Lisa O
Every generation has its quirks, but some habits that Boomers (born between 1946 and 1964) still hold onto leave younger generations scratching their heads. Whether it’s their loyalty to outdated technology or their resistance to modern trends, Boomers have their own way of doing things. Here are 30 habits Boomers still do that completely baffle Millennials and Gen Z.
Writing Checks for Everything
While most people use debit cards, credit cards, or digital payment apps, Boomers still love their checkbooks. Whether paying bills, buying groceries, or even tipping service workers, some still insist on writing checks. Younger generations, who rarely even carry cash, don’t understand why they wouldn’t just use a card or tap to pay.
Leaving Voicemails Instead of Texting
Boomers will call, get no answer, and then leave a long voicemail explaining exactly what they need. Millennials and Gen Z rarely check their voicemails and often prefer a simple text. Nothing confuses a younger person more than receiving a voicemail saying, “Call me back,” when a text would have been so much easier.
Using Cash for Big Purchases
Boomers still believe in paying cash for cars, furniture, or even expensive appliances. Younger generations rely on credit, financing, and digital transactions, making it rare to see anyone under 40 carrying large amounts of cash. While Boomers see cash as a responsible way to avoid debt, younger people see it as outdated and inconvenient.
Sticking With Cable TV
Streaming services have completely changed how younger generations watch TV, but Boomers still hold onto their cable subscriptions. They prefer flipping through channels rather than searching for content on Netflix, and many don’t want to deal with multiple streaming platforms. The idea of paying for a dozen services instead of one simple cable bill confuses them.
Reading Physical Newspapers
While most people get their news online, Boomers still love their morning newspapers. They enjoy flipping through the pages, doing crossword puzzles, and reading opinion columns in print. To younger generations, who get real-time updates from Twitter or news apps, waiting until morning for news feels like ancient history.
Printing Out Directions Instead of Using GPS
Even with smartphones offering turn-by-turn navigation, some Boomers still print out directions from Google Maps or even use an old-school road atlas. They claim it’s a backup in case their phone dies, but younger people can’t understand why they wouldn’t just bring a charger or use a phone mount in their car.
Calling Instead of Texting
Boomers still prefer phone calls, even for simple things that could be handled in a text. If they want to confirm dinner plans or ask a quick question, they’ll pick up the phone instead of sending a message. Younger people who see phone calls as intrusive or time-consuming find this habit unnecessary.
Using a Landline Phone
Even though nearly everyone has a smartphone, some Boomers still pay for a landline. Whether it’s out of habit, a backup plan, or just because they like the feel of a corded phone, they’re holding onto their home phones. To younger generations, a landline is about as useful as a fax machine.
Keeping a Rolodex or Address Book
Instead of saving contacts in their phone, some Boomers still rely on handwritten address books or a classic Rolodex. They carefully update names, phone numbers, and addresses, while younger people just type everything into their phone’s contact list. The idea of manually searching for a phone number seems unnecessary to younger generations.
Insisting on Paying Bills by Mail
While most people pay bills online or set up autopay, Boomers often prefer mailing paper checks. They like the security of knowing their payment is physically sent, even if it takes longer. Younger people who see online banking as fast and efficient wonder why anyone would go through the hassle of writing checks and mailing envelopes.
Taking Pictures With a Digital Camera Instead of a Phone
Even though smartphones have excellent cameras, some Boomers still carry around digital cameras for vacations and family events. They like using memory cards and printing photos later, while younger generations take instant snapshots, edit them on their phones, and share them online within seconds.
Keeping Paper Copies of Everything
Boomers are notorious for keeping stacks of receipts, bank statements, and printed documents. Younger generations, who store everything digitally, can’t understand why their parents or grandparents have filing cabinets full of paperwork. To Boomers, having a physical copy means security; to younger people, it’s just clutter.
Using a Phone Book
When Boomers need a phone number, they might still pull out the Yellow Pages instead of looking it up online. Most Millennials and Gen Z have never even used a phone book since Google provides instant access to any number. The idea of flipping through pages for information seems absurd to younger generations.
Preferring In-Person Banking Over Online Banking
Boomers love going to the bank to deposit checks, withdraw money, or talk to a teller. Younger people handle everything through apps and ATMs. Standing in line at a bank for something that could be done in seconds on the phone makes no sense to Millennials and Gen Z.
Clipping Coupons From Newspapers
Boomers love cutting out coupons from newspapers and mailers, even though digital coupons and promo codes are now widely available. While younger people just scan a barcode or enter a discount code online, Boomers still bring stacks of paper coupons to the store, leading to slow checkout lines and confused cashiers.
Leaving Voicemail Passwords on Sticky Notes
Security-conscious younger generations use password managers, two-factor authentication, and encrypted apps to store important information. Boomers, on the other hand, are known for writing down passwords and sticking them on their computer screens, making them easy to find—but also easy to steal.
Watching the 6 O’Clock News Religiously
Boomers grew up in an era where the evening news was a trusted source of information. Even with 24-hour news channels and instant online updates, many still tune in at 6 PM every night to get their news. To younger generations, waiting all day for an update seems unnecessary.
Keeping a Landline Voicemail Box Full
Many Boomers don’t delete old voicemail messages, leaving their mailbox constantly full. When someone tries to leave a message, they get a notification that the inbox is at capacity. Younger generations, who rarely even use voicemail, find this incredibly frustrating when trying to reach them.
Writing Everything in Cursive
While cursive writing was once a required skill, younger generations rarely use it. Some Boomers still write letters, notes, and even grocery lists in cursive, which can sometimes be unreadable to younger people who never learned how to write or read it.
Mailing Birthday Cards Instead of Sending a Text
Boomers love sending physical birthday cards, often with handwritten notes. While younger generations appreciate the gesture, most prefer a quick text, meme, or social media post. The idea of buying a card, writing in it, mailing it, and waiting for it to arrive seems outdated to younger people.
Wearing a Wristwatch Instead of Checking a Phone
Boomers still rely on wristwatches to tell time, even though smartphones make them unnecessary for most people. While some watches are fashion statements, younger generations find it easier to just glance at their phone. Many Boomers, however, prefer the reliability of a watch and don’t see the need to check a screen for the time.
Refusing to Throw Away Broken or Outdated Items
Boomers grew up in a time when things were built to last, and repairing household items was the norm. Instead of throwing out an old toaster, vacuum, or pair of shoes, they’ll try to fix it, even if it’s cheaper to buy a new one. Younger generations, used to rapid product turnover, often wonder why they don’t just replace it.
Printing Out Important Emails
Instead of saving emails digitally, many Boomers print them out “just in case.” Whether it’s a flight itinerary, an order confirmation, or an appointment reminder, they feel safer having a hard copy. Younger generations, who rely on cloud storage and digital reminders, see this as unnecessary and a waste of paper.
Balancing a Checkbook by Hand
Most people today track their finances using banking apps, but some Boomers still manually balance their checkbooks, writing every transaction down in a little ledger. They believe it helps them stay financially responsible, but younger generations, who rely on instant bank notifications, can’t understand why they wouldn’t just check their balance online.
Preferring Paper Maps Over GPS
While most people rely on Google Maps or Apple Maps, some Boomers still like to keep a physical map in their car. They argue that GPS can fail, but younger generations, who always have a charged phone and real-time traffic updates, see paper maps as a relic of the past.
Refusing to Use Streaming Music Services
Boomers are often loyal to CDs, vinyl, or even cassette tapes, while younger generations have moved entirely to Spotify, Apple Music, and YouTube. Some Boomers don’t like the idea of “renting” music through a subscription service, preferring to own their albums outright, even if it means carrying around stacks of CDs.
Using a Flashlight Instead of a Phone’s Flashlight Feature
Boomers will often go looking for a flashlight when they need extra light, even though their smartphone has one built in. Younger generations quickly swipe on their phone’s flashlight function, while Boomers still rummage through drawers to find their old battery-powered flashlight.
Reading TV Guides Instead of Using the Channel Guide
Even though modern TVs have built-in program guides, some Boomers still use printed TV listings or weekly TV guides to see what’s on. Younger generations simply browse the channel guide or search for a show, making the idea of flipping through a magazine for showtimes seem outdated.
Leaving the House Without Checking the Weather App
Younger generations check the weather forecast on their phone before getting dressed for the day, but many Boomers still rely on old habits. They’ll step outside, look at the sky, and make a decision based on instinct rather than looking at a detailed forecast. If they do check the weather, they’re more likely to watch the forecast on TV rather than using an app.
Keeping a Giant Stack of Magazines and Newspapers
Boomers often hold onto piles of old magazines, newspapers, and catalogs, convinced they’ll reread them or find usefulinformation later. Younger generations who get everything online see these stacks as unnecessary clutter. While Boomers love flipping through printed pages, Millennials and Gen Z just scroll through digital content whenever they need information.