Introduction
“You just had to be there.” That’s how Cindra Broenner, a proud Baby Boomer, described the values she and many others hold close.
Born between 1946 and 1964, Baby Boomers have witnessed an unprecedented scale of global transformation: from handwritten letters to FaceTime, vinyl to Spotify, Woodstock to virtual concerts. Yet today, they’re often painted in broad strokes and dismissed as outdated or out of touch.
This article doesn’t aim to reinforce stereotypes. Instead, we’re turning the mic over to Boomers themselves—listening to what they value, how they’ve adapted, and what they want younger generations to understand.
Baby Boomers: A Generation of Firsts
Contrary to the label of being “technologically challenged,” Boomers were actually pioneers in digital adoption. Judy LeBlanc, a reader from the U.S., passionately reminded us that Boomers invented digital media and made home computers essential. This generation witnessed the birth of the internet, participated in the PC revolution, and helped shape how we consume media today.
They may not code like Gen Z, but dismissing them as tech-illiterate is both unfair and inaccurate. Many Boomers run e-commerce stores, manage Facebook groups, and even use AI tools to write memoirs. The key is understanding that their tech journey has been long—and they’ve earned their pace.
Boomer's voice
"You usually don't get to your 60s and older if you haven't learned a few things."
Connection Over Convenience
Boomers were raised in a time when relationships were built across dinner tables, not newsfeeds. Face-to-face conversations, handwritten notes, hospital visits, and shared card games formed the core of their social fabric. As Judy LeBlanc noted, Boomers cherish “the warmth of human touch,” something that can’t be replicated with emojis.
This deep-rooted preference for connection explains why many Boomers are slow to adopt digital-only communication. It’s not stubbornness—it’s sentiment. While Gen Z texts, Boomers call. And in a world starving for authentic connection, perhaps they’re the ones doing it right.
From Depression to Dot-Com: Financial Values with Context
Boomers learned financial caution from parents who survived the Great Depression and World War II. This shaped their values around saving, budgeting, and long-term planning. While some are frugal, others are not—and many now express concern about not having enough for retirement.
One reader from India insightfully noted: “There is a full spectrum of Boomers that are tight with their money and many that were not, and now in their later years, many are complaining about not having enough money.”
Rather than being “cheap,” Boomers often see financial conservatism as wisdom earned through hard lessons. In 20 years, as a senior pointed out, we’ll likely be evaluating younger generations’ spending habits with the same scrutiny.
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Tradition Meets Transition
Change can be hard for any generation, but Boomers have shown remarkable adaptability. From learning to use smartphones and attending Zoom reunions, to joining YouTube fitness channels and mastering online banking, their transition may be slower—but it’s steady.
The reluctance some Boomers display isn’t resistance to progress—it’s a desire to weigh change carefully. They prioritize stability, which has served them through decades of economic uncertainty and social upheaval. And when they do embrace change, it’s often thoughtful, strategic, and lasting.
A Sense of Duty That Shaped Nations
Boomers came of age in a time of civic responsibility. They marched in civil rights movements, protested wars, and volunteered in communities. Many still see voting, volunteering, and engaging in community work as non-negotiable duties.
Their actions aren’t always flashy or hashtag-worthy, but their contributions have been instrumental. For Boomers, civic duty isn’t just a checkbox—it’s a legacy. And it’s one that continues, even if it now includes mentoring, teaching, or serving on local boards post-retirement.
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Lessons from the Baby Boomers for the Next Generation
What can we learn from Boomers?
- That loyalty matters—to people, to principles, to promises.
- That connection isn’t outdated, it’s urgent.
- That working hard doesn’t mean rejecting work-life balance, but that persistence is still powerful.
- That sometimes, reflecting on the “good old days” isn’t about resisting change, but about remembering what worked well.
As Geoffrey S., a senior, put it: “You usually don’t get to your 60s and older if you haven’t learned a few things.”
Baby Boomers have learned. They’ve endured. And most of all, they have stories worth listening to.
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Conclusion: Baby Boomers in Their Own Words
Whether you agree with their ways or not, there’s much to gain from understanding Boomers beyond the meme. From Sabu’s financial reflections to Cindra’s historical context and Judy’s passionate defense of their values, it’s clear: Boomers don’t want to be boxed in by outdated narratives.
So next time you find yourself about to chuckle at a Boomerism, pause—and ask what you might learn instead.
Because those who’ve lived through the most change have the most wisdom to share.
And they’re still here, still learning, and still leading—in their own way.
Great post!