12 things baby boomers shouldn’t feel guilty about
As baby boomers enter retirement, many feel guilty about various aspects of their lives. Be it money worries or family issues, it can seem like there’s always something more to do. A 2023 Vanguard report found that only about 40% of baby boomers are on track for a comfortable retirement, and most share similar concerns about savings.
Still, boomers shouldn’t feel guilty about their choices, especially when those choices match their values and priorities. Instead of comparing themselves to unrealistic standards, they should appreciate their efforts and remember that everyone’s journey is unique. After years of hard work, boomers deserve the freedom to make decisions that fit their lives now.
Helping adult kids with money
Many baby boomers feel guilty about providing financial support to their adult children. According to a 2025 study by fastcompany.com, about half of parents with adult children provide regular financial assistance, averaging $1,474 per month. While it’s natural to want to help, baby boomers should realize they’re not alone.
The trend of financially supporting adult children is growing, and many parents are doing so to ensure their children have a good start in life. It’s not a failure, but a reflection of genuine care for their family’s future. Helping adult children is a personal choice and an expression of generosity. Many boomers didn’t have such support themselves, so offering stability can be a fulfilling decision.
Imperfect retirement savings
Many baby boomers worry they haven’t saved enough for retirement. Fidelity data shows that the average boomer has about $249,300 in a 401(k) and $257,002 in an IRA, which is less than the often-mentioned million-dollar goal. Most boomers face similar challenges with savings. There’s no need to feel guilty about imperfect savings.
Financial planning is tough, and every step forward counts. Many still have time to save more or adjust their lifestyle. The important thing is to keep working toward financial security instead of focusing on past choices.
Not feeling like the “perfect” parent
People often expect baby boomers to be perfect parents and grandparents, always available, always supportive. But boomers shouldn’t feel guilty if they can’t meet these expectations. They have their own lives and challenges. Every family is different, and roles can change.
What matters is showing love and care in the best way possible. It’s okay to accept your limits. You don’t have to be perfect to be a good parent or grandparent; what counts is making an effort to stay connected.
Working past 65
Working past 65 is increasingly common among older Americans. Nearly 1 in 5 people aged 65 and older (19.8%) are still working, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, marking a significant increase since 1994. Many continue working for financial reasons or personal fulfillment.
Choosing to work beyond the traditional retirement age is normal and brings satisfaction to many. Some find that employment provides a sense of purpose or keeps them engaged in meaningful activities. Whether the motivation is social or financial, working past 65 is simply another way to enjoy life, not something to feel guilty about.
More tech-savvy than you think
It’s often assumed that baby boomers are out of touch with technology, but that’s not the case. About 4 in 10 baby boomers own smartphones, and roughly three-quarters go online several times a day, per Pew and Nielsen data cited by Herosmyth. Though boomers may not be as tech-focused as younger generations, these figures show strong digital engagement.
Their ability to navigate technology challenges stereotypes and highlights ongoing adaptation to new tools. Boomers can take pride in their digital skills, as embracing technology helps them stay connected with family, explore hobbies, and continue learning, enriching their lives.
Spending on travel and fun
Spending money on travel and leisure is often seen as indulgent, but boomers shouldn’t feel guilty about it. In AARP’s 2023 travel trends survey, 62% of adults aged 50+ planned at least one leisure trip that year. Travel is a top discretionary spending priority for 85% of boomers, which highlights that this generation values experiences and enjoyment in their later years.
They have worked hard their entire lives, and spending money on experiences that enrich their lifestyle is not something to apologize for. Traveling and having fun are just as important as any other financial responsibility; it’s about embracing life and the freedom it offers. Boomers deserve to explore new places, make lasting memories, and prioritize joy, especially now that they may have more flexibility to do so.
Budgeting for themselves and their lifestyle
When it comes to budgeting, many baby boomers feel guilty about spending on themselves, especially when they have children or grandchildren to support. However, it’s essential to put themselves first financially during retirement. With more focus on health, travel, and leisure, boomers should recognize that their financial needs come first.
Budgeting is about making smart choices to live comfortably. It’s easier to care for others when you’ve secured your own footing. By budgeting for their well-being, boomers ensure they can enjoy their labor without sacrificing their lifestyle.
Giving back through volunteering
Baby boomers should also feel proud of their contributions through volunteering. Research by the United States Census Bureau shows that boomers have one of the highest volunteer rates among generations. Many boomers donate hours of their time to their communities, a contribution that should be celebrated.
Giving back is not only rewarding for the people receiving help but also for the volunteers themselves. Feeling guilty about not doing enough for others can be counterproductive. Boomers are already making a difference, and they should embrace the impact they’re having.
Volunteering can provide them with a sense of purpose and connection to others, proving that their contributions are invaluable and that they are an essential part of their communities.
Choosing not to pursue “perfect” goals
Baby boomers are no strangers to ambition, but as they age, they may feel guilty about not pursuing the “perfect” goals they had in mind earlier in life. Whether it’s a dream job, an ideal retirement situation, or a perfect family life, boomers should accept that perfection is a myth. Life is about progress, not perfection.
What matters is the journey and embracing the moments of joy and growth along the way. Boomers should let go of guilt over not achieving everything on their checklist and instead celebrate the victories, big and small. The pursuit of happiness, fulfillment, and personal growth is far more valuable than the pursuit of perfection.
Not a full-time grandparent
While many older adults are grandparents, Research cited by WBUR shows that about 42% of working parents rely on grandparents for childcare, and other studies from organizations such as the National Center for Family & Marriage Research find that many older adults are also supporting aging relatives, so it’s understandable if they can’t be full-time caregivers.
It’s important for boomers to realize they don’t need to take on the weight of the world. Managing multiple responsibilities is challenging, and it’s okay to set boundaries and focus on other aspects of their lives.
Grandparenting is a rewarding role, but it shouldn’t come at the expense of their own health and personal time. Being a loving grandparent doesn’t require being available 24/7.
Not being financially “perfect.”
Many baby boomers feel guilty about not reaching the financial goals they set earlier in life. Whether it’s not meeting savings targets or not having the “ideal” retirement funds, it’s easy to feel like you’ve failed. However, the financial journey is never a straight line, and many boomers are not alone in this experience.
Only about 40% of baby boomers are on track for a comfortable retirement, according to a study by Vanguard. Boomers need to embrace their financial progress without comparing it to unattainable ideals and instead focus on their current financial stability and future plans. Financial planning is a lifelong process, and every decision made along the way helps build a solid foundation for the years to come.
Choosing to prioritize health over everything
As baby boomers get older, health often becomes more important than other things. Whether it’s going to the gym, seeing the doctor, or eating better, taking care of health should come first. Boomers shouldn’t feel bad about skipping plans to focus on self-care.
Putting health first means having more time to enjoy life and loved ones. After years of hard work, boomers deserve to look after themselves and enjoy their later years.
Saying no to societal expectations
Many baby boomers feel pressure to live up to society’s expectations, whether about work, family, or hobbies. They may think they have to follow traditional paths or roles. Boomers should feel free to resist these pressures.
This generation has always challenged rules and made their own choices. It’s okay to live your own way in retirement, in relationships, or in daily life. Choosing your path is a strong way to live honestly and without regret.
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