Lisa O
Every generation thinks they’ve cracked the code, and Gen Z is no exception. But while they bring fresh energy and ideas, some of their comments land poorly with Boomers who’ve been through decades of change, challenge, and growth. Here are 15 things Boomers are genuinely tired of hearing from Gen Z, and why.
“Okay Boomer”
At first, it was just a viral phrase. But now, “Okay Boomer” feels more like a dismissive insult than a joke. Boomers don’t mind being challenged or even laughed with, but they do mind being brushed off without a real conversation. It suggests anything they say is automatically out of touch, regardless of context. For many Boomers, it’s frustrating to be reduced to a catchphrase when they’ve lived through real struggles, made hard choices, and in many cases, helped build the systems Gen Z now critiques.
“You Ruined the Economy”
Boomers hear this a lot, and while they understand the frustration behind it, the accusation feels oversimplified. Yes, housing prices were lower decades ago, but interest rates were often sky-high, wages were modest, and job security wasn’t a guarantee. Many Boomers scrimped, saved, and worked long hours to build financial stability. They didn’t all benefit from booming markets or rig the system to fail future generations.
“Why Don’t You Just Retire Already?”
This one hits a nerve. Many Boomers would love to retire, but rising healthcare costs, inflation, and shifting retirement benefits have made that difficult. Others enjoy their work, feel a sense of purpose in it, or simply aren’t ready to stop contributing. Hearing that they should “get out of the way” feels not only ageist but also dismissive of their experience and continued value.
“Nobody Cares About Your Facebook”
Gen Z may prefer TikTok and Instagram, but Boomers use Facebook to stay connected with distant family, childhood friends, and local communities. Being mocked for using it feels like being told their connections and memories don’t matter. Sure, they may share a few too many vacation pics or motivational quotes, but for them, it’s about belonging.
“You Don’t Understand Mental Health”
This assumption stings. Boomers weren’t raised in an era that encouraged emotional openness, but that doesn’t mean they’re incapable of understanding or supporting mental health struggles. Many have made huge personal progress in breaking emotional patterns and seeking help. To be told they “don’t get it” overlooks their efforts and often unfairly labels them as emotionally unavailable.
“Your Advice Is Outdated”
Not every life lesson from a Boomer is stuck in the past. Sure, the job market, technology, and dating scene have changed, but fundamentals like reliability, honesty, and effort still hold value. When Gen Z dismisses their advice entirely, it feels like tossing out decades of lived experience. Boomers aren’t trying to lecture—they’re often just trying to help the next generation avoid some of the pain they went through.
“Why Do You Still Use Voicemail?”
It might seem old-fashioned to Gen Z, but for Boomers, voicemail is part of basic communication. They grew up making calls, not sending DMs, and they still feel more comfortable hearing someone’s voice than reading a text bubble. Mocking them for leaving voicemails feels like laughing at someone for speaking their first language. Many Boomers do use texts and emails, but they still believe that some things are worth saying aloud.
“You’re All Racist/Sexist/Homophobic”
Boomers are tired of being grouped under labels based on outdated views they don’t hold. Many of them were part of civil rights marches, women’s liberation movements, and early LGBTQ+ advocacy. They’ve grown, evolved, and learned like everyone else. Hearing that their entire generation is regressive feels both unfair and reductive.
“You Shouldn’t Have Had Kids If You Couldn’t Afford It”
This one feels deeply personal. Boomers raised families in a time when one income could support a household, college tuition didn’t cost as much as a house, and homeownership was within reach for the middle class. They couldn’t predict how dramatically things would change. Many sacrificed vacations, career goals, and personal dreams to raise their kids. To hear judgment now for not being “wealthy enough” at the time feels cruel.
“You Don’t Know What It’s Like to Be Stressed”
Boomers may not talk about stress the same way Gen Z does, but that doesn’t mean they didn’t experience it. Many juggled families, mortgages, health crises, job loss, and caregiving responsibilities without the mental health language or resources that exist today. They just powered through because that’s what was expected. To be told they’ve never known real pressure ignores years of quietly carrying emotional loads.
“Why Didn’t You Save the Planet?”
Boomers understand the urgency of the climate crisis, but being told they “destroyed the Earth” feels both overwhelming and disheartening. Many remember when recycling programs were first introduced and participated in early conservation movements. They lived through oil shortages, environmental legislation, and a time when green tech didn’t exist. Yes, industrial growth took a toll, but most didn’t fully understand the long-term consequences.
“Capitalism Is Evil and You’re the Problem”
Boomers grew up in a postwar world where capitalism was presented as stability, opportunity, and freedom. Most didn’t benefit from privilege—they worked hard, took jobs they didn’t love, and tried to provide for their families. When Gen Z blames them for participating in capitalism, it feels like being punished for surviving. Not everyone had the option to “opt out” or be idealistic.
“Why Don’t You Just Move Closer to Us?”
It’s easy to suggest relocating when you’re young and mobile, but for Boomers, moving is a major life upheaval. Their support systems, healthcare providers, communities, and friends are often rooted where they are. Packing up and starting fresh isn’t simple at 65 or 75, especially with medical needs or downsizing stress. Many would love to live closer to their kids or grandkids, but it’s not always financially or logistically possible.
“Stop Telling Stories From the Past”
Boomers tell stories because that’s how they connect, pass down wisdom, and keep memories alive. When they share tales about old jobs, childhood mischief, or past mistakes, they’re not trying to dominate the conversation. They’re trying to offer something of value or simply feel remembered. When Gen Z rolls their eyes or says “we’ve heard this already,” it stings. It makes Boomers feel invisible or like their lives don’t matter.
“You’re Lucky You Had It So Easy”
This one feels the most out of touch. Life wasn’t easy. It was just different. Boomers faced wars, rationing, economic instability, civil unrest, and societal limitations that are hard for younger generations to imagine. Yes, houses were cheaper, but so were wages. Yes, college cost less—but so did job security. They weren’t handed everything; they worked long hours, made sacrifices, and often went without.