What Boomers & Gen Z Really Think About Each Other – Revealed

Are you a retired baby boomer who finds millennials' complaints extremely annoying? Or maybe you're a driven member of Generation X struggling to comprehend their frustrations? stay-at-home Gen Z The reality is, many of us hold opinions about the other generations and their alleged flaws, often thinking that the time we were born into was the most formative for our character.

During the 1980s, two American writers, William Strauss and Neil Howe, introduced a generational theory aimed at categorizing individuals who experienced particular eras in history. This theory posits that approximately every twenty-one years, a fresh generation emerges, influenced by shifts in politics, economics, society, and technology.

Hence, Baby Boomers' characteristics were molded by significant societal shifts following the Second World War, whereas Generation X was influenced by figures like Margaret Thatcher and events such as the Big Bang financial deregulation. In parallel, Millennials developed their traits amidst the rise of the Internet and the economic downturn known as the Credit Crunch; concurrently, Generation Z has been shaped by these digital advancements along with subsequent global developments. The pivotal point in their existence has been the pandemic. .

Recently, conflicts between different age groups have escalated significantly due to the proliferation of memes and short videos on platforms like TikTok and Instagram. However, just how accurate are the generalizations we make about each generation? How do individuals perceive what molded the core beliefs of their respective generational cohorts, and importantly, to what extent do they agree with the critiques directed at both older and younger generations?

We journeyed across every corner of Britain to understand how different age groups perceive one another—only to discover that their sentiments toward other generations are far more intricate, multifaceted, and even conflicting than initially imagined.

Meet the baby boomers

Characterized as individuals who were born between 1946 and 1964, The baby boomer generation consists of individuals born after World War II. Those who reached adulthood during a transformative period for Britain experienced significant changes. A wave of revolutions altered the daily life of younger baby boomers – opportunities for women in employment and education were unprecedentedly vast, the introduction of the contraceptive pill reshaped sexual dynamics, and the intensifying space race spurred technological advancements throughout their formative years.

Jane Barker, aged 65, who works as an education officer for a wildlife charity in Lancashire, along with Justin James, 75, a heating engineer and former company director from Wiltshire, share their thoughts on what it signifies to be part of the baby-boomer generation.

What is the definition of being a baby Boomer?

I was the first woman in my family to go to university; a big change from that traditional home-bound female role my mum embodied. I never thought for a moment I’d have a life like that. I was a punk (not a very radical one) and that movement said you could do whatever you wanted. If you had the guts, what would stop you? Perhaps that has made us a pushy, opinionated generation, used to getting what we want.

The baby boomers were driven. They aimed to improve themselves and were ready to invest the necessary effort. We put in very lengthy work hours. However, we anticipated being able to attain a comfortable lifestyle via hard work. That social agreement has evolved over time. Yet, there's a component of prejudice. There's reduced acceptance for individuals who differ from us. – JB

The golden age was truly the best time. Back then, we were much happier without smartphones or televisions; we created our fun instead. Our friendships were also stronger. Today, everything revolves around your status and possessions—none of which mattered before. Some of my buddies had high-paying jobs while I struggled financially, yet it never caused an issue. In those times, people were more open to befriending others regardless of their economic situation or political views.

The constant disagreement between me and my kids revolves around their belief that I never fret about anything, even though they're often stressed. In my era, we didn’t operate this way; if disaster struck, why stress? We’d just tackle the problem head-on instead. We were more resilient Today, you really need to watch your words carefully. JJ

On Gen X

I don't believe Generation X is vastly different from us. They are quite resourceful and hardworking, much like the baby boomer generation, possibly due to their pre-digital upbringing. JB

I concur. They likely didn't start getting color televisions until the late 1970s, and mobile phones or the internet weren't around yet either. Things really began deteriorating from the 1990s onwards. JJ

On millennials

This is the era where the work ethic begins to wane I believe that many millennials think working hard doesn't necessarily result in getting rewarded. Building resilience isn't possible without experiencing failure first-hand. Our society has produced a cohort of individuals who find challenges difficult due to lack of confrontation with them. While it may be unpleasant to tell someone "you might simply have to deal with that," often this is where true learning occurs. JB

They found themselves in a difficult situation. Their lives have become more challenging, and this wasn’t their doing. It seems they were misled by authorities promising them access to higher education followed by lucrative careers. Everyone aims for the pinnacle of success: becoming lawyers, doctors, or even Hollywood stars. The millennials seem like a let-down generation overall. JJ

On Gen Z

I genuinely empathize with Generation Z as they seem destined for perpetual unhappiness. They carry extremely high hopes and crave significant affirmation. The harsh reality of their surroundings coupled with relentless criticism makes life particularly challenging for them. JB

All they notice is what’s right in front of their eyes. Since they believe everything can be found online, they have no interest in learning. When faced with challenges, they get sulky instead of trying to figure out solutions. Trying isn’t even on their radar. – JJ

Meet Generation X

Categorized as those born from 1965 to 1980, Generation X matured amid an era marked by affluence and optimism. During this time, businesses thrived, and with the emergence of technology like mobile phones and emails into mainstream use, Gen X reached maturity just as these innovations began spreading widely. Similarly, Britain experienced a phase of significant economic and cultural prominence.

Annabel Eyres, aged 60, a previous Olympic athlete and wellness business owner from Hampshire, along with Martin Sharp, who is 49 years old and a fitness and lifestyle mentor from York, reflect on what it signifies to belong to Generation X.

What is the definition of Generation X?

We came of age during a time of British optimism. The political scene was captivating, there was a spirit of enjoyment everywhere, and the music was fantastic. Fleetwood Mac Genesis, Supertramp, ABBA, Soft Cell – amazing.

Our parents were strict yet restrained individuals, and some of those traits carried over to Generation X. We tend to shy away from self-promotion. The tendency for baby boomers, millennials, and Gen Z to boast about their accomplishments feels alien to us Gen Xers. Our upbringing emphasized keeping quiet about our successes. The more humble we remained, the prouder it made others feel.

Since our parents were part of the generation born during wartime, they stressed the importance of coming together and collaborating to face what we saw as a common danger. Despite Margaret Thatcher stating "There's no such thing as society," I believe that doesn't apply to Generation X.

We were aware that the boogeyman was lurking nearby, yet it did not deter us from proceeding as usual. The dangers seemed remote and theoretical back then. Today, however, they permeate every aspect of our digital lives—phones, computers, TVs—all around us without respite. Despite having grown up under the shadow of potential nuclear conflict, these threats always appeared too monumental to contemplate seriously. AE

During our upbringing, we witnessed the space race, significant shifts toward consumer culture, increased education levels, and greater social mobility. While we embraced traditional values and methods from the past, by the time I reached high school, numerous thrilling technological advancements were taking place.

We remain hopeful. Whenever you talk to members of Generation X, they see the glass as half full. They believe there’s always an opportunity available. there's always something that needs doing Instead of fretting over issues, we simply move forward and do our best with whatever we have. We were liberated from the anxieties of the post-war period, which instilled a sense of hopefulness in our generation. MS

On boomers

They tend to be rather reserved. They keep their feelings under wraps and aren't preoccupied with mental well-being; despite having problems, they generally avoid discussing them. AE

You were set for life with your job, and you had an incredible pension. You got your house for a steal. And it had been fully settled by the time you stopped working. Each generation has taken choices I would not have made. The destruction of the coal sector ravaged towns near where I grew up in Leeds, an impact that remains palpable even now. MS

On millennials

Diligent, yet possibly through conventional means. They seek employment from an employer and desire a steady career within a corporation, preferably one offering a clear progression route. In general, millennials tend not to be major risk-takers. Thus, they may not opt for Sloane Rangers Just like we did in my era, they still love to have fun, surely appreciate a drink, and know how to unwind.

The idea that all millennials are socially aware is overblown. During my upbringing, we saw some of the worst forms of homophobic attitudes, but those have shifted significantly since then. AE

Millennials often face criticism. They're viewed as having everything easily provided for them, yet they've progressed much more rapidly compared to us in order to match the progress made by Generation X. MS

On Gen Z

They are entrepreneurs who get thrilled by innovating and breaking norms. Their smartphones never leave their hands. This characteristic leaves a bigger mark on their generation compared to others. It’s closely linked to the increase in ADHD diagnoses Which is affecting every age group. I'm certain we'll discover even more about how smartphones impact our minds. This younger cohort isn't particularly tough when it comes to these effects, but they can't be blamed for this. AE

Many people fail to recognize the pressures faced by Generation Z. In the past, students went to school mainly to socialize and enjoy themselves, but today’s children are primarily focused on their studies and don’t get as much opportunity for fun and play. MS

Meet the millennials

Sometimes known as the “digital native” generation Millennials, who were born from 1981 to 1996, experienced their formative years during the widespread integration of the internet followed by the rise of social media. This era saw globalization making the globe increasingly interconnected compared to previous generations; however, this period also brought challenges such as the heightened awareness due to the global war on terrorism and the significant impact of the financial crisis, altering economic prospects significantly.

Frankie O'Dowd, a 44-year-old fashion retail technologist hailing from Northamptonshire, along with Joel Smith, a 29-year-old business development consultant based in Manchester, share their thoughts on what it signifies to belong to the millennial generation.

What is the definition of being part of Generation Y?

We transitioned from experiencing a youth familiar to a Victorian era individual to encountering something entirely unprecedented—all within just a few short years, we acquired computers, Tamagotchis, phones, and eventually smartphones with internet access.

Our era recognized that the past was not necessarily superior, and wondered "couldn't we discover a fresh approach?" Thanks to the internet, we could explore farther and obtain information at a faster pace.

The 2008 financial crisis reinforced this stance. In the former system: secure employment with a firm, earn income, purchase property—it was becoming unattainable. Thus, what’s the point of adhering to outdated norms? Instead, why shouldn’t we adopt lifestyles that enhance our well-being? Generation Y has adopted a better integration between their professional life and personal time. Our identity extends beyond our work. – FO

We were the pioneering generation to navigate adolescence through digital platforms. Our social interactions unfolded before an online crowd. Peers from across the globe held equal weight in our friendships as those we encountered daily, prompting us to seek broader sharing of our experiences.

Since people frequently share the best parts of their lives on social media, we keep comparing ourselves to one another. This not only makes you feel like you spending too much money When it comes to these matters, you're constantly urged to "spend more, immerse yourself in consumer culture, hire a personal trainer, take luxurious vacations." If you fail to do so, you might feel like a failure." This can be quite challenging.

Generation Y tends to have a cynical outlook. Throughout our adulthood, every governmental budget has focused on frugality, cutting costs, increasing expenses, earning lower incomes, and facing higher taxes. We understand that achieving success isn’t guaranteed, regardless of how hard we strive for it. JS

On boomers

Baby Boomers were akin to Millennials as both generations aimed to embrace modernity and enjoyment, striving to leave behind the shadow of war rather than revert to the dull conformity of the 1950s. Occasionally, I believe the genuine source of tension between these two generational groups stems from their frustration at not being acknowledged for how groundbreaking their lifestyles truly were. FO

Baby boomers are gullible; they accept information uncritically. Perhaps this stems from their formative years during wartime. Their sense of nationalism likely arises because they view Britain through the lens of shared heritage. On the other hand, millennials often see Britain primarily as a reflection of governmental policies. This difference leaves us perplexed about their strong national pride. JS

On Gen X

When reflecting on all the rights I have—such as fair compensation, protection from discrimination, and respect for my gender in professional settings—I realize these were victories achieved by Generation X. They laced up their Docs and set forth to build the world we now benefit from.

You cannot micromanage Generation X since they had a higher degree of freedom during their childhood compared to what is common today. This upbringing prepared them effectively for adult life. FO

They embraced greater freedom of thought compared to baby boomers. Generation X witnessed significantly more societal reforms such as advancements in women’s rights and increased participation in Pride marches. This era saw Generation X shaping society’s norms and definitions of acceptability. JS

On Gen Z

I have great empathy for them; they've lived with social media Throughout their entire lives, every mistake they've made has been public. They're also better informed due to the abundance of accessible knowledge, contributing to their improved health. These individuals tend to be quite prudent compared to previous generations. Not aiming at Generation Z with negativity, but my fellow Millennials did have somewhat more enjoyable times back then. FO

This is such an inclusive and tolerant generation. Back when I was a teen, revealing one's homosexuality could be quite frightening, yet Generation Z takes this in stride without much thought. They have strong social awareness; they understand people's needs and know exactly what is considerate versus offensive speech. - JS

Meet the Gen Zs

Generation Z (individuals born from 1997 to 2010) came of age during a time when digital connectivity and online platforms had become ubiquitous. However, the most significant influence on their formative years has been the worldwide outbreak of COVID-19 and subsequent lockdown measures, profoundly altering education systems, higher learning environments, as well as initial career trajectories.

George Wakely, aged 26, who works as a public relations consultant in Scarborough, along with Alice Maxwell-Hyslop, a 19-year-old studying social anthropology in Edinburgh, delve into the topic of what defines Generation Z.

What is the definition of being part of Generation Z?

A significant portion of our formative years was dedicated solely to screen time, encompassing both our university education and our initial foray into the workforce. Fortunately, we have become quite adept with technology since we've always known a world brimming with these devices. This has become our standard way of life now.

Our attention towards work is lower compared to earlier generations, likely due to our understanding that the rewards from employment aren't substantial enough; you certainly won't be able to purchase homes with those wages! Rather, both myself and others in my cohort prioritize adaptability and achieving a healthy equilibrium between professional life and personal time. This aligns well with how Generation Z is often viewed as emphasizing wellness. Unlike past practices where colleagues would head out for post-work cocktails, I'd rather spend that time reading instead.

Gen Z is occasionally referred to as the " anxious generation And this rings very true. Social media sets huge expectations for how our lives should be. A flawless existence isn't merely an abstract concept; it's embodied by people we see online. This can make real-life living quite challenging. GW

There's increased activism, which stems from growing up online and being aware of global issues. Many individuals my age aspire to pursue careers that allow them to make a positive impact, even if it doesn’t involve high pay. Their goals include combating climate change or alleviating poverty.

We tend to be more open-minded. We value genuineness, concentrating on an individual's personality rather than their skin color, gender identity, or sexual orientation. Having grown up online where individuals can explore various identities, we appreciate those who stay true to themselves.

We've distanced ourselves from certain intense elements of millennial culture. I'm quite anti-cancel culture For example, nowadays, the primary cancelers tend to be 50-year-old men condemning some 18-year-old celebrity for perceived wrongdoings, or faceless individuals using generic handles such as 'user2596'. This situation is cringeworthy and has undoubtedly escalated beyond what is appropriate.

Socializing has become more challenging for us. Reintegrating into the real world post-lockdown, you realize how swiftly your skill at casual conversation diminishes; you struggle with knowing what to say to others and tend to overanalyze interactions. The longer we remain engaged online, the clearer this becomes. AMH

On boomers

It varies based on gender. Boomer women truly blazed the trail. Today's women enjoy greater choices regarding their lifestyles, which can be attributed to those boomer women who fought for these opportunities. On the other hand, boomer men had clear-cut ideas about what they desired—no more, no less. Nowadays, many boomer men express significant frustration concerning their role in contemporary society. GW

This generation is entirely different from ours. My grandparents might have expressed racism or homophobia because they were raised believing that those who were unlike them were seen as monstrous or abnormal.

Baby Boomers tend to be highly focused on their careers. As a student pursuing social anthropology at university, whenever I mention this field to individuals from previous generations, particularly those around my grandparents' age, they often inquire: "What kind of job will that prepare you for?" In today's world, professions have become less concrete with numerous sectors available for employment. For Generation Z, the emphasis in the workplace lies in versatile skill sets, unlike Baby Boomers who typically aimed for specialized vocations. AMH

On Gen X

They come across as highly professional and focused. There’s a stereotype regarding Generation X, and perhaps some of the younger Baby Boomers, suggesting that they’re the “Karen” generation My mother's name is Karen, and she dislikes it when people say this, as it suggests an aspect of being rather assertive. These individuals often voice complaints and behave with a sense of entitlement, getting agitated over minor matters. GW

They notice a difference between their own experiences and how we've matured using technology. They're doubtful when it comes to social media, and they continuously express concerns. thinkpieces about the dangers My mom gets anxious about my digital trail online: "What if your potential boss sees this?" However, I believe sharing funny TikToks won't put off employers since so many people do it nowadays. The older generation tends to be preoccupied with maintaining a professional image, even outside of work. AMH

On millennials

The Millennials created an environment where Generation Z can enjoy themselves more freely. They improved society overall. They made sexual liberation acceptable: what was once considered taboo has become as commonplace as going bowling.

Sometimes millennials go overboard with being politically correct They take offense easily over trivial matters. For instance, when it comes to pronoun usage: one individual becomes irritated about how another uses pronouns, while someone else feels upset because their preferred pronouns are not being acknowledged properly, and some feel exasperated due to lack of understanding. Generation Z simply moves past these issues without much concern. GW

These folks often come across as pretty awkward online. They maintain Facebook profiles where they share photos of themselves with some backdrop. It’s so uncool. From what I gather, none of my peers from Generation Z bother with Facebook or would think to upload images of themselves posing next to landmarks like the Eiffel Tower. Compared to millennials, who might find new tech somewhat thrilling, we see these things as outdated.

A portion of these individuals grew up as part of Generation Z, encountering technology during their formative teen years when they were likely more preoccupied with peer perception. On the flip side, those who fall under the older millennial category encountered social media in their twenties when they generally cared less about others' opinions. Consequently, this group has experienced fewer distortions from needing to present themselves publicly online. AMH

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