The truth about boomers: you’ll be shocked to learn which stereotypes are totally off.
Think you know everything there is to know about boomers? You might want to think again. The world is full of stereotypes, and when it comes to boomers, some of the clichés floating around are downright hilarious—and wildly inaccurate. From assuming they “don’t get it” to claiming they’re unwilling to ever change, it’s clear that many of these old ideas no longer hold water, if they ever did at all. The reality of who boomers are today is far richer, more complex, and frankly more impressive than the tired caricatures we often hear.
It’s time to pull back the curtain, toss aside the lazy assumptions, and look honestly at what it really means to be a boomer today. They’re not just clinging to dusty traditions or grumbling about “kids these days.” They’re growing, evolving, and even thriving in ways that might just surprise you. Let’s dig into some of the biggest myths and discover the real, often inspiring, truth about this generation.
1. Every boomer is hopelessly stuck in the past.
Sure, boomers love a good Beatles song or an old-school diner, but being glued to the past? That’s selling them way short. Reminiscing about the “good old days” doesn’t mean they’re living there full-time. A huge number of boomers are diving into today’s world with enthusiasm, whether it’s learning how to stream shows, joining online communities, or embracing the newest gadgets after just a little bit of trial and error.
It’s not about rejecting the past; it’s about carrying forward the best parts while staying open to what’s next, according to Dr. Lawrence R. Samuel at Psychology Today. Many boomers are living proof that you can cherish your memories without letting them anchor you down. They’re curious, adventurous, and more than willing to try new things—sometimes with a grin and a few self-deprecating jokes along the way.
2. Boomers have no clue how to use technology.
The old joke about boomers thinking Wi-Fi is a fancy coffee might get laughs, but it’s wildly outdated. These days, boomers are FaceTiming their grandkids, using GPS apps to get around town, and even mastering smart home tech. They’re ordering groceries online, booking flights with a few taps, and—yes—occasionally asking, “Where exactly is the cloud located?”
But let’s be real: everyone struggles with tech sometimes, not just boomers. What matters is their willingness to dive in, make mistakes, and keep learning. The truth is that boomers aren’t standing on the sidelines of the digital world—they’re participating actively and proving that curiosity doesn’t expire with age, as stated by Alexis Fillmer at Phos.
3. Every boomer is financially set for life.
It’s easy to picture boomers lounging on yachts, sipping cocktails, and laughing at their investment portfolios. Reality, however, paints a much different picture. Many boomers are still working, budgeting carefully, or even facing financial challenges that require serious planning, as mentioned by Maribeth Jenkins at Sabal Strategy. They’ve been hit by economic downturns, rising healthcare costs, and the realities of supporting both aging parents and adult children.
While some boomers are indeed enjoying comfortable retirements, they’re far from the majority. Most understand financial stress all too well and know what it’s like to juggle expenses and unexpected setbacks. Retirement, for many, isn’t about luxury—it’s about finding security and creating new ways to thrive within their means.
4. Boomers hate all things “woke.”
It’s a common stereotype that every boomer grumbles at the mere mention of social change or modern ideas. But if you look closer, you’ll find plenty of boomers who marched for civil rights, fought for women’s equality, and continue to stand up for fairness and justice. They might not know all the latest hashtags, but the values underneath resonate deeply with many of them.
The truth is, countless boomers have been champions for progressive causes long before some of today’s movements even had a name. They know that respect, dignity, and compassion are timeless ideals, even if the vocabulary changes. While they might not always frame things the same way, their hearts are often very much in the right place.
5. Boomers think Millennials and Gen Z are lazy.
The old chestnut about boomers seeing younger generations as lazy couldn’t be further from the whole truth. Sure, they might raise an eyebrow at certain trends, but many boomers have a genuine admiration for the creativity, resilience, and hustle that Millennials and Gen Zers show. They recognize the new pressures these generations face and often appreciate the fresh perspectives they bring.
Many boomers understand just how hard it is to get ahead today, and they don’t begrudge younger people their different paths. Instead, they often cheer them on, offer mentorship, or simply marvel at the ways the world keeps evolving. It’s less about judgment and more about wanting the best for those coming up behind them.
6. Boomers have no interest in learning new things.
The idea that boomers have stopped learning is completely off the mark. Walk into a community center, a college extension course, or even a local yoga class, and you’ll find boomers eagerly soaking up new skills and knowledge. Whether it’s photography, writing, gardening, or even coding, their thirst for learning is alive and well.
Now that they have more time, many boomers are diving into hobbies and passions they never had a chance to explore before. Learning for them is no longer about grades or competition—it’s about joy, growth, and keeping their minds sharp. If anything, they’re more curious now than ever before.
7. Every boomer is set in their ways.
Sure, some boomers enjoy their routines, but who doesn’t? The bigger truth is that many boomers are constantly pushing themselves to grow, rethink old beliefs, and experience life in new ways. They’re traveling, trying new cuisines, exploring new technologies, and even rethinking long-held political views.
The idea that change belongs only to the young ignores the quiet revolutions happening in so many boomer lives. Every day, they’re showing that personal growth doesn’t have an age limit. They aren’t just stubbornly clinging to the past—they’re actively crafting richer, fuller lives in the present.
8. Boomers are terrible with social media.
If you think boomers only use Facebook to post cryptic one-word comments in all caps, you’re not paying attention. Many boomers are thriving on social media, sharing life updates, exploring new platforms, and even building personal brands. It’s not unusual to see a boomer out there going viral with a funny TikTok or heartfelt Instagram post.
Social media isn’t just a young person’s game anymore. Boomers have figured out how to use it to stay connected, tell their stories, and even discover new communities. Sure, they may not always follow every trend perfectly—but honestly, who does?
9. Boomers refuse to talk about mental health.
It’s true that mental health used to be a taboo topic, but times have changed—and boomers have changed with them. Many are now open advocates for therapy, mindfulness practices, meditation, and emotional wellness. They know firsthand how damaging it can be to bottle everything up and are making conscious choices to prioritize mental health.
From encouraging their grandkids to seek help when needed to attending their own counseling sessions, boomers are shedding old stigmas and embracing a healthier way to live. In doing so, they’re setting a strong example that self-care and emotional honesty are important at every stage of life.
10. Boomers don’t understand today’s world.
It’s easy to joke that boomers are out of touch, but the reality is often much different. They’ve lived through monumental societal shifts, from civil rights to the tech revolution, and they’ve adapted time and time again. They may not always use the latest slang or follow every pop culture trend, but they understand more than they’re often given credit for.
Staying informed, staying flexible, and continuing to care about the world around them—that’s the boomer reality for so many. They’ve proven time and again that understanding doesn’t end with age; it deepens, gaining wisdom and perspective that younger generations can learn from if they’re willing to listen.