Lisa O
Do you ever think about life before smartphones and online chats? For Baby Boomers, it was a time of simple joys and old ways. Even with many changes over the years, there are many things Baby Boomers keep doing that might catch you off guard. From reading papers to mailing letters the slow way, these acts bring back a time gone by. Let’s look into 30 things Baby Boomers still do today!
Read the Newspaper
Reading the newspaper in the morning over coffee or a bowl of cereal provides Boomers with a comforting ritual of daily consistency and trustworthiness. Another benefit of traditional newspapers is that they don’t have pop-up ads or alerts. While Boomers read, the words on the printed news pages help them block out the surrounding world. Reading printed material reminds Boomers of the “good old days.”
Watch Cable TV
Millennials can’t function without Netflix, but many Boomers still can’t live without cable TV. They prefer scheduled television and knowing what’s on during prime time. It’s their routine—something they can look forward to every evening. Also, there is no need to remember passwords or deal with buffering loading. They can just kick back, and the television will take them through their evening. It’s the old way of relaxing after a hectic day.
Write Checks
Baby Boomers still write checks in an electronic payments world. I guess it’s like a ritual for them. They like completing the fields, signing their name, and giving it to the other party. It’s more personal than pushing a button online. And they enjoy keeping a tangible reminder of what they paid and to whom. Old habits die hard, and baby boomers grew up without the convenience of mobile banking apps and online bill pay.
Have Landline Phones
For many younger people, mobile phones are their life, but many Baby Boomers rely on landline phones. Landline phones are convenient and trustworthy forms of communication. There are no connection or call quality issues, and they are always there in an emergency. Boomers grew up in a time when landlines were the only option. Landlines bring a feeling of reliability while serving as a comforting reminder of the good old days.
Use Cash
So what if, for many younger people, life is almost cashless? Baby Boomers use cash. They think the simplicity and urgency of cash are much better than risking any fee or online transaction failure. Boomers spend cash as a practical method of controlling their spending, unlike spending too much on credit cards. This mindset originates from the need for a no-nonsense, direct, self-sufficient method of dealing with money.
Use Fax Machines
Email and digital documents have rendered the fax machine obsolete for most people. But not Baby Boomers. They like the notion of sending a copy of themselves to the other party, even if it takes 3 minutes. And they enjoy the sound of the fax machine dialing the number and transmitting the pages. It’s like a flashback to when faxing was the quickest way to send a message.
Send Snail Mail
While email and texts may have made us more efficient, Baby Boomers will tell you they still like to send snail mail. Handwritten cards are viewed as more tangible and personal from the sender of the correspondence. It’s not only about sending snail mail but also about receiving it. There’s something about receiving a piece of snail mail that makes Boomers feel nostalgic for the days when people communicated more thoughtfully and from the heart.
Wear Wristwatch
No, we’re not talking about your Apple watch. Boomers still wear traditional wristwatches, not only for their practicality but also as a fashion accessory. There’s still craftsmanship that goes into making a wristwatch, making it an accessory that’s not a fad and can be passed down through generations. This generation was taught quality and tradition when they were young, so what could be better than looking at your watch to check the time?
Keep an Address Book
Baby Boomers still keep an address book in addition to the contacts in their mobile phones. It’s like a little black book of all their important friends and family. They like to flip the pages and view the names and addresses of their contacts. It’s a physical reminder of the people they know in their lives. And they don’t need to worry about their phone being dead when they need to make a call. The address book never runs out of battery.
Collect Encyclopedias
Most people use the internet when they need to know something, but some Baby Boomers still collect the encyclopedias. Although it takes hard work and dedication to find something out from an encyclopedia, it’s still a curated, trustworthy, go-to source of endless information for Baby Boomers. And the very act of pulling out an encyclopedia showcases intellectual curiosity to them.
Use Paper Maps
Google Maps may have changed how people drive, but many Baby Boomers love a paper map. It’s a habit that goes back to a time when taking a trip required actual planning. The skill and experience of reading a map is another tradition that Boomers cherish. They like to unfold the paper and follow their fingers along the route. It’s a more interactive way for them to discover new places and understand the geography of an area.
Watch Live TV
You have on-demand streaming services that allow you the flexibility to watch shows whenever you want, but Baby Boomers are still watching television live. Many Boomers have spent years gathering in the living room at a certain time to watch favorite shows and share experiences. Watching live TV still provides a highly structured viewing experience that Boomers enjoy. It also keeps Boomers connected to the real world and a schedule.
Call Rather Than Text
Baby Boomers live in a world of texts and instant messages, but they still like to pick up the phone and talk to people. It’s like a more personal way to communicate. They want to hear the other person’s voice and speak to them. It’s an opportunity to catch up and have a dialogue without all the different messages and alerts interrupting. And they like to hear the familiar voice on the other end.
Go to Stores
Millions of people shop online, but Baby Boomers still go to stores. It’s like a little excursion they enjoy each week. They like to see and touch the products before purchasing. It’s a more interactive way to buy things; salespeople are still available to answer questions or give recommendations. And boomers like to run into their friends or neighbors while running errands. It’s a social bonus to their outing.
Read Books
Millions of people read e-books or listen to audiobooks, but Baby Boomers still read the physical kind. It’s like a little getaway from the world of technology. They like to flip the pages and become part of the story. It’s a more interactive experience that engages all senses. And they want to see the book on their shelf and remember the journey it took them on to acquire it.
Take Handwritten Notes
Most people type their notes on their computer or phone, but Baby Boomers still take handwritten ones. It’s like a little piece of art that helps them remember the important points. They like the feel of the pen on the paper and the gratification of seeing their thoughts in writing. And they like to give a personal touch that can’t be duplicated by a typed version.
Use Old Alarm Clocks
Baby Boomers still wake up to traditional alarm clocks. The morning chime is a familiar, trustworthy way to wake up without the distractions of a smartphone. These objects also symbolize Boomers’ preference for dedicated, single-purpose tools and a simpler way of life. An alarm clock by the bedside is also a reassuring anchor to their daily lives.
Purchase CDs and Vinyl Records
Spotify can provide instant access to a nearly limitless music library, but many Baby Boomers still love CDs and vinyl records. Like handwritten notes and physical books, such music is a tangible connection to something they love. Selecting, purchasing, and playing a record or CD is an experience no digital object can provide. Vinyls, in particular, offer a nostalgic experience.
Print Photos
Digital photography has made storing and sharing images easier than ever, but Baby Boomers still love to print photos, demonstrating their love of tactile experiences. They want printed pictures to hang around them, share, and treasure in ways digital photos never can be. Boomers love their photo albums and frames, preserving memories and creating a physical connection with loved ones.
Wear Pantyhose
Stockings and pantyhose may seem old-fashioned, but Baby Boomer women love to wear them. It’s a sign of sophistication, reflecting a former ubiquitous dress standard. For them, hosiery helps them put together an appearance that fits their sense of being dressed up. This habit demonstrates their desire to stick to established standards and maintain decorum in their dress and in life.
Send Christmas Cards
Online greetings and texts aside, Baby Boomers still send physical Christmas cards – another way to connect with loved ones during the most wonderful time of the year. Boomers like writing and sending cards. For them, it means, “I care.” This meaningful ritual, tied in with sending and receiving a physical, handwritten card in the mail, keeps Boomers committed to tradition and personal connections.
Do Mental Math
Calculators and your smartphone can eliminate the need to do math in your head, but many Baby Boomers still prefer to calculate numbers on their own. Doing mental math engages Boomers’ cognitive functions, which helps keep their minds sharp. This habit showcases their desire for simplicity and independence from technology. They rely on their own cognitive abilities and prefer not to depend on digital tools.
Use Cook Books
You can learn from the world’s best chefs, but many Baby Boomers still enjoy physical cookbooks. Cookbooks are a tangible connection to the author and their recipe, personal stories, and suggestions. For Boomers, cookbooks serve as an anchor to the physical world. The act of browsing pages, dog-earring favorite recipes, and the physical wear and tear of the book is part of the experience.
Keep a Phone Book
Digital contacts are far more accessible than photos. But Baby Boomers like to hang on to traditional phone books. The physical books serve as a backup in case anything online fails. They also provide a sense of organization and ease of use. Writing information down is a trusted way to organize information and ensure Boomers can always get in touch with their family and friends.
Write Handwritten To Do Lists
Baby Boomers love handwritten to-do lists. Checking off boxes is a simple way of organizing tasks and monitoring completion. Crossing off the list provides a tangible sense of achievement. Handwritten lists allow Boomers to avoid digital distractions, increasing concentration and clarity. This habit demonstrates their preference for simplicity, familiarity, and the gratification of physically managing their lives.
Wear Bathrobes
Do people still wear bathrobes? Yes! You may prefer hoodies or pajamas, but Boomers love the tradition of wearing bathrobes. A bathrobe is clothing for lounging, after a bath, or even for casual mornings. It’s like a little luxury in their daily lives. They like the soft, cozy feel of the fabrics and the convenience of having a quick cover-up.
Take Baths
Most people take quick showers, but Baby Boomers still take baths. It’s like a spa experience they can enjoy in their own home. They like to soak in the warm water and let the day’s stress float away. And they like the meditative process of taking the time for a bath. It’s the old school way to relax and unwind that boomers still do.
Cook from Scratch
Baby Boomers love to cut and chop and dice—or, in other words, cook from scratch. They consider it healthier and more cost-effective. It also gives them the freedom to choose ingredients and flavors. Cooking from scratch is a creative, enjoyable activity that connects them to another tangible, happy experience—food!