Stop Blaming Boomers, Says New Grandparenthood Podcast Host

Boomer, National Grandparent Movement leader and expert voice of Hope 103.2’s new Grandparenthood podcast Ian Barnett has an important message for those blaming his generation for the world’s problems.

“We need to respect boomers,” Mr Barnett said.

“They know things, like living through change. They know what it is like to wrestle with doubt, loss of hope and complex family relationships.

“We should value boomers because they are there for us, more than any other generation, such as through the ‘Bank of Mum and Dad’.”

Speaking with Hope Mornings Ben McEachen, Ian examines the great generation divide in Grandparenthood episode “Are Boomers to Be Blamed for Everything Wrong Today?”

“How we value others will be a lesson to how others will value us,” he said.

Ian talks about the “OK Boomer” trend spreading online, blaming those born in the wake of World War II for any contemporary problem.

“You name it: climate change, politics, the Global Financial Crisis, housing affordability, cost of living crisis, electricity prices,” he said.

After realising few resources existed for grandparents in the pursuit of being the best grandparents they can be, Ian encourages boomers to close the generation gap of misunderstanding through his latest podcast.

Grandparenthood explores issues, situations and relationships which impact grandparents. Every episode offers wisdom and practical steps on how to grandparent from a distance, the value of grandparenting, spiritual support and what is distinct about a grandfather and grandmother.

Ian wants to celebrate the lived experiences boomers can support and encourage other generations with, rather than what he admitted felt like unfair accusations of blame.

“Our parents lived through two wars. We didn’t, so we had so much more,” Ian said.

“We are living longer, so our children are not receiving their inheritance as early as we did. Someone has to be blamed for something, so why not us?

“But, it’s not as if, somehow, we all had it easy. There were challenges – marital challenges, work challenges…

“The word ‘community’ is so big today and we need every generation, across the board, in every aspect of life, speaking into different generations and helping each other. We cannot do this alone.

“It has never been how much we have in this life that matters, but how we treat others.”