Johann Hunt
Some habits feel timeless, but others spark confusion across generations. For younger minds shaped by digital speed and shifting values, certain Boomer behaviors can seem oddly out of sync. These everyday choices, once considered practical or polite, now raise eyebrows or invite quiet amusement. Here are 10 Boomer habits that continue to puzzle and spark reactions today.
The Loyalty To One Brand
Ask a Boomer about soda, sneakers, or even appliances, and they’ll likely stick with the same brand they’ve trusted for decades. Younger generations experiment more and switch brands often. That unwavering loyalty can feel limiting, though it also reflects a different era of long-term trust in companies.
The Paper Trail
Our digital world has made paper records feel ancient, which is why a boomer’s home can be a bit of a shock. Their file cabinets are stuffed with printed emails and photos, a sign of belief that a physical copy is the most reliable one.
TV On All Day, Every Day
TV often doubles as background noise in Boomer households. Nielsen reports 42% watch daily, and many stick with reruns they’ve already seen. Even commercials spark questions or comments, which feels unusual to younger people who prefer ad-free streaming and find chatter about TV spots unnecessary.
The Surprise Visit
Dropping by unannounced is seen today as intrusive, but many Boomers still view it as natural. For them, unexpected visits grew from a time when showing up at someone’s door was less about boundaries and more about expressing care and closeness.
The Mysterious Expiration Date
There is a common, and sometimes unsettling, story among younger generations that boomers keep food past its expiration date. While we check “best by” dates religiously, they operate on a different system of belief; it’s safe to eat if it “smells and looks fine.”
Dictating Dress Codes
Boomers usually stick to strict clothing rules, like wearing jackets at clubs or dressing a certain way for dinners, because they see it as polite and proper. Younger people, on the other hand, care more about comfort and showing their own style, commonly ignoring those old-fashioned dress rules.
A Penny Saved, A Memory Not Made
Many young people dream of their next vacation, but a lot of boomers are cautious about spending money. They would rather save everything “just in case,” which can feel like a contradiction for those who believe in balancing saving with living life to the fullest.
Why Send A Text When You Can Call?
You can almost feel the collective dread when a boomer’s name pops up on your screen. They tend to call about things that could easily be a two-second text message, completely ignoring modern communication rules. To them, a call feels more personal, but to younger people, it’s a big invasion of personal space.
Defining Roles
In modern households, splitting chores based on gender is a thing of the past. For boomers, though, traditional roles are often the go-to. This is noticeable in how they approach household tasks. One might absolutely refuse to grill but will enthusiastically get their hands dirty to unclog a drain.
Forwarding Chain Emails
“Pass this on to ten friends or bad luck will follow.” Boomers helped keep chain emails alive, forwarding inspirational messages, warnings, or prayers. Younger generations usually roll their eyes because they’re used to spotting scams and spam with ease. What Boomers see as sharing, modern minds see as digital clutter.