How Different Generations Are Responding to COVID-19

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Key Takeaways

  • Reports indicate that they are key differences in how different generations are responding to COVID-19.
  • While older people are more susceptible to the complications from the coronavirus, it's actually the younger generations that are most worried about someone getting sick.
  • Although no one knows for sure what the long-term consequences of the pandemic will be, experts predict it will have a lasting impact on people of all generations.




Generational Breakdown

  • Baby Boomer: 1946–1964
  • Generation X: 1965–1979
  • Millennials: 1980–1994
  • Gen Z: 1995–2012

It's important to note that these generation dates are approximate and there is some overlap. Some argue that those born between 1975 and 1985 represent a "micro-generation" known as Xennials.


The Baby Boomer Generation

Baby boomers, born in an era of post-war optimism, have experienced a lot over the years. They've survived wars, social change, political upheaval, and more. This might be why they are often seen as being less worried about the pandemic than their kids and grandkids think they should be.

Younger generations may be frustrated by this, but many boomers may feel that they’ve gone through enough and are capable of taking care of themselves. Concerns that people from the boomer generation are dealing with include:



The CDC also estimates that between 31% and 59% of adults between the ages of 65 and 84 will require hospitalization if they contract the infection.﻿﻿





Older adults may be less worried about their work situation, often because they have retired or are getting closer to retirement. This doesn't mean that they are not worried about the economic fallout of the pandemic, including how their own kids and grandkids are fairing.


It might be tempting to get upset about how aging parents are reacting (or not reacting) to the pandemic, but it is important to stay empathetic. While it might seem like many boomers are ignoring or downplaying what's happening, there are indications that people from this age cohort are taking steps to protect themselves and others.

For example, one poll found that 34% of boomers reported that they were stocking up on basic essentials.﻿﻿ Another survey of 2,000 Americans found that while baby boomers were the least concerned about contracting COVID-19 compared to other generations, 43% were worried about the possibility.﻿﻿ Such numbers will likely continue to climb as the virus spreads.

If you are worried about your parents or grandparents, do what you can to gently encourage them to engage in social distancing and to stay home as much as possible.

Generation X

Some have suggested that Gen X adults are perhaps the most prepared to cope with the isolation of social distancing and quarantine. Known as the "latchkey generation," Gen X'ers learned to occupy themselves in the hours after school before their parents got home from work.








People with asthma, heart conditions, diabetes, liver disease, and those who are immunocompromised are more vulnerable to serious complications from COVID-19.﻿﻿




Concern for Parents








Millennials have borne the brunt of blame accusations that they are being cavalier about the pandemic, yet polls indicate that people from this generation are actually taking the health crisis more seriously than older and younger adults.

"Millennials are not out partying," suggested Mairead McArdle, a reporter for the National Review in a tweet. "We and our anxiety issues are holed up working from home, watching Hulu, and yelling at our parents not to go outside. It's Gen Z you want."

Generation Z


Early reports suggest that younger people are taking an individualistic attitude toward the pandemic, as many younger adults continue to go out and socialize even as health experts recommended people stay home and follow social distancing guidelines. Some concerns that may be affecting people in this generation include:

Worry for Loved Ones



A 2018 survey by the American Psychological Association found that Gen Z adults report having the poorest mental health of any generation.﻿﻿ The added stress of COVID-19 may be putting even more pressure on the well-being of this generation.




What About the Next Generation?


Transgenerational Trauma




Just as the Great Depression and 9/11 led to changes in how people lived their lives, COVID-19 will most likely leave a major mark on both adults and kids. 



While we might expect kids to just move on or bounce back once the threat has passed, the reality is that it's an experience that will help shape their growth and development. 



What This Means For You



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Article Sources
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