Quit dumping on older people, we’re giving back to our communities

Boomers are the most active volunteer sector in the UK, with 58% of those aged 65 to 74 volunteering in 2023-24.’ Photograph: Radius Images/Alamy via Guardian

The Guardian's article, Quit dumping on older people, we're giving back to our communities, published on 28 August 2025, presents a series of letters responding to Phillip Inman's critique of the baby boomer generation's role in housing and community engagement. Readers push back against the notion that older generations are hoarding wealth and failing to contribute socially.

Ged Parker highlights the desire for financial protection in the face of inadequate social care and criticises assumptions about boomers' selfishness. Jean McKendree points out that older adults are the most active volunteers in the UK, challenging Inman's claim about their community involvement. Mary Strode and Mary Bolton argue against downsizing, emphasising their need for space to maintain mental and physical well being and to host family. Paul Beard, writing from the US, agrees with Inman to an extent, noting that boomers resisted housing developments that could have benefited both themselves and younger generations. Overall, the letters reject blanket criticisms of older people and call for a broader understanding of systemic housing and policy failures.

Reference:

Quit dumping on older people, we’re giving back to our communities, 28 Aug 2025 https://www.theguardian.com/society/2025/aug/28/quit-dumping-on-older-people-were-giving-back-to-our-communities