There’s a lot of attention paid to generational divides, which makes sense.
Each generation has their own way of doing things, and on the surface, it seems like there are some pretty big gaps between the likes of say, Gen Z and boomers. However, no matter what decade you were born in, you’re not all that different from those who came before or after. For instance, millennials and boomers experience life a lot differently, but they still have these things in common.
1. They both value hard work and reliability.
Despite growing up in different economic climates, both generations deeply value the idea of being dependable and hardworking. Millennials often juggle multiple roles and side hustles, while boomers built long-term careers and emphasised showing up no matter what. The work ethic just looks a little different, but it runs deep on both sides.
That shared sense of responsibility often shows in how both generations approach their commitments, whether it’s work, family, or relationships. While the way they talk about it might differ, they both take pride in pulling their weight and being seen as someone everyone can count on.
2. They care about homeownership, even if it’s harder now.
Boomers are known for chasing the dream of owning property, and while it’s a harder goal for millennials, that desire hasn’t gone away. Many Millennials still see owning a home as a symbol of stability and success, even if the path to it involves co-ownership, fixer-uppers, or moving to less expensive areas.
Both generations associate homeownership with adulthood and security, even if the economy has made the reality feel wildly different. The aspiration remains a powerful link between them, shaped by different timelines but underpinned by the same emotional drive.
3. They’re both cautious with money.
Boomers learned to save and plan thanks to conservative financial upbringing and the uncertainty of past recessions. Millennials, in contrast, have become cautious through necessity, facing high student debt, rising living costs, and job instability. The end result is the same, though: neither generation tends to spend recklessly.
Whether it’s coupon clipping or strategic budgeting apps, both groups are highly aware of how far a pound can stretch. They might manage their money differently, but the careful mindset is shared. They both want to feel in control, even if what they’re working with varies.
4. They like to stick with what works.
Boomers are known for loyalty—to brands, routines, and even old tech. Millennials might appear more trend-driven, but many of them are creatures of habit too. Once they find something they like, whether it’s a skincare product or streaming service, they tend to stay loyal.
This consistency comes from different places. For boomers, it’s often about familiarity and trust, while millennials may value ease and reliability. Either way, they both appreciate the comfort of something tried and true, and aren’t always chasing the next big thing.
5. They both crave stability.
Whether it’s job security, a steady income, or a quiet home life, both generations have a strong desire for stability. Boomers often pursued it through long careers and building financial cushions, while millennials seek it through flexible jobs, minimalism, or creating mental wellness routines.
The methods differ, but the underlying goal is the same: a life that feels secure and manageable. Both generations want a sense of peace, even if one chases it through retirement plans and the other through therapy and work-life balance.
6. They’re surprisingly sentimental.
It’s easy to stereotype boomers as stuck in the past and Millennials as digital minimalists, but both groups are deeply sentimental. Boomers hold onto family heirlooms and memories, while millennials cling to old playlists, childhood toys, or handwritten notes.
That emotional attachment to the past shows that both generations value personal history and nostalgia. Whether it’s a vinyl record or a first-generation iPod, they both cherish the things that remind them of simpler times and meaningful moments.
7. They both dislike being misunderstood.
Boomers often feel misrepresented as out-of-touch or rigid, while millennials are frequently painted as entitled or lazy. Both groups are tired of the stereotypes and just want to be seen for who they really are: people trying to make sense of the world around them.
Their shared frustration can actually be a bonding point. Once the generational noise quiets down, it’s clear that both sides are navigating challenges and adapting in their own way, all while dealing with outdated assumptions that don’t tell the full story.
8. They enjoy personalising their spaces.
Boomers have always taken pride in decorating their homes, from wallpaper patterns to carefully curated knick-knacks. Millennials might lean more toward plants and minimalist aesthetics, but the intention is the same—making a space feel personal and comfortable.
This love of nesting and self-expression is a quiet connection between the two. Whether it’s mid-century furniture or sleek Scandinavian shelves, both generations enjoy creating an environment that reflects who they are and what they value.
9. They care deeply about their families.
While family dynamics may look different, both boomers and millennials put a high priority on their relationships with loved ones. Boomers often focused on providing for their children, while millennials are more likely to prioritise emotional connection and open communication.
In either case, the care and effort is there. Both generations want to show up for the people they love, whether it’s through practical support, regular phone calls, or simply being there when it matters most. Family matters to both, just expressed in slightly different ways.
10. They’ve had to adapt to major tech changes.
Boomers witnessed the rise of the internet and mobile phones in their adult lives, while millennials grew up alongside the evolution of digital tech. Both have had to adapt, sometimes reluctantly, but ultimately learned how to navigate a rapidly shifting world.
That shared experience of figuring out new tools, dealing with password fatigue, and adjusting to a constantly evolving online culture creates common ground. Boomers might still prefer a good book, and millennials might lean on apps, but they both understand the learning curve.
11. They want to feel respected for their journey.
Boomers want their experience and wisdom to be acknowledged, while millennials want their struggles and adaptability to be seen. At the heart of both desires is a need to be validated for what they’ve lived through and how they’ve grown.
This mutual desire for respect opens the door to more understanding. Both generations have faced massive cultural shifts and survived significant change. They want to be recognised for their resilience, not reduced to lazy labels or headlines.
12. They believe in doing things yourself.
Boomers were often part of the DIY culture out of necessity—fixing cars, painting walls, building furniture. Millennials have embraced their own version through self-teaching, side hustles, and internet-based learning. The tools are different, but the DIY spirit remains alive and well.
Whether it’s repurposing furniture or learning to code, both groups value the sense of achievement that comes from doing something on their own. That hands-on attitude bridges the years between them more than most would expect.
13. They both want to leave things better than they found them.
Source: Unsplash Boomers often wanted to provide a better life for their children, while Millennials are trying to reshape systems that no longer work. There’s a shared desire to make a meaningful impact and leave a positive legacy, even if their approaches don’t always align.
They both look at the future with a sense of responsibility, whether it’s about finances, the environment, or culture. That common aim can sometimes get lost in the generational noise, but it’s one of the strongest ties they share.
14. They’re both learning how to adapt and grow.
No matter the age, both generations are constantly adjusting, whether it’s to new technology, changing social values, or changing life circumstances. Boomers are retiring differently than their parents did, and millennials are redefining adulthood altogether.
This ongoing process of change connects them more than they realise. They’re both learning, evolving, and trying to make sense of an ever-changing world. Whether they admit it or not, they’re doing it with more in common than they think.
