Different generations have their own unique interests and preferences, and sometimes it can get pretty hard for one age group to understand the other, especially when we’re talking about the things they love.
Let’s take Boomers' obsession with minion memes and printing, for example. It seems that Millennials and Gen Z can’t wrap their heads around it and tend to poke fun at them for it online (OK, Boomer).
Most likely, this teasing will never change, as there’s more than a 60-year age gap between the oldest and youngest people from these generations. That’s a wide time frame to catch up on for the older ones, so we shouldn’t be surprised when something they like seems outdated or random to the youngsters.
As 2023 is coming to an end, we can’t think of a better way to send it off than by looking at some funny and unusual things Boomers absolutely love. Our Bored Panda team has collected the top ones that you might not understand right now but perhaps will end up raving about when you get older. Who knows, just like Boomers, you might start loving a really good leather phone case.
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Nowadays, Boomers mostly have fun poked at them online for their conservative views and their love for everything they’re accustomed to. But along with the random things they enjoy and can’t let go of, they currently have a lot of influence on the world.
This generation makes up a substantial part of the population, especially in developed countries. As the third largest age group in the U.S. (recently surpassed by Millennials and Gen Z), they still continue to have a significant impact on the economy, the world of work, and consumerism.
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Before diving deeper into the chokehold Boomers have us in, we have to go back to generational origins. It all started following World War II, in 1946 when more babies were born than ever before. 3.4 million, to be exact, which was 20% more than the year before. The spike in new births during this period is known as the baby boom (hence the name).
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The country had to somehow adapt to the increase in children. For instance, the counties had to build numerous schools in the 1940s and '50s while simultaneously filling them with trained staff and teachers. In Los Angeles alone, a new school opened every month from 1946 to 1964. If math is mathing, it comes to about 216 schools in 18 years.
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In 2022, this population totaled 69 million people in the U.S. Today, their wealth in North America makes them the main buyers and focus of companies.
An example is the wide range of anti-aging products that target this specific generation. It became widespread in 1981 when Maybelline's “Moisture Whip” was advertised by Lynda Carter (famous for her Wonder Woman role), who encouraged women to purchase it. At the time, the oldest person in this generation was 35 and was already targeted with various anti-age creams, which, according to experts, were full of empty promises.
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In fact, Baby Boomers are living longer than any generation before them. Because of that, investments in healthcare and medical technology continue to grow as more of them age. It's predicted that the main problem in 2030 will be caring for the elders of this generation. To meet their care needs, necessary social and public changes will need to be put in place so it doesn’t become a long-term issue for society.
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Additionally, as many of them refuse to retire, they are affecting the labor market. Boomers are holding onto jobs that could be filled by the next generation. Younger people’s career opportunities are already limited, and as the over-50 crowd stays put, it further impacts future employment.
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However, the persistence of Boomers had some positives, as productivity dropped when they retired. People in this generation often pride themselves on their work and are typically competitive and more hardworking than the youngsters. Also, let's not forget that they were the ones who popularized the saying “live to work,” so you better believe they’re not joking when it comes to their jobs.
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Boomers love calling TV shows “programs.” 😂 pic.twitter.com/eGO7A1Smad
— Brad Davis (@Bgamer90) March 30, 2023
But with boomers now kicking back, relaxing, and enjoying random things from this list, it has created a world with fewer people to replace them or take care of them. It’s because they had fewer children than their own parents. Since they entered the workforce, the American fertility rate has declined from 3.7 children per woman to about 2.
One way to make up for it is to open doors to immigrants. However, elected politicians from this generation have slowly closed this opportunity. Smaller families and anti-immigration policies are creating a gap in the labor force that isn’t going to be filled any time soon.
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In addition, they spent years taking housing away from the next generation. In 2019, they owned 42% of American homes and especially dominated coastal areas like New York and Florida. Even though boomers just began selling their homes, it’s not happening fast enough to keep up with the demand. Young families are struggling to settle down because there aren’t enough accommodations near promising job opportunities.
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Boomers can be considered lucky, as they grew up with stable economic growth that continued into their adult years with just a couple of hiccups. They are retiring to enjoy the most unhinged things and activities, leaving a shrinking labor market and economy with expensive housing in their wake. On the bright side, freeing up positions can help those struggling to find employment, and boomers will finally get the rest they worked so hard for.
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