From thrifty habits to unexpected nostalgia, young Singaporeans share their “boomer moments.”
In a time where “Good morning” WhatsApp images are the hallmark of boomer culture, younger Singaporeans are starting to recognize their own slip-ups into “boomer-esque” behaviors. Whether it’s celebrating bargains at the supermarket or avoiding the latest tech trends, these anecdotes show that the gap between generations might be smaller than we think.
“I queued 30 minutes outdoors for a free tote bag at a kids’ event. No regrets—it’s now my school bag for poly.”
–James, 17
“Have you ever realized you’re becoming an older relative? I’m 32 and coach teenagers in boxing. Lately, I’ve caught myself yelling at kids for loud music and even started a balcony garden. It’s both cringy and oddly satisfying.”
–Marcus, 32
“I took out a 300-piece packet of tissue at lunch. My friend couldn’t stop laughing, but it’s such good value! I ordered it from Taobao—it’s practical!”
–Alex, 31
“Last week, I gasped in Sheng Siong because leeks were four for $2.50. I didn’t even like leeks before. Also, I once worked off MRT WiFi for 90 minutes instead of buying a cafe drink.”
–Bel, 22
“I accidentally said, ‘Back in my day,’ to a friend eight years younger than me. We both laughed, but it stung a little.”
–SQ, 26
For some, the generational divide becomes clearer during trips with younger peers:
“On a Bali trip with Gen Z friends, they laughed at my YouTube obsession and my confusion over ‘#fyp.’ But every morning, I was up at sunrise for yoga while they slept till noon. Who’s the old soul here?”
–Y, 30
“I enjoy gui ling gao (herbal jelly) and ya sei mei (24-herb tea). An auntie said it’s cooling for hot weather, and I believe her.”
–Mei Gan, 28
For others, energy levels—or the lack thereof—are the defining factor:
“Staying up past 11pm feels exhausting now. Clubbing? No chance. My single friends can stay out until dawn, but I need my sleep.”
–Isilwen, 37
“I refuse to use shopping apps and insist on going to stores. My friends keep telling me to buy groceries online, but I’m slowly realizing they might be right.”
–Leslie, 35
“Whenever friends suggest late-night drinks, I try to dodge by saying I have something early the next morning. I’m just too tired for it all.”
–J, 21
Even the language of youth sparks a sense of generational identity:
“I heard myself say, ‘That’s what youngsters call it nowadays,’ in response to Gen Z slang. I realized that’s exactly what my mom says. The word ‘youngsters’ is peak boomer.”
–Bernie, 32
As these stories show, embracing our inner boomer moments isn’t about rejecting youth—it’s about finding humor and relatability in the quirks of growing older. After all, age might just be a state of mind.
