I’ve noticed that as some of my fellow Boomers grow older, they develop a kind of cynicism about life. It’s as if the more the world changes around them, the more they dig in their heels.
Now, change isn’t always easy, and I get that—after all, I’m in my sixties myself. But I’ve also realized that holding onto certain outdated beliefs can turn even the most vibrant among us into jaded versions of ourselves.
The good news? We can challenge these beliefs. Let’s walk through five of them together.
1. Hard work should come before happiness
Many of us Boomers were raised with a strong work ethic baked into us. We came up in a time when doing your duty, putting in long hours, and “earning your keep” were values we wore like badges of honor.
And let’s be honest, that mindset helped many of us build stable lives and provide for our families.
But here’s the flip side: many Boomers struggle to slow down, even in retirement. The idea of relaxing, enjoying life, or doing something “unproductive” can trigger an almost automatic guilt response. It’s as if if we’re not grinding, we’re wasting time—or worse, wasting our lives.
The truth is, happiness doesn’t have to be the reward you earn after hard work. It can exist alongside it, or even take the lead now and then. Slowing down doesn’t mean you’re giving up; it might just mean you’re finally giving yourself permission to live.
2. Feelings make you weak
A common outlook, especially among men of my age, is that emotions should be tucked away. When I was younger, I’d often hear folks say, “Stop being so dramatic,” “Man up”, or “Pull yourself together.” Honestly, I used to believe it, too.
Over time, though—especially after becoming a grandfather—I realized how harmful this mindset can be. Bottling up emotions doesn’t make us strong; it just makes us closed off.
As Brené Brown, a researcher I’ve come to admire, points out, “Vulnerability is the birthplace of love, belonging, joy, courage, empathy, and creativity.”
In my younger years, that statement would’ve felt too touchy-feely, but now it resonates. Being honest about how we feel opens the door to deeper connections with family and friends. When we bottle everything, we risk turning bitter and resentful.
3. Young people today are lazy
A lot of Boomers seem to think that younger folks just don’t know the “value of hard work”. We see them prioritizing flexibility, mental health, or work-life balance, and sometimes we take that as a sign of laziness. “Back in my day…” becomes the opening line of a complaint more than a memory.
But this kind of blanket negativity can start to distort how we view the world—and the people in it. If we’re always looking at the younger generation through a lens of criticism, we miss out on the innovation, adaptability, and emotional intelligence many of them bring to the table.
Sure, their approach is different from ours. But different doesn’t mean worse. It just means the world has changed—and they’re navigating it the best way they know how.
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If we stay stuck in judgment, we risk isolating ourselves from a generation that actually has a lot to teach us. And let’s be honest: becoming the “grumpy old man yelling at the clouds” isn’t a role any of us dreamed of growing into.
4. Success means status, titles, and stuff
Many ‘older’ people like me came of age in a world where success was often measured by what you had. The job title, the house, the car, the retirement account—these were the benchmarks.
And for many of us, chasing those things brought a real sense of purpose and pride.
But what happens when the titles fade, the corner office is gone, or we realize we don’t actually need all that stuff anymore? If we still tie our identity to external achievements, it’s easy to feel lost or insignificant once those things are no longer part of daily life.
The truth is, success can be redefined. Maybe it looks like being present with your grandkids, traveling somewhere new, volunteering, or finally exploring that creative passion you shelved decades ago. Letting go of outdated ideas about success opens the door to a different kind of fulfillment—one that’s not tied to status, but to meaning.
5. The old way was better
Last but not least, it’s easy to fall into the mindset that the way we did things “back then” was just… better.
And in some ways, sure—it was. People talked face-to-face more. Things were built to last. We didn’t spend dinner scrolling on our phones.
But not everything from the past deserves a pedestal. Technology, for example, has made life more accessible in a lot of ways.
I remember being at a restaurant not long ago with an old friend. We sat down, and instead of menus, there was a QR code on the table. You scanned it with your phone to order. My friend crossed his arms and said, “Well, this is ridiculous.”
But after a bit of grumbling, he gave it a shot—and you know what? It worked just fine. We even got to spend more time talking instead of waiting for someone to take our order.
The point is, not every “new” thing is automatically bad—and not every “old” way is worth clinging to. When we insist that the past was always better, we risk shutting ourselves off from the good that’s happening now. A little openness can go a long way—not just in keeping up with the times but in keeping our spirits young, too.
Parting thoughts
I’m the first to admit I don’t know everything, but I do know that these five beliefs can weigh us down if we don’t question them.
It’s not about tossing out every value we grew up with—many of them shaped who we are in the best ways. But when we hold on too tightly, especially as the world changes around us, we risk becoming rigid, bitter, and yes—jaded.
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The truth is, we’re never too old to grow. Challenging these old beliefs isn’t about rejecting our past; it’s about choosing not to let it define our future. The more we stay curious, compassionate, and open—even just a little—the more vibrant, connected, and alive we stay.
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