The Tariff Trap: Adults Over 50 Can Push Back with Perspective

There’s a certain déjà vu to the times we’re living in. If you’re over 50, you’ve likely seen this movie before—except now, the ticket costs more, the popcorn’s half the size, and someone in the government is yelling about tariffs again. Economic anxiety changes its costume every decade, but the plot? Always some variation of “we’re on the brink.” From the oil shocks and inflation spiral of the 1970s to the Great Recession of 2008, seasoned adults have had front-row seats to more than one economic rollercoaster. Still, even with all that experience, today’s instability manages to feel louder, faster, and more disorienting.

Tariffs, in particular, have re-entered the national conversation like an old ex who promises this time it’ll be different. If you’ve ever wondered why basic groceries or everyday products suddenly cost more, there’s a decent chance tariffs are part of the reason. While they’re designed to protect domestic industries by taxing imported goods, the costs often trickle down to consumers—meaning your wallet gets hit while policy makers argue over spreadsheets.

And sure, tariffs are nothing new. In fact, the United States’ first tariff law was passed in 1789. Alexander Hamilton, our first Treasury Secretary (and Broadway heartthrob), was a major fan. Back then, tariffs helped young American industries get off the ground. Today, they’re often a mix of strategy, retaliation, and political theater. They can be useful in some cases—but they’re also a blunt instrument in a global economy made of tangled supply chains and fragile price points.

So, what’s a rational, mildly anxious adult over 50 supposed to do while the world plays economic Jenga?

Cut Through the Noise (Before It Cuts Through You)

It’s easy to get overwhelmed by headlines screaming about trade wars and inflation spikes. The pace of news today makes the 6 o’clock broadcast of your youth seem quaint. Back then, Walter Cronkite told you what happened. Now, it’s all speculation and worst-case scenarios—on loop. Limit your intake. Pick a couple of trusted sources and tune out the hysteria. Anxiety thrives in chaos, so step out of the cycle.

Focus on What You Can Control

No, you can’t call up the U.S. Trade Representative and ask them to chill. But you can control your spending, revisit your budget, and prioritize the things that actually matter in your daily life. You’ve lived through sky-high interest rates, market crashes, and economic rebounds. This isn’t your first squeeze. Lean on what you’ve learned.

Ask yourself: Do I need this, or am I buying out of stress? That $9 jar of organic pickles might not be worth the spike in your blood pressure.

Financial stress is isolating. It makes you feel like you’re the only one staying up late worrying about your grocery bill. But the truth? Most people your age are quietly doing the same. So talk. Whether it’s your partner, your neighbor, or your friend at book club (yes, even if they won’t stop talking about Where the Crawdads Sing), sharing that stress helps. It reminds you: you’re not alone.

Reclaim Routine and Motion

When the world gets loud, doing something quiet and grounded can be surprisingly powerful. Walk. Garden. Cook. Fix something. These aren’t distractions—they’re tools. Your parents called it “keeping busy.” Turns out, that was therapy in disguise. Action brings calm, even when it’s just sweeping the porch.

Zoom Out—You’ve Seen This Before

Let’s be clear: anxiety in uncertain times is not a failure. It’s a sign that you’re paying attention. But it’s also a signal to zoom out. You’ve survived Nixon, stagflation, New Coke, the dot-com bust, and the moment fax machines were considered cutting-edge. You’ve lived through worse—and you came out the other side with more wisdom, better instincts, and, probably, a much healthier level of skepticism.

There’s no magic fix for tariffs, inflation, or global policy squabbles. But there is strength in experience, and clarity in perspective. You’ve weathered storms before—and you will again. Just maybe skip the late-night news this time. The soybean market will still be there in the morning.