It’s 2025, and somehow we’re still recycling tired, lazy stereotypes about older people. You know the ones—out-of-touch, grumpy, tech-averse, clinging to their landlines like it’s 1987. But here’s the thing: most of these assumptions are not only wrong, they’re downright insulting. Age doesn’t make you less curious, less relevant, or less anything—except maybe less willing to put up with the BS.
Older generations have survived more cultural revolutions than most Gen Zs can name. They’ve adapted, evolved, and are still out here starting businesses, advocating for justice, and hitting the gym harder than half the twenty-somethings on TikTok. So let’s kill the myths that are keeping everyone stuck.
1. They’re Bad At Technology
No, they might not be coding apps—but plenty of older people use smartphones, social media, and even AI tools with confidence according to studies published in Pew Research Center. They’ve learned to use Zoom, do online banking, and navigate streaming platforms just fine. The myth that they’re helpless with tech is lazy at best and condescending at worst.
Older people are often selective with technology because they don’t have time for pointless trends. They’ll master the tools that matter and ignore the rest—and honestly, that’s just efficient. Don’t confuse intentional choices with ignorance.
2. They’re Too Stuck In Their Ways
The idea that older people can’t change is one of the most damaging myths out there. Many in their 60s, 70s, and beyond are learning new skills, exploring new ideas, and rethinking their perspectives. They’ve been forced to adapt through wars, economic crashes, and technology revolutions—so no, they’re not stuck.
Sure, some older folks hold on tight to their comfort zones—but so do plenty of people in their 20s. Being rigid is a human thing, not an age thing. Assuming otherwise says more about your bias than theirs.
3. They Don’t Care About Social Justice
Some of the fiercest activists are in their 60s, 70s, and beyond. They marched for civil rights, fought for reproductive freedom, and are still showing up for justice today. Just because they’re not yelling on TikTok doesn’t mean they’re disengaged.
Many older people have been fighting for progress longer than some of us have been alive as About Generations highlights. The myth that they’re all checked out or conservative is just projection. Activism has no age limit.
4. They Don’t Want To Learn New Things
Plenty of older adults go back to school, learn new languages, and take up hobbies they never had time for earlier in life. Curiosity doesn’t die with age—it just changes focus. They may not care about the latest meme, but they’re still expanding their minds.
It’s also worth noting that older learners often bring more patience and nuance to the table. They’re not in a rush for the next shiny thing—they care about depth. That’s something younger generations could stand to learn.
5. They’re All Rich And Retired
This fantasy of older people living comfortably in their beach houses is just that—a fantasy. As revealed in this CNN article, many older adults are still working because they have to, thanks to rising costs, unexpected health expenses, or simply not having enough saved. Retirement isn’t some guaranteed golden ticket.
Financial stability in later life is often the result of privilege, not just hard work. Older people aren’t all sitting on pensions—they’re navigating the same economic chaos as everyone else. Let’s stop pretending they’re all coasting.
6. They’re All Ultra-Conservative
Not every older person is clinging to outdated ideas or voting red. Some of the most progressive voices—on climate action, racial justice, and gender equality—come from people in their 60s and 70s. They’ve seen it all, and they know what still needs to change.
Reducing an entire generation to a political stereotype is lazy thinking. Beliefs don’t age on a single timeline. People evolve, challenge themselves, and adapt at every stage of life.
7. They’re Not Interested In Intimacy
This myth needs to die, fast. Plenty of older people have vibrant lives in the bedroom—sometimes better than they did in their 20s. Desire doesn’t evaporate with age, and intimacy can actually get better when you’re not chasing youthful insecurities.
The idea that older bodies aren’t sexy is more about cultural discomfort than biology. People don’t stop wanting connection, pleasure, or romance when they hit a certain age. Let’s stop pretending they do.
8. They’re All Fragile And Sickly
Yes, health issues can increase with age—but not every older person is frail. Many are out here running marathons, lifting weights, and living full, active lives. The stereotype that aging equals decline is just wrong as studies published in the National Institutes Of Health confirms.
Health is about habits, not just years lived. Older generations are often healthier than we give them credit for—because they’ve been playing the long game all along.
9. They Don’t Get Pop Culture
Older people aren’t living under a rock. They know who Taylor Swift is. They watch Netflix. They read the news and follow trends that matter to them.
They may not care about every viral TikTok, but that’s taste, not ignorance. They’ve been here for every era of pop culture—trust, they’re not lost.
10. They’re All Bad With Money
Some older adults are financial wizards. Others have struggled with debt, just like everyone else. The idea that all older people are hoarding wealth or clueless with money is a fantasy.
Money habits vary by person, not by age. Don’t assume you know someone’s financial situation just because they have gray hair.
11. They’re Not Creative Anymore
Creativity doesn’t expire. Some of the most stunning art, writing, and music comes from people well into their 60s, 70s, and beyond. Age often enhances creativity—it brings perspective, patience, and emotional depth.
Let’s not forget: Toni Morrison published some of her best work in her 70s. If you think creativity has an age limit, you’re the one lacking imagination.
12. They Don’t Understand Mental Health
Older generations may not have grown up talking about therapy or self-care, but many have learned and adapted. They’re reading, learning, and unlearning right alongside everyone else. They know what it means to live through grief, trauma, and change.
The assumption that they’re clueless about mental health is just another stereotype. They might even have more wisdom about it than you do.
13. They’re All The Same
“Older people” isn’t a personality type. A 58-year-old and an 85-year-old are not the same. Neither are a retired artist, a lifelong activist, or a grandparent raising their grandkids.
Age doesn’t flatten individuality—it amplifies it. The diversity within older generations is massive, and it’s time we stopped pretending otherwise.
14. They Don’t Care About The Future
Older generations aren’t checked out. They care deeply—about the planet, their families, their communities. Many are passionate about climate change, social justice, and making sure the next generations don’t inherit a mess.
The idea that they’ve given up is a projection. They’ve been in the fight longer than most—and they’re not done yet.
