“OK, Boomer” is a phrase used to dismiss an older person for their perceived out-of-touch or offensive beliefs. The popularity of this retort suggests the presence of intergenerational tension; this study explores how the use of “OK, Boomer” relates to the current age stereotype literature. Results indicated that this literature base does not adequately capture how younger adults perceived the titular “Boomer,” and therefore, we used interpretive phenomenological analysis to identify seven unique characteristics ascribed to “Boomers”: closed-minded, argumentative, out-of-touch, offensive, critical, nostalgic, and/or conservative. Future work should monitor how derogatory age-based internet jargon influences ageism and intergenerational relations.

“OK, Boomer” is a phrase used online by younger adults to dismiss an older person for their perceived out-of-touch or offensive beliefs (Lorenz, 2019). An initial study utilizing content analysis techniques with a younger adult sample (N = 316) explored how two theoretical frameworks from the age stereotype literature, the Stereotype Content Model (Fiske et al., 2002) and Hummert et al.’s (1994) age stereotype categories, could explain this phenomenon and the enduring online references to “Boomers.” We found that neither theory adequately captured how younger adults view the titular “Boomer;” the low-competence/low-warmth quadrant of the Stereotype Content Model was the only quadrant with support (N = 32), albeit not a large amount, whereas the age stereotype category data revealed that “Boomers” partially overlapped with elements of the “Shrew/Curmudgeon,” the “Severely Impaired,” and the “John Wayne Conservative” to varying degrees. This necessitated a second study that used an open-ended, interpretative phenomenological analysis approach to better understand younger adults’ perceived age-related stereotypes of “Boomers.” Results identified seven unique characteristics ascribed to “Boomers” and older people in general: closed-minded, argumentative, out-of-touch, offensive, critical, nostalgic, and/or conservative, all of which seem to possess a decidedly hostile ageist undertone. Future work should examine exactly how synonymous “Boomers” are with older adulthood, the potential underlying hostile and/or benevolent ageism associated with using this phrase, and how derogatory age-based internet jargon influences age stereotype development and intergenerational relations given the heightened ageism following the COVID-19 pandemic.

Intergenerational book clubs have been successful in reducing ageist attitudes of younger adults (YA) while increasing feelings of social connectedness among older adults (OA; Lohman et al., 2003). We implemented both in-person (Nf11: YA=4, OA=7) and virtual (Nf8: YA=5, OA=3) modalities for an intergenerational book club to increase intergenerational interactions on campus, considering aging researchers’ claim of heightened ageism and exacerbated loneliness following the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic (Ayalon et al., 2020; Brooke & Jackson, 2020). Both groups met thrice over twelve weeks and completed measures on ageist attitudes (α=.83), engagement with the group (α=.91), and social connectedness (α=.91) each time. There was attrition in both groups (final meeting: Nf9 (in-person) and Nf3 (virtual)). To better understand overall motivations to participate and what factors may have contributed to attrition, we utilized content analysis with participants’ feedback to examine their motivation for joining, what they enjoyed most after participating, and what they would improve. Participants were motivated to join because they enjoyed reading; comparatively, they enjoyed group discussions and hearing different perspectives. Future recommendations include meeting more often, increasing the number and size of groups, and scheduling meetings closer together. The majority wished to continue participating. The data suggest future expansion of intergenerational book clubs on campus are desired to support age-friendly interactions and needed to further examine if these interactions can curb ageism and increase social connectedness among diverse age groups. Discussion will include recommendations regarding measures, lessons learned for an optimal protocol, and next steps.

Younger adults have coined the popular retort “OK Boomer,” referring to the 76 million Baby Boomers born between 1946-1964. The Stereotype Content Model (SCM) is a framework used to assess stereotypical perceptions of various groups, and older adults generally fall in the paternalistic “high warmth/low competence” quadrant. The stereotypes behind “OK Boomer” could correspond to any of the four quadrants of the SCM. The present study's goals were to determine the parameters for using the phrase, how hostile and benevolent ageism may underlie its use, and whether or not the eponymous “Boomer” fits into the same cluster in the SCM as older adults in general. In a sample of 316 participants (18-33; M = 23; SD = 5.25), we found that age was related to using “OK Boomer” such that being younger is associated with feeling more comfortable using the phrase in front of anyone (r = -.208, p < .01), using the phrase more frequently (r = -.218, p < .01), and sharing “OK Boomer” memes, pictures, and jokes online (r = -.203, p < .01). Hostile ageism, but not benevolent, was associated with an increased likelihood of saying “OK Boomer” in front of anyone (r = .256, p < .01), to use it more frequently (r = .242, p < .01), and to share “OK Boomer” jokes online (r = .301, p < .01). Content analysis results indicate that “OK Boomer” does not correspond to the paternalistic quadrant of the SCM due to Boomers’ perceived low warmth.