A poll of 2,000 Brits has revealed the life lessons that older generations have learnt from Gen Z – and it’s not just about social media and slang
Generation Z has been teaching older generations how to turn their hobbies into cash, achieve better work-life balance – and master the art of air fryer cooking. A survey of 2,000 Britons has uncovered what Millennials and Baby Boomers have been learning from their younger counterparts, and the results might surprise you.
Life lessons from youngsters have included how to say ‘no’ without feeling guilty, how to open up about mental health and how to embrace body positivity. Gen Zers (aged 13–28) have even been sharing financial expertise with their elders, teaching them about app-based investing and building additional income streams.
The study was carried out by Leo UK for its annual PopPulse report, which examines cross-generational influence and explores how knowledge sharing has evolved from a traditional top-down approach to a multi-directional exchange.
The survey found that more than three-quarters (77%) of adults over 28 have been influenced by Gen Z perspectives. Remarkably, 15% have even sought advice from younger people about first date destinations.
On average, advice is shared once a week, despite only 24% of Gen Zs feeling confident giving guidance to older generations.
Lilli English, chief strategy officer for Leo UK, said: “We set out to understand Gen Z’s influence – and ended up rethinking it completely.
“The research shows they’re not the detached, digital bubble they’re so often made out to be, but the ones quietly keeping things together – connecting families, keeping friendships afloat, finding balance in the mess.
“They’re helping the nation adapt to the chaos of modern life in small, human ways, a far richer story than the tired generational divide we keep hearing about.”
The study also revealed that a whopping 72% of Gen Zs believe the world would be a better place if their generation was listened to more. And an impressive 77% are convinced that different age groups have more in common than they realise.
In a similar vein, a staggering nine out of 10 (93%) of those surveyed via OnePoll are of the opinion that every generation should be open to learning from one another.
Of those who take advice from the younger group, 35% view it as a positive because younger people bring fresh perspectives.
Others hold the belief that wisdom isn’t solely tied to age and everyone has something to contribute (27%), while a quarter (25%) said youngsters’ energy and enthusiasm can be inspiring.
TOP 20 THINGS OLDER ADULTS HAVE BEEN SHOWN BY GEN Z:
- How to use TikTok
- How to take better selfies
- How to use emojis correctly
- How to use slang like “rizz” and “delulu”
- How to create a meme
- How to say “no” without guilt
- How to live in the moment
- How to do a skincare routine
- How to use an air fryer
- How to dance
- How to invest via apps
- How to create a side hustle
- How to monetise hobbies
- How to use pronouns respectfully
- How to be more inclusive
- How to open up about mental health
- How to be more eco-conscious
- How to embrace individuality
- How to embrace body positivity
- How to improve work-life balance
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