A media outlet has created the offensive label “geriatric millennials” to describe those born between 1980 and 1985. The 30-something crowd on Twitter was outraged, calling the term inaccurate and “ageist.”
Following the equally offensive reference “OK, boomer?” comes a new one for the millennial generation and the moniker is not popular. Medium came out with a piece that coined the phrase and got so much blowback over it on social media that they ran a poll. That poll overwhelmingly preferred the original name “millennial.” An impressive 44.6 percent voted to go back to the way things were and scrap the new label.
The title of the article in question is: “Why the Hybrid Workforce of the Future Depends on the ‘Geriatric Millennial.’” One person on Twitter noted that they were both insulted and inspired by the piece.
Erica Dhawan was the writer who came up with the cringy description. She contends those born during the early 80s are too old to be considered a regular millennial but younger than Gen Xers. The Independent is calling this group “cuspers” or “xenials.”
We understand some are having *feelings* about this title.
Taking votes for a new one:
— Medium (@Medium) May 14, 2021
In the article, Dhawan writes: “The first time I heard ‘geriatric millennial’ I thought it was an oxymoron. Sarcastic, even. But as I thought more deeply about it, I realized how perfectly it describes so many of us. Geriatric millennials are a special micro-generation born in the early 1980s that are comfortable with both analog and digital forms of communication. They were the first generation to grow up with technology like a PC in their homes.”
The author is a “geriatric millennial” herself and the article appears to be very positive. Ironically, she argues in the post that her named group is effective at communicating across generational gaps as they straddle two entirely different age brackets.
“It’s this hands-on experience with pre-digital communication that distinguishes geriatric millennials from the younger set — even though many of us are still under 40 and makes them the linchpins of our changing workplaces. Geriatric millennials can read the subtext of an SMS just as well as they can pick up on a client’s hesitation in their facial expressions during an in-person meeting. They are neither ignorant of technology nor so engrossed in it that a voicemail inspires fear,” she wrote.
“For organizations that are divided across generational divides between baby boomers and Gen Z, it’s beneficial to call on your geriatric millennials to help you translate the experiences of both digital adapters (baby boomers) and digital natives (Gen Z). It not only makes for a better internal culture but a happier clientele,” Dhawan added.
Unfortunately, her title for early 80s millennials did not impress those in question and in fact just basically offended them. Confusing the issue further is that there are quite a few names for the group.
According to Entrepreneur, generations break down as follows:
- 1925-1945: The Silent Generation
- 1946-1964: Baby Boomers
- 1965-1980: Generation X
- 1977-1983: Xennials
- 1981-1996: Millennials (also known as Generation Y)
- 1993-1998: Zennials
- 1997-2012: Generation Z or Centennials
- 2013-present: Generation Alpha
Twitter was ablaze over the perceived insult and many were triggered by it: (** Language warning)
Learned this morning I am called a geriatric millennial I think they meant a vibrant THRIVING skeleton
— Henry Zebrowski (@HenryLovesYou) May 14, 2021
Geriatric millennial?
We're the Oregon Trail generation and I'll leave your ass dying of dysentery on the side of the trail if you ever refer to me as a geriatric millennial.
— Jessi (@jessiann16) May 14, 2021
shout out to everyone born between 1980 to 1985, you’ve been Gen X, Gen Y, a millennial, the Oregon trail generation, a xennial, an elder millennia, and now a *checks notes* geriatric millennial
— Indy 🐧 (@IndecisiveJones) May 14, 2021
I reject and denounce the term geriatric millennial
— Meena Harris (@meenaharris) May 14, 2021
I miss the old days (yesterday) when I wasn't known as a "geriatric" millennial
— the trevor (@the_trevor) May 14, 2021
When did we decide to replace “elder millennial” with “geriatric millennial” who agreed to this
— stacy-marie ishmael (@s_m_i) May 14, 2021
Blessed and honoured to be considered a Geriatric Millennial. pic.twitter.com/WLOePHCysw
— Polis 🦊 (@PolisLoizou) May 14, 2021
as a geriatric millennial i would like to get a discount at the movies
— rachel syme (@rachsyme) May 14, 2021
This is the rudest way to tell me I'm the best for something. https://t.co/HFI9GnSpwL
— Jayme Jarrett (@jayme_jarrett) May 14, 2021
Congrats, I am both insulted and inspired. https://t.co/6NszMgLVGz
— Cory Phare (@coryphare) May 15, 2021
Me, a geriatric millennial: pic.twitter.com/bDyIUhslqX
— David DeWeil (@daviddeweil) May 14, 2021
As an older millennial and someone that has friends and family that are older millennials, this is highly offensive. This is ageist. I am literally shaking right now!!! Delete this.
— Slevin Kelevra (@DrunkUncTony) May 14, 2021
I was today years old when I learned I’m a “geriatric millennial.”
I prefer millennial grandma. Now get off my lawn. https://t.co/fLoMTFlGOf
— Beth Saboe (@BethSaboe) May 19, 2021
"Geriatric millennial" actually resonates with me very much. Like that's *exactly* how I feel.
— Jenée (@jdesmondharris) May 14, 2021
In the last hour I learned I'm a geriatric Millennial, read that there are now Millennial grandparents, and heard Nirvana on the classic rock station (we already knew that Tupac/Biggie are "old-school" rap).
I'd be excited for old age except no one can afford the retirement home https://t.co/CBkOGyFGY5
— Dan Price (@DanPriceSeattle) May 14, 2021
I see they're now dividing us millennials into the same age ranges that veterinarians do with cats:
Mature millennial: 1991-1996
Senior millennial: 1986-1990
Geriatric millennial: 1980-1985Love me some turkey giblets in gravy. pic.twitter.com/2vVsYElqvL
— Dr. Jeremy J. Swist🤘🏛️🐈 (@MetalClassicist) May 14, 2021
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