Hey, Boomer: Here’s what Gen Z really thinks about ‘old’ people — including the rule you can’t break at 56

Act your age.

A poll of Gen Z folk (those born between 1997 and 2010) revealed that Zoomers think anyone who has reached the ripe age of 62 is officially an old person.

Conducted by Age Without Limits, the poll also found that Gen Z believes age-related challenges have an even earlier onset.

These young adults believe that people stop looking good in current fashions at 56, a sartorial failing that Zoomers charmingly describe as “mutton dressed as lamb.”

Further, the ruthless youth think their elders struggle to adapt to technology at 59, before edging into cognitive decline at 62.

The jury is out on how aging will affect the cognitive function of Zoomers, as they are the first generation in modern history to score lower on standardized academic tests than the previous one.

Interestingly, and perhaps understandably, these spring chickens do not have high hopes for their own aging; 20 percent don’t think they’ll look good when they get ‘old.’

And research suggests they might be right.

Injections, fillers, and vapes are among the sneaky culprits making Gen Z look older than millennials.

And cosmetic procedures continue to soar among the younger generation, and experts maintain that starting injectables too young can affect the natural development of facial features.

In terms of overall wellness and social relationships, 27 percent of Gen Z respondents said they don’t think they will be in good health when they get ‘old’ and believe people have less fun as they age.

Again, they might be on to something.

Gen Zers are loud about their love for nuggs and glizzies, and research suggests that about 62% of their calories come from ultra-processed foods (UPFs).

UPFs have been linked to 32 negative health outcomes, including higher risks of heart disease, cancer, Type 2 diabetes, mental health struggles, and even early death.

Definitely not fun.

Furthermore, a 47-year study found that physical fitness begins to decline as early as age 35.

It gets grimmer: 25 percent of those polled said they don’t expect to have many family or friends around them in their later years.

A disturbing prediction, given that experts say loneliness and unhappiness are more detrimental to health than smoking.

Perhaps their own dark view of their golden years explains their preferred terminology and phrasing for the aging, which includes ‘you’re too old for that’, ‘dinosaur’, and ‘over the hill’.

If you’ll allow an illustration: by Gen Z standards, Demi Moore is a dinosaur, Barack Obama is firmly over the hill, and Lisa Rinna is ‘too old’ for any manner of ‘that.’

There is, however, a glimmer of grace, as Gen Z demonstrates a compassionate view of older people in the workforce.

Indeed, Zoomers are more likely than Boomers to think that people aged 62 are still desirable employees, an ethos of ‘old, yes, but productive enough to avoid being put out to pasture.’

“Taking a simplistic view of ageism, one might assume that younger generations are likely to hold more dismissive opinions of older age. The reality is much more complex,” explained Harriet Bailiss, co-head of the Age Without Limits campaign.

‘While the figures might indicate a potential frustration with older people’s use of technology from younger generations, it also seems to indicate that Gen Z have a more hopeful view around older workers and employment than the Babyboomers themselves, who are trying to navigate an ageist labor market.”

As far as 62 being the threshold between viable and veering toward oblivion, Gen Z might be a bit premature in their definition.

Previous research shows that overall psychological functioning actually peaks between ages 55 and 60 and doesn’t truly begin to decline until around 65.

Still, the objective of the Age Without Limits is to reveal and combat the damaging effects of ageism for every generation.

“What we know is that ageism can impact people at all ages, and many Gen Z-ers will have experienced being judged on their capability based purely on their age,” said Bailiss.

“This is why we need everyone, no matter their age, to be able to notice ageism and to challenge it when they do witness it.”