Is it considered rude to call someone older than 60 a “boomer”? This largely depends on individual opinions. And is it sensible to spend $400,000 to limit the use of this term? Apparently not.
Technically, an individual could be termed a boomer if they were born during the baby boom following World War II.
However, the surge of the term “OK boomer” on social networking sites — used by younger groups to critique the views of older generations — has changed its meaning.
To protect the feelings of older citizens, the WA Department of Communities is directing funds towards an anti-ageism campaign along with a series of associated actions.
A seven-page pamphlet advises against the use of terms “boomer” and “millennial”, suggesting they allegedly “create divisions among age brackets”.
The $400,000 spending, first reported by The West Australian on Tuesday, provoked discussion, with observers labeling it unnecessary political correctness.
Over 20% of West Australians are older than 60. Some insisted the department should focus on more pressing issues such as child welfare and combatting domestic abuse.
The Government claims their effort is aimed at fostering mutual respect, yet demographers and a section of West Australians feel it lacks depth.
Camera IconPeta Cummings is part of Mandurah Old Farts — a cohort of friends who’ve been together for over five decades. Credit: Daniel Wilkins/The West Australian
Demographics analyst Simon Kuestenmacher described it as “an economical gesture” that overlooks the deeper causes of generational conflicts.
This discord centers on economic conditions, along with younger people’s perception that their challenges are tougher than those faced by prior generations.
The children from the post-World War II boom, who thrived in the affluent 1950s, are now targets of the “OK boomer” retort — a saying that became popular on TikTok in 2019.
The phrase, primarily used by Gen Z (born 1996-2010), dismisses seniors, encompassing actual boomers and also Gen X (born 1966-1980).
This criticism suggests that while older generations lament today’s indulged youth — a term also attributed to Gen Y (aka millennials) born from 1981 — they are detached due to their relatively easier paths to home ownership and wealth accumulation.
Peta Cummings of Mandurah Old Farts says at 74, she welcomes the “boomer” label and acknowledges her peers often struggle with technology.
“This seems like political correctness taken too far,” Ms. Cummings observes.
“We refer to ourselves as old farts and don’t take offense. It seems nowadays, everything is taboo.”
For this self-declared old fart, generational quarrels should not be the government’s priority.
Camera IconBoomer couple Maureen and Wayne Knight are each 75 years old. Credit: Daniel Wilkins/The West Australian
“I see nothing that requires fixing and don’t find it insulting to be called old farts,” Ms. Cummings continues.
The Sunday Times connected with individuals from various age demographics at Rockingham seafront recently.
From boomer to zoomer (Gen Z), the consensus was that the campaign seems unnecessary.
Boomer pair Maureen and Wayne Knight are both 75.
Ms. Knight believes there’s no need to protect older people from the boomer label, as it’s usually the younger ones who are more easily offended.
Her husband suggests millennials are more sensitive, attributing it to his generation’s kinder parenting compared to earlier norms.
Bill Coulter, aged 78, perceives generational labels as constantly changing and insignificant.
Mr. Coulter disputes the stereotypes of laziness associated with young folks or that boomers are inept with technology.
“I manage online shopping and settle bills via my computer,” he shares.
Mr. Coulter recalls similar generalizations, such as laziness, aimed at boomers by their elders.
Gen Z’s Destiny, aged 26, acknowledged the continuation of stereotypes through labels but doesn’t believe they are “offensive”.
“Boomers benefit from more favorable financial situations than millennials, as data indicates,” she noted.
Camera IconDestiny, within Gen Z, 26, recognized labels’ reinforcement of stereotypes but found them non-offensive. Credit: Daniel Wilkins/The West Australian
“It’s unfair to call millennials work-averse; it’s merely more difficult to advance and secure homes.”
Cam Pinker, also 26, was against restrictions on speech but admitted that generational stereotypes were oversimplified.
“Each generation critiques the ones before and after; personally, it doesn’t bother me,” Mr. Pinker said.
Andrew Brady, aged 50 and a Gen Xer, doubted the government’s endeavor would change the way people talk.
“In my youth, I’d tell my parents ‘you’re out of touch with tech or modern music’. Age carried more weight back then,” he mentioned.
Mitchell Beauchamp, 39, identifies as a millennial, yet is called a boomer by his Gen Z children.
Neither he nor his partner Danielle support the government’s attempt to eradicate these terms.
“Being easily offended has become commonplace,” Ms. Beauchamp, 36, commented.
She acknowledged Gen Z stereotypes, witnessing them frequently in her nursing career.
“Older generations are sturdier, complain less, while younger ones seem entitled,” Ms. Beauchamp argued.
Mr. Kuestenmacher, from The Demographics Group in Melbourne, connected generational gaps to financial inequalities.
He described efforts to control language as “ill-considered tokenism”, neglecting the significant evaluations needed to address fundamental challenges.
“Boomers possess considerable property wealth; addressing this is a zero-sum endeavor,” he stressed.
Camera IconMitchell Beauchamp, a millennial at 39, faces his Gen Z son’s boomer label. Credit: Daniel Wilkins/The West Australian
Mr. Kuestenmacher argues that making housing more attainable for millennials would involve reducing property’s attractiveness as an investment for older individuals seeking to expand real estate holdings.
“Ultimately, frustrating the approximately two-thirds of homeowners — perhaps a strategy to lower housing prices — could genuinely narrow the gap,” he highlighted.
“Otherwise, these leaflets are empty gestures rather than dealing with crucial issues.”
He cautioned that the increase of WA’s elder population might heighten generational conflicts, with those aged 85+ predicted to double in 15 years.
“In six years, the youngest boomers reach retirement,” he foresaw.
“Ten years later, they’ll likely require healthcare at unprecedented levels.”
Mr. Kuestenmacher noted re-evaluating senior care models is essential.
“Politically complex. Hence the government circulates a few brochures,” he noted.
Seniors and Ageing Minister Don Punch described the brochure as a consciousness-raising effort, part of a broader ageism awareness campaign, suggesting it represents a better portrayal of the elderly through language.
“Critically, it’s not about dictating language, but encouraging regard for everyone,” Mr. Punch emphasized.