Wealth-Hoarding Boomers — A parliamentary committee has called for a crackdown on “ageist stereotyping” that paints older generations as wealthy homeowners stockpiling resources at the expense of younger people. A report from the Commons Women and Equalities Committee argues that terms like “boomer” and narratives pitting generations against each other normalize harmful attitudes and ignore systemic issues.
The report criticizes media depictions of baby boomers (born 1946–1964) as either “frail” or “luxury-living,” citing examples like the “OK Boomer” meme used to dismiss older voices. It warns such stereotypes to oversimplify complex economic challenges, including housing shortages and wage stagnation while sidelining older adults facing poverty or digital exclusion.
Key Findings from the Report
- Media Bias: Over 60% of UK media content portrays older people as “wealth-hoarding,” per a 2020 Centre for Ageing Better study.
- Wealth Disparities: While average individual wealth peaks at ages 60–64 (nine times higher than those aged 30–34), 16% of pensioners live in poverty.
- Digital Exclusion: 29% of over-75s lack home internet access, hindering access to banking, healthcare, and services.
The Wealth-Hoarding BoomersStereotype in Practice
The term “boomer” surged in popularity online as shorthand for blaming older generations for younger adults’ economic struggles, particularly in housing. MPs argue this framing ignores structural problems:
- UK house prices rose 60% in the past decade, outpacing wage growth.
- Only 37% of adults under 35 own homes, down from 55% in 1997.
“Discussions about intergenerational fairness often frame it as a zero-sum game,” said Labour MP Sarah Owen, committee chair. “This distracts from solutions like building affordable housing or reforming pension policies.”
Hidden Vulnerabilities Among Older Adults
While wealth aggregates with age, disparities persist:
- 1.2 million over-65s rely solely on the state pension (£11,502 annually).
- 40% of single pensioners have no savings.
The report also highlights “digital exclusion”:
- 6.3 million over-65s lack basic online skills, per Age UK.
- 43% of over-75s struggle to use NHS online services.
“Calling all older people ‘privileged’ ignores those choosing between heating and eating,” said Caroline Abrahams of Age UK.
Calls for Policy Changes
The committee urges:
- Stronger Regulation: Ofcom and the Advertising Standards Authority to address ageist media tropes.
- Digital Inclusion: Update the dormant 2014 Digital Inclusion Strategy with funding for training.
- Legal Reforms: Enforce anti-ageism laws and appoint an Older People’s Commissioner for England, mirroring Wales.
Government Response
A government spokesperson defended existing protections: “The Equality Act safeguards older people, and the triple lock ensures pensions rise with inflation.” Critics argue enforcement is lax, with only 12 age-related discrimination cases reaching tribunals in 2023.
Why This Matters
Framing generational gaps as “boomers vs. millennials” risks policy paralysis. “Blaming grandparents won’t build houses or raise wages,” said economist Arun Advani. “We need cooperation, not caricatures.”
