You're More Like a Millennial Than You Think

Believe it or not, several surveys offering offbeat comparisons between boomers and their millennial children indicate that they share more commonalities than you might think.

Take wasting money. Both generations cite eating out as an unnecessary expense. More than half of boomers and three-quarters of millennials agree that they spend too much money in restaurants. Also topping the list: throwing out uneaten or expired food, with about 30 percent of both generations admitting that they waste money by not planning better.

AARP Membership— $12 for your first year when you sign up for Automatic Renewal

Get instant access to members-only products and hundreds of discounts, a free second membership, and a subscription to AARP the Magazine.

Join Now

The takeaway: Invite your kids for dinner and then send them home with the leftovers. You'll both save money: Eating one less meal out can save up to $600 annually.

While we often read about the generational differences in technology use, several surveys found similarities. Millennials might have a mobile device glued to their hands, but boomers are not far behind as heavy consumers of online media. More than 65 percent of boomers use Facebook, according to the Pew Research Center, and a Google survey reveals the majority check their profiles daily. As far as text messaging, 85 percent of boomers send an average of 80 text messages per month. Of course that's a lot less than millennials — most top that in a day!

However, when it comes to using technology during mealtimes, boomers lead the pack. A Nielsen survey shows that more than 50 percent admit to checking a phone, computer or TV during dinner, compared with 40 percent of millennials.

In a cautionary note, another survey found that while millennials might text more when driving, it's more dangerous for boomers to text and drive. A Wayne State University study found that older, more experienced drivers — even those very adept at texting — are more likely to lose control of the car. "There is something unique to the distraction of texting that makes older and more mature drivers worse at it," notes the Washington Post.