6 Things We’re Tired of Hearing Boomers Complain About
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The generational divide has always sparked heated debates. From cultural shifts to technological advancements, every generation seems to have its grievances with the one that came before it.
However, when it comes to the boomer generation, certain complaints have risen to the top of the list—and not in a way that leaves younger folks feeling particularly sympathetic. It’s safe to say that there are some things we’re tired of hearing time and again.
“You’re Too Young for This Kind of Pain”
It’s not uncommon for older generations to dismiss the physical pain and ailments that younger people experience. How many times have you heard someone from the boomer generation scoff at your back pain or your joint issues, claiming, “You’re too young for that!”? But let’s face it—no one is immune from physical discomfort, no matter their age.
The truth is, the human body doesn’t work like it’s supposed to when you hit a certain age, and even young people experience the struggles that come with it.
“You Should Really Buy a House and Settle Down”
A conversation that’s seemingly guaranteed to pop up when you’re with family: the pressure to settle down and buy a house. For many boomers, it was relatively easy to purchase a home, as real estate prices were far more affordable back in the day.
But this doesn’t account for the skyrocketing housing costs today, the stagnation of wages, or the fact that many young people are struggling with student loan debt. It’s not that we don’t want to, it’s that it’s not the same world anymore.
“Kids These Days and Their Phones”
As smartphones became ubiquitous, they became the go-to scapegoat for many complaints about the younger generation. “Kids these days just can’t put down their phones,” they say. Ironically, many boomers spend just as much time on their own devices, checking Facebook, scrolling through endless posts, or watching video after video.
It’s one of the most amusing—and hypocritical—complaints that older generations throw at the younger ones. Newsflash: Phones aren’t just for texting and tweeting—they’re tools for learning, connecting, and working.
“No One Wants to Work Anymore.”
Another one of those classic complaints that often leaves the younger generation rolling their eyes is the accusation that young people simply don’t want to work. First of all, nobody really wants to work—it’s called work for a reason. What many fail to recognize, though, is that the job market is vastly different now than it was decades ago.
The rise of “entry-level” jobs that demand years of experience, long hours, and low wages creates an environment where many are forced to reconsider whether it’s worth the effort to put in all that work for a paycheck that barely covers the cost of living.
“Kids Don’t Play Outside Anymore”
For boomers, childhood was all about being outside—riding bikes, playing tag, climbing trees. But today, the complaints fly: “Kids don’t play outside anymore.” However, this narrative doesn’t acknowledge the fact that the world has changed significantly.
Safety concerns, fewer outdoor play spaces, and the constant presence of technology all contribute to kids spending more time inside. Additionally, many older generations played outside because that’s all there was to do. It’s not a question of laziness—it’s a question of changing circumstances.
“Why Aren’t You Married Yet?”
The question many dread hearing at family gatherings: “So, why aren’t you married yet?” While it may have been expected in the past to marry young, today’s world is very different. People have different priorities now—pursuing careers, finding personal fulfillment, and navigating a complex dating world.
The truth is, getting married isn’t on everyone’s to-do list at a certain age, and it shouldn’t be. We’re no longer in an era where marriage is a marker of success or adulthood.
Conclusion
As we’ve seen, the complaints from older generations can often come off as tone-deaf or out of touch with the realities of modern life. While some of the grievances may have had more weight in the past, today’s world is dramatically different. The job market is tougher, the economy is more challenging, and technological advancements have fundamentally altered how we interact with the world.
However, despite the generational divide, there is a common thread that unites all of us: a desire for betterment. Whether it’s improving the world for future generations or finding joy in the little things, both boomers and millennials share the goal of making the world a better place. If we can acknowledge our differences and work together, we can build a future where everyone, regardless of age, feels heard and understood.
