at (385) 255-7721 or visit us online to learn how you can experience retirement living at the top.
Sources:
https://www.theatlantic.com/business/archive/2017/05/old-millennials/528192/