As generations pass, boomers and millennials are often likened to chalk and cheese regarding beliefs and practices on everything.

We look into what separates the two and where they have some common ground.

8 Things Boomers & Millennials Have in Common

Both Enjoy Technology

While millennials are considered “tech natives” whereas boomers aren’t, both parties enjoy technology because they’ve grown up with it being a presence in their lives (mainly computers) and have witnessed its considerable advancement over the last thirty years.

While the two generations have different approaches to the time and usage of technology (more on that later), both enjoy technology as a regular part of their lives.

Family is Important 

Family values are imperative to both millennials and boomers alike. Both consider their family ties the most important aspects of their lives.

They also share a similarity insofar as birth control usage, with many on both sides not opting to start families until later, unlike pre-birth-control generations.

Volunteering & Community

Community is an important area of millennials’ and boomers’ lives. As a result, both sides are prone to getting involved with community events, such as volunteering.

This can be charity activities, sponsored events, religious endeavors, and participation in political movements.

Religion

Both boomers and millennials share an autonomous approach to religion, whether embracing the faith they grew up with, embracing a more spiritual path, or choosing not to partake in religious beliefs or activities.

Older generations, such as the Silent and the Great, often did not challenge the religious beliefs bestowed upon them by family or community. In contrast, boomers and millennials are more open to exploring other options. 

Diversity

Both generations were raised during periods of the twentieth century when diversity among cultures and communities was more welcomed and accepted than ever.

This is particularly applicable for westerners, as immigration and traveling are more commonplace than with previous generations.

Socializing

Both parties are typically social butterflies, which is sometimes true with older and younger generations.

Boomers and millennials enjoy an active social life and often find socializing mentally stimulating. Therefore both usually have a vast network of friends and associates.

Social Media

Despite having something of a reputation as being technophobic, on the contrary, boomers enjoy social media as much as millennials do.

Both typically indulge in platforms such as Facebook and Twitter, using the channels to air beliefs, stay in touch with friends and family, and share daily tidbits of their lives.

Traveling

Last but not least, boomers and millennials share the most significant common ground in traveling. 

Both parties aren’t known for their love of staying put and like to explore the various corners of the world, as and when possible. And owing to foreign travel being more accessible and quicker than ever, they’re often out exploring.

8 Things That Divide Boomers & Millennials

Employment

This is a big divider between the two generations. Typically boomers work to live and will do what’s necessary to keep the bills paid.

Millennials – often considered lazy and entitled – are challenging traditional work values in favor of rewarding and enjoyable jobs, flexible working patterns, and fair pay. 

Technology

Although the average boomer and millennial will own and use various devices and tech products daily, that’s as far as the similarity goes.

Technology wasn’t as advanced in boomers’ heyday as it is now, meaning their relationship with it isn’t as reliant as that of millennials – who boomers often accuse of being “glued to their phones.”

Parenting

Boomers are typically more traditional regarding parents, opting for discipline tactics and the “what I say goes” approach.

Millennial parents, on the other hand, approach parenting differently and will often include their children in decision-making processes.

Retirement

There is a big difference regarding retirement insofar as their polarizing approach to professional risk-taking can impact their retirement situations.

Also, the other dividing factor is the economy. Boomers‘ working years were mostly periods of steady stability. In contrast, millennials have been hit hard by several global financial catastrophes, such as the 2008 recession and the ramifications of the 2020 pandemic. 

Finance & Income

Again, this can often stem back to economic issues as the vital divider between the two. The modern global economy has been bad for over ten years, just as millennials entered the job market.

This has meant job shortages, high levels of student debt, low-paying entry-level jobs, and the ever-rising cost of living.

Diet & Nutrition

Millennials are typically considered more health conscious – particularly regarding food.

Also, as for cuisines from other cultures – millennials are typically more adventurous. They also enjoy eating out more than boomers – or are more willing to part with their cash to dine out.

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Source: Reddit