Understanding Gen Z vs Boomers gives your generational marketing strategy a clear advantage. These generations share the same world, but they view it through very different lenses.
In other words, marketing to Gen Z is vastly different than marketing to Baby Boomers.
In this article, we’ll walk through eight key areas – age, money, media, brand attitudes, work, and marketing tactics. You’ll get up-to-date stats, real examples, and actionable tips you can use today.
Want to compare other generations, too? Check out our articles on:
1. Gen Z vs Boomers: Age Range and Life Stage
Gen Z covers those born from 1997 through 2012. In 2025 they range from 13 to 28 years old. Many are still in high school or college, while others hold entry-level jobs or side gigs.
Boomers arrived between 1946 and 1964. That makes them 61 to 79 today (Pew Research Center, 2024). Most have left full-time work behind and focus on retirement planning, hobbies or part-time consulting. Plenty act as grandparents or mentors in their communities.
These distinct life stages shape priorities.
A 20-year-old Gen Z member might look for budget travel tips or scholarship information.
A 65-year-old Boomer may hunt for retirement income strategies or travel packages with medical support.
Knowing where people are in life helps you meet them where they are.
2. Financial Power and Spending Habits
Boomers hold a massive share of wealth – about 40 percent of U.S. household assets in 2025 (Federal Reserve, 2025). That spending power backs high-end travel, estate planning services and premium healthcare plans.
Gen Z controls closer to 9 percent of national assets as of 2024 (Federal Reserve, 2024). They shop in ways that stretch tight budgets – fast fashion, budget electronics, subscription boxes and resale marketplaces. Many use buy-now-pay-later options to smooth out costs.
Boomers lean toward purchases that promise long-term value. They’ll pay extra for extended warranties, loyalty rewards, and white-glove customer service. Gen Z looks for hype and novelty. A sneaker drop or limited-edition gadget can sell out in minutes if it goes viral on TikTok.
When you propose offers, think in terms of installment plans and real savings for Gen Z – “50 percent off first order” or “pay in four interest-free installments.”
For Boomers, highlight durability and guaranteed results – “10-year warranty” or “24/7 personal support.”
3. Technology and Media Use
Gen Z lives on mobile.
They spend an average of 95 minutes per day on TikTok alone (DataReportal, 2024). You’ll find them on YouTube Shorts, Snapchat Discover channels, and Discord servers. They expect real-time replies via chatbots or comment threads.
Boomers mix traditional and digital channels. Around 65 percent check email daily (Mailchimp, 2024). They still watch cable news or read print newspapers, then hop onto Facebook or YouTube for deeper dives.
Gen Z craves bite-sized, interactive content.
Quick polls, AR filters, and live streams grab their attention. Boomers want clear navigation and easy-to-read layouts. They value newsletters with concise summaries and direct links.
Your campaign mix should reflect both. An email newsletter with an in-depth guide will engage Boomers. A TikTok challenge or Snapchat lens can hook Gen Z.
4. Attitudes Toward Brands and Advertising
Comparing Gen Z vs Boomers shows a marked shift in trust and authenticity.
Boomers grew up with clear brand hierarchies. They trust established names and look for quality seals, expert endorsements, and longevity in the market (Edelman Trust Barometer, 2024).
Gen Z demands raw authenticity. They skip over polished ads and tune into candid unboxing videos or brand founders talking about failures and fixes. About 60 percent of them refuse to buy from companies they see as hypocrites (Deloitte, 2025).
Boomers respond to straightforward value propositions – “Save 20 percent on your annual policy renewal.” Gen Z wants purpose – “Here’s how we plant a tree for every policy sold.”
Both groups read reviews, but Boomers look at expert write-ups while Gen Z scans peer comments and influencer takes.
To connect, use case studies and longevity stats for Boomers. For Gen Z post behind-the-scenes footage, run social-impact polls and let them co-host Instagram Lives. That way you speak to both groups in terms they respect.
5. Work, Career Stage, and Lifestyle
Gen Z vs Boomers differences also play out clearly at work.
In 2025, over 70 percent of Gen Z expect remote options, flexible hours, and mental health support from employers (Deloitte, 2025). They juggle internships, gig role,s and passion projects – often all at once.
Boomers seek stability and structure.
After decades on the job they value predictable schedules, defined benefit,s and opportunities to mentor younger teams. Many shift into part-time consulting or volunteer board roles.
Outside work, Gen Z intertwines creativity with activism – they might start a side hustle selling hand-made art while organizing a climate rally. Boomers pick routine hobbies – golf leagues, garden clubs or book groups.
When you produce content, offer virtual career-hack webinars or resume-building guides for Gen Z. For Boomers develop workshops on financial planning or leadership coaching – topics that align with their stage in life.
6. Gen Z vs Boomers: Marketing Takeaways
Let’s dive into tactics that work for Gen Z vs Boomers – so you can design campaigns that click.
Channel Mix
- Gen Z: TikTok, Instagram Reels, Snapchat and Discord. Set up branded challenges, AR filters and community servers where fans can chat and share ideas.
- Boomers: Email and Facebook. Use segmented newsletters with clear subject lines and direct call-to-action buttons. Consider high-value direct mail for premium offers.
Content Style
- Gen Z responds to playful, participatory content. Memes, quick DIY tutorials and user-generated videos work best. Showcase real people and let them tell your story.
- Boomers prefer informative, benefit-driven copy. Case studies, expert interviews and step-by-step guides build trust. Use bullet points and clear headings for easy scanning.
Personalization
- Gen Z expects dynamic, in-app customization. Push notifications triggered by browsing behavior – like “Back in Stock” alerts – can lift conversions.
- Boomers appreciate email segmentation. Group contacts by past purchases or location to suggest relevant products – “Exclusive golf club discounts for Florida residents.”
Community Engagement
- Gen Z thrives in digital hangouts. Launch a Discord server or host live Q&As on Instagram Live. Reward top contributors with shout-outs or early access.
- Boomers value expert forums and local meet-ups. Host quarterly webinars with industry leaders or sponsor community lunch-and-learn events.
Trust Signals
- Gen Z checks peer reviews and influencer endorsements. Highlight unfiltered customer stories – “Watch Sarah’s video on how our product saved her time.”
- Boomers scan trust badges, awards and media mentions. Prominently display seals like “Top-Rated in 2024” or quotes from reputable publications.
Measurement and Optimization
- For Gen Z track video completion rates, challenge participation metrics and social engagement (shares, comments).
- For Boomers focus on email open rates, click-through rates and webinar registrations.
Run small-scale A/B tests – try playful vs formal copy, short vs long videos – and scale what wins. Over time you’ll build a playbook that balances the needs of both Gen Z and Boomers.
7. Quick Recap: Gen Z vs Boomers at a Glance
- Age & Stage: Gen Z is 13–28, schooling or starting their careers; Boomers are 61–79, focused on retirement and mentoring.
- Buying Power: Gen Z holds about 9 percent of assets; Boomers control 40 percent.
- Media Habits: Gen Z lives on short-form video and chat apps; Boomers split time between email, TV and Facebook.
- Brand Expectations: Gen Z demands authenticity and social action; Boomers value proven quality and trust seals.
- Work & Lifestyle: Gen Z juggles gigs, activism and creativity; Boomers seek structure, routine and legacy roles.
Use this snapshot as a guide when planning campaigns around Gen Z vs Boomers – it’s your quick reference to speak each group’s language.
8. Final Thoughts on Gen Z vs Boomers
Knowing the gaps and overlaps between Gen Z vs Boomers helps you hone your marketing for maximum impact. Gen Z wants engagement with playful, community-driven experiences. Boomers respond to clear value, expertise and consistent quality.
Keep refining your approach through surveys, social listening, and A/B testing. Small tweaks in tone, channel or offer can yield big gains in engagement and loyalty.
At Udonis we blend data insights with creative strategies to help brands connect across generations. When you meet Gen Z where they hang out and reassure Boomers with solid proof, your campaigns will win attention, no matter the age bracket.
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