You know a boomer is highly respected if people do these 8 things around them

Let’s be honest: not all Baby Boomers command the same level of respect.

You’ve probably noticed it yourself—walk into any room and you’ll quickly spot the difference between those older folks who seem to effortlessly draw people in, and those who… well, don’t.

After six decades on this planet, I’ve had plenty of opportunities to observe what separates the highly respected Boomers from the rest.

And it’s fascinating, really.

It’s rarely about their bank account, their former job title, or even their achievements.

Instead, it comes down to how people naturally behave around them.

The subtle signs are everywhere once you know what to look for—the way conversations shift when they enter a room, how younger people position themselves during discussions, or the type of questions they get asked.

These respected Boomers have mastered something that goes beyond mere politeness or social etiquette.

They’ve cultivated a presence that draws genuine respect rather than demanding it.

So what exactly do people do around these highly respected older adults?

1. They actively seek out their advice

Ever notice how some people naturally become the “go-to” person when others need guidance?

That’s exactly what happens around highly respected Boomers.

I see this all the time during my walks around the local park.

Younger parents will spot certain older folks and genuinely want their perspective on everything from career decisions to family matters.

It’s not just polite conversation—they’re actually leaning in, taking mental notes, and following up later.

The key difference?

These respected Boomers don’t just offer opinions; they share wisdom earned through experience.

They’ve learned to listen first, ask thoughtful questions, and then provide insights that actually help.

When someone consistently gives valuable advice without being preachy about it, word gets around fast.

2. They defer to them in group conversations

You know that moment when everyone’s talking at once, then suddenly the room quiets down because someone starts speaking?

That’s what happens around truly respected Boomers.

I’ve watched this play out countless times at family gatherings and community events.

The conversation will be flowing in all directions, but when one of these respected older folks begins to share their thoughts, people naturally pause and give them the floor.

It’s not because they’re the loudest voice in the room—quite the opposite, actually.

These Boomers have earned the kind of respect where their words carry weight.

People genuinely want to hear what they have to say because they’ve proven their insights are worth listening to.

The beautiful thing is, they rarely abuse this privilege.

They speak when they have something meaningful to contribute, not just to fill silence or dominate the discussion.

3. They include them in important family decisions

When respected Boomers are part of the family, something interesting happens—they get pulled into the big conversations that really matter.

I’m talking about those crucial discussions that many families unfortunately leave their older relatives out of.

Should we move across the country for this job opportunity?

How should we handle our teenager’s college choices?

What’s the best approach for caring for an aging parent?

These respected Boomers find themselves right in the thick of these conversations, not as passive observers but as valued contributors whose opinions genuinely influence outcomes.

Their adult children and grandchildren don’t just update them after decisions are made—they actively seek their input while choices are still on the table.

It’s quite different from the polite “we’ll let you know what we decide” approach that many older adults unfortunately experience.

Instead, these conversations often start with phrases like, “What do you think we should do?” or “We’d really value your perspective on this.”

4. They remember and share their stories with others

Here’s something that really stands out—people don’t just listen to respected Boomers’ stories, they actually retell them to others later.

You know how most of us politely nod through yet another tale from decades past, then promptly forget it?

Well, that’s not what happens with these particular older folks.

Their stories stick.

I’ve noticed this with my own grandchildren.

When certain family friends share stories from their younger days, the kids will bring up those same stories weeks later in completely different conversations.

They’ll reference them, build on them, or use them to make points of their own.

Why does this happen?

Because respected Boomers have mastered the art of storytelling with purpose.

They’re not just reminiscing about the “good old days”—they’re sharing experiences that connect to what’s happening now.

Their stories teach, inspire, or provide useful context rather than simply filling time.

When someone’s stories become part of other people’s conversations, you know they’ve truly made an impact.

5. They introduce them to new people with pride

Watch what happens when someone brings a highly respected Boomer into a new social situation—the introductions tell you everything you need to know.

Instead of the standard “This is my dad” or awkward silence while figuring out what to say, you’ll hear introductions filled with genuine enthusiasm.

“I’d like you to meet Sarah—she was the first female engineer at her company” or “This is Tom, who started that community garden program I was telling you about.”

These introductions highlight specific accomplishments or qualities that make the person special.

There’s a sense of pride in knowing them, not embarrassment or obligation.

The person making the introduction wants others to understand why this Boomer matters.

I’ve seen this countless times at community events.

Some older folks get perfunctory introductions, while others get the full treatment—complete with stories about their achievements, wisdom, or character.

The difference is striking and tells you immediately how much respect they’ve earned.

6. They adjust their language and tone respectfully

Around truly respected Boomers, you’ll notice something subtle but powerful—people naturally speak with more consideration and thoughtfulness.

I don’t mean they become stiff or overly formal.

Rather, they dial back the casual profanity, avoid dismissive language, and choose their words more carefully.

It’s the kind of respect you’d show to someone whose opinion of you actually matters.

This isn’t about walking on eggshells or being fake.

These Boomers haven’t demanded this treatment or made anyone feel uncomfortable for speaking naturally.

Instead, they’ve earned a level of regard where people instinctively want to present their better selves.

You can see it in workplace settings too, where younger colleagues will shift their communication style when these respected older workers are present—not out of fear, but out of genuine respect for someone they admire.

The respect is freely given, not reluctantly imposed.

7. They make space for them at social gatherings

Ever notice how seating arrangements can reveal social dynamics?

Around respected Boomers, people naturally create space for them in the most engaging parts of social gatherings.

I’m talking about the good seats—not tucked away in a corner or stuck at the kids’ table, but right where the interesting conversations are happening.

At dinner parties, they’re placed near the host or other engaging guests.

At family gatherings, they’re in the living room where everyone congregates, not relegated to the kitchen while the “real” socializing happens elsewhere.

People save seats, make room on couches, and ensure these respected older folks are positioned where they can fully participate in whatever’s going on.

It’s not about accommodating physical limitations—it’s about recognizing that their presence makes the gathering better.

The contrast is obvious when you compare it to how some older adults get sidelined at social events, almost treated like furniture that needs to be worked around rather than valued participants in the social fabric.

8. They ask for their perspective on current events

Here’s where you really see respect in action—when people genuinely want to know what these Boomers think about what’s happening in the world today.

Most older adults get polite smiles when they share opinions about modern politics, technology, or social issues.

But respected Boomers?

People actively seek out their takes on current events, and they listen to the responses with genuine interest.

During election seasons or major news events, these are the folks whose phones ring with calls from family members and friends asking, “What’s your read on this situation?”

Their perspectives are valued not as quaint relics from the past, but as wisdom that can help make sense of present complexities.

I’ve watched younger people pose thoughtful questions to these respected Boomers about everything from social media trends to economic concerns.

They’re not being patronizing—they genuinely believe these older folks have insights worth considering.

That’s the kind of respect that speaks volumes about the character someone has built over their lifetime.

Parting thoughts

What strikes me most about these behaviors is that they can’t be forced or faked.

You can’t demand that people seek your advice, remember your stories, or value your opinions on current events.

The respect I’ve described here is earned through years of consistent character, genuine interest in others, and the wisdom to know when to speak and when to listen.

These Boomers didn’t wake up one day and suddenly command this kind of regard—they built it through countless interactions, small kindnesses, and by staying engaged with the world around them.

As I watch some of my contemporaries navigate their later years, the contrast is clear.

Some seem puzzled by why younger people don’t seem interested in what they have to offer, while others are surrounded by people who genuinely value their presence and perspective.

The difference isn’t age, education, or even life accomplishments.

It’s about how they’ve chosen to connect with others and contribute to their communities throughout their lives.

So here’s my question for you:

What kind of older adult are you becoming?