When the UK voted for Brexit, British pensioners were three times more likely than younger voters to want to cut ties with the European Union. The majority of young Remain voters still blame older people with secure jobs and pensions for depriving them of the freedom to live and work in Europe.
This year, Donald Trump also profited from the older generation. He appeals to an older cohort who are proud and nostalgic about their nation’s history as well as being less dependent on jobs and education. As disheartened as young Americans might feel today, it may well be that their lack of enthusiasm to go out and vote cost Hillary Clinton the presidency. Even though Millennials backed Clinton at the polls, their turnout rates have been historically dismal. In 2012, only 46 percent of eligible Millennials went out and voted and this year, the number could be similarly low. This chart shows US voter share by age.
Source: NY Times