Every generation has its quirks, but Baby Boomers have a unique set of habits and preferences that younger generations just don’t get. Some of these things were necessities back in the day, while others have become outdated with the rise of new technology and cultural shifts.
Whether it’s how they manage their money, decorate their homes, or communicate, these habits scream “Boomer.” Here are 15 things Boomers still do that younger generations don’t even bother with.
Writing Checks for Everything
Have you ever stood behind someone at a checkout line and watched them pull out a checkbook? Chances are, they were a Boomer. While younger generations use debit cards, credit cards, or payment apps, many Boomers still prefer the familiarity of writing checks.
Using Phone Books
Remember the days of flipping through thick yellow pages to find a local plumber or pizza place? Boomers sure do, and some of them still prefer this method over a quick Google search.
Younger generations, however, can’t imagine keeping a phone book in their house, let alone using one. They rely entirely on the internet for contact info, making the phone book a relic of a bygone era.
Ironing Everything
There’s a certain pride in looking sharp, and for the older generation, that often means ironing everything from dress shirts to pillowcases. While younger people might only break out the iron for a job interview or a wedding, many Boomers see ironing as an essential part of laundry day. They grew up in a time when looking well-groomed was non-negotiable, even for casual occasions.
Clipping Coupons
Boomers are the masters of saving money, and many still clip physical coupons from newspapers and magazines. It’s a ritual they’ve practiced for decades, and it gives them a sense of control over their spending. Younger generations, however, have shifted to digital couponing apps or cash-back services, which are faster and easier to use.
Writing Down Recipes by Hand
For many older people, a recipe written on a card in perfect cursive is a treasure. They’ve passed down recipes for generations this way, often keeping them in old, beloved recipe boxes. While Millennials and Gen Z still love to cook, they’re more likely to save recipes digitally or look them up on YouTube. The handwritten recipe has become a rarity, replaced by apps and blogs.
Balancing a Checkbook
There’s something about sitting at the kitchen table with a checkbook, a calculator, and a cup of coffee that feels quintessentially Boomer. They were taught that balancing a checkbook was a critical part of managing finances, and many still do it religiously.
Younger generations, on the other hand, rely on banking apps that track spending automatically.
Calling Instead of Texting
Back in the day, picking up the phone was the most natural way to communicate. Boomers, therefore, value the personal touch of a phone call and often see texting as impersonal or even rude.
Millennials and Gen Z, however, almost always prefer texting. It’s faster, less invasive, and doesn’t require immediate attention.
Printing Out Directions
Younger generations can’t imagine traveling without Google Maps or Waze guiding them in real time. The thought of using printed directions feels cumbersome, but for Boomers, it’s a comforting reminder of how they used to navigate.
Even in the age of GPS and smartphones, some Boomers still print out directions before heading out on a trip. Old habits die hard, and for many, having a physical copy feels like a backup in case technology fails
Keeping a Rolodex
Before smartphones stored all your contacts, there was the trusty Rolodex. Many Boomers still keep one on their desk, filled with handwritten names, phone numbers, and addresses. It’s a system that worked for decades, and for some, it feels more dependable than relying on technology.
Paying Bills by Mail
Younger generations, who grew up with autopay and online banking, can’t fathom spending time addressing envelopes and buying stamps for something that could be done in seconds on a phone.
The thought of mailing a check to pay a bill feels prehistoric to Millennials and Gen Z, but Boomers are still doing it. Whether it’s out of habit or mistrust of online payments, many prefer to send physical checks for utilities, credit cards, and even subscriptions.
Storing Important Documents in Filing Cabinets
Boomers are all about keeping hard copies of everything. From tax returns to medical records, many still store their important documents in neatly organized filing cabinets. Millennials and Gen Z have embraced the convenience of digital storage, saving files on the cloud and accessing them whenever needed.
While a filing cabinet might seem like a waste of space to younger people, Boomers appreciate the reliability of having physical copies at their fingertips.
Collecting Fine China
For many Boomers, owning and displaying fine china is a sign of class and tradition. They cherish their carefully arranged cabinets full of delicate plates and teacups, often handed down through generations. Millennials and Gen Z, however, see fine china as impractical. It’s rarely used, hard to maintain, and takes up valuable space in modern homes.
Wearing Watches for Practicality
For Boomers, a watch is a practical tool, while for younger generations, it’s more of a fashion statement, or completely unnecessary.
Watches used to be an essential accessory, and for Boomers, they still are. Millennials and Gen Z, on the other hand, rely on their phones for everything, including checking the time.
Sending Holiday Cards
Boomers take pride in sending out holiday cards every year, complete with handwritten notes or family photos. It’s a tradition that feels personal and thoughtful, something they’ve done for decades. Millennials and Gen Z are more likely to post a holiday greeting on social media or send a group text. While the gesture is appreciated, younger generations find the time and expense of physical cards to be outdated.
Reading Physical Newspapers
Every morning, many Boomers still sit down with a cup of coffee and a physical newspaper. It’s a ritual that’s as much about the experience as it is about staying informed. Millennials and Gen Z, however, consume their news online, whether through apps, social media, or email newsletters.
Physical newspapers are increasingly rare in younger households, but for Boomers, there’s no substitute for the rustle of paper and the smell of fresh ink.