Eliza Hartley
It’s no secret that there’s a generational gap between Boomers and younger folks.
Boomers often voice grievances that, to the younger crowd, seem entirely irrelevant. It’s like we’re speaking different languages sometimes, isn’t it?
Their concerns and complaints often stem from a world that has evolved past their understanding or comfort level.
But let’s not dismiss it as simple resistance to change. It’s really about perspective.
In this article, I’ll share 7 things that Boomers often complain about but younger generations just can’t seem to resonate with.
Remember, it’s not about who is right or wrong, but about understanding each other better. So let’s dive into this generational conversation, shall we?
1) Technology dependence
One complaint that Boomers often have is about the younger generation’s dependence on technology.
For them, it seems as if we can’t go five minutes without checking our phones, or that we would be lost without Google Maps to navigate the simplest routes.
But what they might not realize is that technology is not just a crutch for us, it’s a tool. It’s something that makes our lives more efficient, more connected, and yes, sometimes even simpler.
We don’t rely on technology because we’re incapable of living without it. We rely on it because it offers us a world of information and connectivity at our fingertips.
So while Boomers may see this dependence as a weakness, younger generations see it as leveraging the tools available to us in this modern world.
It’s not about dependency, it’s about evolution. And that’s a perspective shift that might just bridge the gap between the generations.
2) Lack of face-to-face communication
One thing my Boomer parents always nag me about? The decline of face-to-face communication.
They reminisce about the days when they would sit on the porch with their friends, talking for hours, or how they’d pick up the phone and call someone instead of sending a text.
To them, those were the ‘real’ conversations.
But here’s the thing: for us, communication hasn’t diminished, it’s just evolved.
Let me give you an example. Last week, I was on a Zoom call with my friends from all over the world. We were chatting, laughing, sharing stories – everything you’d do in a normal face-to-face interaction.
But we were doing it in a way that allowed us to connect even though we were thousands of miles apart.
And that’s the beauty of technology. It doesn’t replace real connections; it allows us to maintain them in ways that wouldn’t have been possible before.
So while Boomers might lament the loss of ‘traditional’ communication, younger generations are busy fostering connections in new and innovative ways.
3) The value of mindfulness
Boomers often comment on the younger generation’s inability to live in the moment.
They see us with our eyes glued to screens, multitasking at every opportunity, and they worry we’re missing out on the beauty of life happening right in front of us.
I get where they’re coming from. It’s easy to be swept up in the fast-paced tech-centric world we live in.
But what they might not realize is that mindfulness – the practice of being fully present and engaged in whatever we’re doing – is actually a huge part of our lives.
In my book, “The Art of Mindfulness: A Practical Guide to Living in the Moment“, I delve into how younger generations are integrating mindfulness into their daily routines.
Whether it’s through yoga, meditation, or simply taking a break from our devices, we are consciously making an effort to bring ourselves back to the present moment.
What Boomers see as distraction, we see as choice. We are choosing when to engage with technology and when to disconnect and engage with our surroundings.
So while Boomers may worry about our ability to appreciate the here and now, it’s important to remember that mindfulness isn’t just a product of less technology – it’s a practice that can be integrated into any lifestyle.
4) The importance of stability
Boomers often express concern about the younger generation’s lack of interest in pursuing stable, long-term careers.
They grew up in a time when you got a job straight out of school, worked your way up the ladder, and retired with a nice pension.
The idea of hopping from job to job or building side hustles was foreign to them.
I’ve experienced this first hand. After graduating, I didn’t go straight into a 9-to-5 job. Instead, I explored different industries, took on freelance work, and even started a few side ventures.
This wasn’t because I lacked ambition or direction. It was because I wanted to find something that truly made me happy.
I wanted to pursue my passions and interests rather than just settling for stability.
This approach might seem risky or unstable to the Boomer generation.
But the reality is, many of us are choosing fulfillment over stability because we realize that life is too short to spend doing something we don’t love.
So that’s one more thing Boomers complain about that might just be a matter of perspective.
5) The obsession with authenticity
Boomers often scratch their heads at the younger generation’s obsession with authenticity.
They wonder why we’re always striving to be ‘real’, to live our ‘truth’, and why we value authenticity over conformity.
But here’s the counter-intuitive part: this pursuit of authenticity is actually a form of conformity itself.
We’re living in an age where being unique, original, and real is celebrated. So much so, that it’s become a new standard that we all strive to meet.
It’s no longer about fitting into a pre-defined mold, but about creating your own – even if that means going against the grain.
What Boomers might see as a rebellion or a rejection of societal norms, we see as a pursuit of personal truth.
And while it might seem counter-intuitive, this new form of conformity is actually liberating for many of us because it allows us to be who we truly are.
6) The decline of traditional media
Boomers often lament the decline of traditional media. They miss the morning ritual of unfolding a crisp newspaper or tuning into the 6 o’clock news on the television.
For them, digital news platforms and social media updates just can’t compare to the tactile experience of holding a newspaper or the familiar voice of their favorite newscaster.
But for younger generations, the shift to digital media isn’t just about convenience, it’s about access.
We now have a world of information at our fingertips, available whenever we want it.
We can stay updated on global events, delve deep into niche topics, and even contribute to the conversation through blogs and social media.
Yes, there’s something nostalgic and comforting about traditional media. But the accessibility and diversity of digital media is something that younger generations find invaluable.
So while Boomers may mourn the decline of traditional media, younger generations are embracing the opportunities offered by its digital counterpart.
7) The fear of change
At the core of many Boomer complaints is the fear of change. They see a world that’s evolving at a rapid pace and it’s natural for them to feel uncertain or even threatened.
But the reality is, change is not just inevitable, it’s necessary. It propels us forward, it brings about progress and innovation.
So while Boomers might fear the unfamiliar, younger generations see it as an opportunity – a chance to learn, grow, and shape the world in new and exciting ways.
Change doesn’t mean we’re discarding the past. Rather, we’re building upon it to create a future that’s inclusive, diverse and forward-thinking.
Final thoughts: It’s all about perspective
When it comes to understanding the generational gap, it’s essential to remember that perspective plays a vital role.
What Boomers see as concerning, younger generations view as a natural evolution of society. And what younger folks perceive as irrelevant, Boomers consider important values or traditions.
In my book, “The Art of Mindfulness: A Practical Guide to Living in the Moment“, I explore how shifting our perspective can significantly impact our understanding and interactions with the world around us.
Similarly, when it comes to bridging the generational gap, it’s not about proving who is right or wrong.
Instead, it’s about fostering empathy and understanding – about appreciating where the other side is coming from.
Just as we embrace mindfulness to live in the moment and understand our own emotions better, we can apply that same concept to understand others better, too.
So next time you find yourself in a generational debate, take a step back and try to see the situation from their perspective. You might be surprised at what you discover.
