7 traits boomers have that quietly make them more resilient than they realize

There’s a common misconception that boomers, those born between 1946 and 1964, are a generation that’s out of touch. But there are certain qualities we possess that are often overlooked, qualities that make us more resilient than most people realise.

The key here is subtlety. We boomers have developed these traits over time, through a mix of life experiences and societal shifts. And while they might not be glaringly obvious, they have quietly shaped us into a tenacious bunch.

In this article, I’ll be sharing seven traits that we boomers have that not only set us apart but also make us more resilient than we’re often given credit for.

They’re not just relics from the past but tools for the present, ones that can help anyone navigate today’s complex world with a bit more grace and grit.

So let’s dive in and unravel these hidden strengths one by one.

1) Life experience

It’s something that can’t be fast-tracked, bought or downloaded – life experience. And as boomers, we’ve got it in spades.

Life experience is an often underappreciated asset. It’s not just about the number of years we’ve been on this earth, but what we’ve done with those years. The challenges faced, the victories savoured, the losses mourned – they all contribute to resilience.

Consider it like a mental workout. Each hurdle we overcome strengthens our mental muscles, making us better equipped to handle whatever comes our way. It’s not always easy, but it’s this process that makes us stronger.

This isn’t to say that younger generations don’t have their share of challenges. But as boomers, we’ve had more time to build up our resilience through a diverse range of experiences.

So next time you’re faced with a challenge, remember – you’ve got a wealth of life experience to draw from. It’s one of our greatest strengths and a testament to our resilience.

2) Adaptability

You might not always associate boomers with adaptability, but let me tell you, it’s a trait we’ve had to develop throughout our lives.

Let me share a personal example with you. In the 80s, I was working in a business world ruled by typewriters and fax machines. Then came the digital revolution. Emails replaced handwritten letters. Mobile phones became ubiquitous. Internet changed everything.

I had two choices: struggle against the tide or learn to swim with it. I chose the latter. It wasn’t easy, but I learned to adapt, picking up new skills and embracing new technologies.

This adaptability didn’t just apply to technology. Over the years, I’ve had to adapt to changing economic climates, societal shifts, and personal upheavals.

Each time, I’ve come out stronger, more resilient. That’s because adaptability is more than just being able to change – It’s about thriving in change.

Don’t underestimate a boomer’s ability to adapt. It’s one of the key qualities that has quietly made us more resilient than many realise.

3) Embracing lifelong learning

One of the stereotypes attached to boomers is that we’re set in our ways and resistant to new ideas. But actually, studies have shown that boomers are more likely than younger generations to be lifelong learners.

Lifelong learning is about continuing to gain skills and knowledge throughout our lives, not just during our formal education years. It’s about staying curious, open-minded and eager to grow.

And this trait directly contributes to our resilience. By continuously learning, we’re better able to adapt to changes, solve problems and face challenges. We’re not just surviving in a rapidly changing world; we’re thriving in it.

So next time you see a boomer at a workshop, online course or even reading a book, remember – we’re not stuck in the past; we’re constantly striving for growth. And that makes us more resilient than you might think.

4) Emotional intelligence

As boomers, we’ve had decades to navigate the complexities of human behaviour, relationships and self-awareness. And through this, we’ve developed what’s known as emotional intelligence.

Emotional intelligence is the ability to understand, use, and manage our own emotions in positive ways to relieve stress, communicate effectively, empathize with others, overcome challenges and defuse conflict.

It’s a trait that is often overlooked but it serves as a powerful tool to navigate life’s ups and downs. It allows us to maintain relationships, navigate social networks and cope with life’s stresses.

This emotional savvy increases our resilience by enabling us to bounce back from adversity and maintain a positive outlook. So while it may seem like we’re just ‘going with the flow’ – there’s a lot of emotional intelligence at play making us stronger than we appear.

5) The power of perspective

I remember a time when I thought that a failed job interview or a broken relationship was the end of the world. But as I’ve grown older, I’ve realized that setbacks are just part of life’s journey.

This shift in perspective is something many boomers can relate to. We’ve learned to look at life’s challenges as opportunities for growth, not just obstacles to be overcome.

Having lived through various personal and global crises – from recessions to pandemics – we’ve learned the importance of keeping things in perspective. We understand that tough times don’t last, but tough people do.

This perspective isn’t something that comes easily. It’s born out of lived experiences, failures and hardships. But it’s this very perspective that has made us more resilient, helping us bounce back from life’s challenges with renewed vigor and optimism.

6) Self-reliance

Growing up in a time where we often had to “make do” or “fix it ourselves”, we boomers have developed a strong sense of self-reliance. We’ve learned to rely on our own skills and resourcefulness, rather than depending on others or external factors for solutions.

This doesn’t mean that we don’t value teamwork or collaboration, but rather that we’re comfortable taking the initiative and solving problems independently when needed.

Self-reliance contributes significantly to our resilience.

When faced with challenges, we don’t just sit back and wait for someone else to fix things. Instead, we roll up our sleeves and get to work, using our lifetime of knowledge and experience to find solutions.

You see – when a boomer faces a challenge, they’re likely to tackle it head-on. And it’s this self-reliance that makes us more resilient than many realize.

7) Grit and determination

If there’s one thing that defines boomers, it’s our grit and determination.

We’re a generation who knows what it means to work hard, to persevere, and to never give up. This isn’t just about physical strength or stamina – it’s about mental toughness. It’s about the ability to keep going even when the going gets tough.

When we commit to something, we see it through. We don’t shy away from challenges or buckle under pressure. Instead, we face them head on, armed with a resilience that’s been forged through years of experience.

So if you ever find yourself underestimating a boomer’s resilience, remember our grit and determination. They’re the cornerstone of our character and the secret to our quiet resilience.

Final thoughts: It’s about resilience

There’s a common thread that weaves through all these traits we boomers possess – resilience. It’s not just about bouncing back, but also about moving forward, stronger and wiser.

Our life experiences, adaptability, commitment to lifelong learning, emotional intelligence, perspective, self-reliance, and grit – these aren’t just traits. They’re the building blocks of our resilience, honed over decades.

As American author and motivational speaker, Denis Waitley once said: “Life is inherently risky. There is only one big risk you should avoid at all costs, and that is the risk of doing nothing.”

This quote encapsulates the boomer spirit. We’re a generation that has taken risks, faced challenges head-on and never shied away from change.

The next time you consider resilience, remember the silent strength of the boomer generation. It’s a lesson in endurance, adaptability and, ultimately, the power of human spirit.