Top 20 skills older adults have learned from Gen Z – and some might surprise you

Gen Zs have taught older adults how to monetise their hobbies, improve their work-life balance – and use an air fryer. A poll of 2,000 Brits revealed what the likes of Millennials and Boomers have learnt from those younger than them, and it’s not just what you’d expect.

Life lessons from youngsters have included how to say ‘no’ without guilt, open up about mental health and embrace body positivity. Gen Zs (13–28-year-olds) have even shared knowledge with elders about finances, such as how to invest via apps and create a side hustle.

The research was commissioned by Leo UK as part of its annual PopPulse report which looks at intergenerational influence as a whole and discusses how the flow of wisdom is no longer top-down, but multidirectional.

From the poll, more than three quarters of adults aged over 28 years have taken advice from Gen Zs. And 15% have even asked a youngster where to go on a first date.

On average, advice is shared once a week, despite only 24% of Gen Zers feeling confident giving guidance to older generations.

Lilli English, chief strategy officer for Leo UK, said: “We set out to understand Gen Z’s influence – and ended up rethinking it completely.

“The research shows they’re not the detached, digital bubble they’re so often made out to be, but the ones quietly keeping things together – connecting families, keeping friendships afloat, finding balance in the mess.

“They’re helping the nation adapt to the chaos of modern life in small, human ways, a far richer story than the tired generational divide we keep hearing about.”

The research also found 72% of Gen Zs reckon the world would be a better place if their generation was listened to more, and 77% believe different age groups have more in common than they realise.

Similarly, nine in 10 (93%) of those polled via OnePoll believe every generation should be open to learning from one another.

Of those who take advice from the young group, 35% see it as a positive because younger people bring fresh perspectives.

Others believe wisdom isn’t only tied to age and everyone has something to offer (27%), while 25% said youngsters’ energy and enthusiasm can be inspiring (25%).

TOP 20 THINGS OLDER ADULTS HAVE BEEN SHOWN BY GEN Z:

1. How to use TikTok
2. How to take better selfies        
3. How to use emojis correctly      
4. How to use slang like “rizz” and “delulu”            
5. How to create a meme  
6. How to say “no” without guilt    
7. How to live in the moment        
8. How to do a skincare routine    
9. How to use an air fryer  
10. How to dance
11. How to invest via apps  
12. How to create a side hustle      
13. How to monetise hobbies          
14. How to use pronouns respectfully          
15. How to be more inclusive
16. How to open up about mental health    
17. How to be more eco-conscious  
18. How to embrace individuality    
19. How to embrace body positivity
20. How to improve work-life balance