The baby boomer generation, which has become known for its revolutionary behaviour, retains its habits even in old age, leading to new social challenges. According to The Economist, today’s retirees are actively returning to the old practices that were typical of their youth — alcohol, drugs and sexual experimentation — which creates new problems for healthcare and social services.
Despite the general downward trend in alcohol consumption among young people in rich countries, the situation is different among older generations. Alcohol consumption among people aged 55 and over is on the rise, and this is true in many countries, including the United States, Australia, the United Kingdom and France. A similar situation is observed with drugs, including cannabis and cocaine. For example, in Spain, cocaine use among people aged 55-64 has increased eightfold over the past 15 years. In the UK, there has been an increase in syphilis cases among people over 65.
Read also: The Government is preparing a major social policy reform: pension indexation and a new pension system
This phenomenon is not limited to substance use. Divorce rates are also on the rise among pensioners, which is also a new challenge for society. For example, in Japan, the number of divorces among people over 60 rose to a record high in 2022, although the rate among younger groups decreased.
Why is this happening? A number of factors could be responsible, including changes in family structure, an increase in the number of retirees with fewer responsibilities and more financial means for entertainment, and low levels of life satisfaction among baby boomers. Research shows that this age is the most pessimistic, and many older people lack social connections, which can contribute to an increased interest in risky behaviours.
Social change, financial stability, and new technologies that allow older people to meet and engage in other social activities have been the main factors contributing to these new trends among retirees. This situation is becoming increasingly visible across the rich world, where older people continue to actively participate in the culture that was once characteristic of young people.
Read also: Will citizens still receive pensions after the MSEC reform – clarifications from the Ministry of Social Policy
