Bruno Pugh
Think old habits vanish with each new generation? Not quite. Some routines, built over decades of trial, error, and a little stubbornness, sneak past assumptions and sneak into Millennials’ admiration lists. Stability, patience, and simple savvy—those everyday moves Boomers perfected—still turn heads today. Curious which timeless tricks earn respect across generations? Buckle up, you might just want to steal a few. Ready to peek inside the Boomer playbook? Let’s dive!
Sending Handwritten Notes
Millennials feel genuinely touched when receiving handwritten notes from baby boomers, a stark contrast to typical digital communications. These personal messages boost feelings of gratitude and connection between both parties. Beyond that, millennials have become the largest greeting card buyers, with many preserving these notes for years.
Fixing Appliances Themselves
A knack for problem-solving set many Boomers apart. Instead of rushing to replace a broken appliance, they rolled up their sleeves and got it working again. That do-it-yourself approach stretched budgets, kept useful machines in service longer, and reduced waste that would otherwise pile up.
Evaluating Purchases For Longevity
Durability led countless shopping decisions in the Boomer years. Attention to value and patience meant purchases lasted decades. Extended warranties weren’t part of the equation, yet those choices still proved wise. Younger buyers increasingly admire this mindset, even as style and flexibility steer their own carts.
Watching TV News And Print Newspapers
Evenings in many households once centered around televised broadcasts and morning papers. These channels provided trusted updates long before smartphones and constant alerts. While Millennials lean toward digital subscriptions, the older generation demonstrates how consistency in news habits can foster both awareness and routine in everyday life.
Brand Loyalty
Trust plays a central role in how Boomers select products. Once they find something reliable, they rarely chase trends or switch for novelty’s sake. Millennials display loyalty too, though in smaller numbers. What stands out is the steadiness behind Boomer preferences, shaped by decades of dependable experiences.
Attending Live Events
Many Boomers prioritize comfort during travel, and about 25% spend over $6,000 per trip on leisure experiences (Phocuswright, 2023). Their cultural interests lean toward concerts, theater, and sports. At the same time, they tend to enjoy full sports broadcasts more than the festival scene embraced by younger generations.
Using Email Regularly
Digital habits differ across generations. Baby Boomers engage with promotional emails and tend to use desktop setups to maintain a formal tone in their messages. Mobile devices dominate for Millennials, but both groups still regard email as an essential part of professional and business communication.
Discovering Brands Via Traditional Ads
Yes, Boomers still watch TV ads and flip through glossy magazines like it’s 1985. Millennials? They might roll their eyes, but they secretly notice when an old-school ad actually works. Peer reviews and social feeds dominate, yet nothing beats the subtle flex of an analog discovery. Retro works, apparently.
Thriftiness
Careful spending has long been a hallmark of Boomer households. Their focus on stretching every dollar reflects habits built through experience and necessity. While Millennials face different financial pressures, digital tools have become their version of thrift. Even eMarketer reports that 62% of U.S. consumers now hunt for promo codes online.
Researching Travel Insurance
Boomers stress over cancellations; Millennials stress over accidents. Both stress about spending wisely, apparently. Travel insurance appeals differently across generations, yet in the end, they’re equally likely to click “buy.” Who knew planning for disaster could unite age groups so efficiently?
Making Devices Last Longer
Boomers may not chase every new release, but their households still include a variety of devices, from smartphones to smart TVs. Instead of replacing items quickly, they extend the life of what they own. This approach shows a practical balance between adopting technology and maintaining it.
Maintaining A Regular Sleep Schedule
Sleep schedules? Boomers have them down like a science. Millennials? They’ve got alarms, apps, and guilt. Yet even the night owl generation can’t deny the power of hitting the sack on time. Turns out, grandma was right all along: beauty sleep isn’t a myth—it’s a strategy.
Engaging In Gardening As A Hobby
Gardening stimulates the mind and calms the nervous system. Boomers benefit from routine and sensory engagement, while Millennials, facing urban stressors, gain similar mental health advantages. The act of nurturing life fosters connection, patience, and accomplishment across generations
Using Loyalty Programs
Rewards systems appeal across generations, but habits differ. Boomers often stick with one program to maximize steady benefits, while Millennials explore several at once. In fact, 71% of Millennials report using loyalty programs to save money, according to Talon.One (2025).
Knowing Phone Numbers By Heart
It’s impressive when someone can dial without checking their phone. Memorizing numbers used to be standard, and Millennials find it oddly satisfying to see someone rely on their memory instead of screens. It’s a reminder that human recall still has its charm.
Using Direct Mail
Phones down, eyes up! There’s something magical when someone actually listens without distractions. Even Millennials, glued to screens most of the day, notice the difference. Giving full attention to a conversation brings warmth, clarity, and connection. It’s a small gesture, but it makes chats feel like rare, memorable experiences.
Impulsive Vacation Booking
Surprising statistics challenge assumptions about Boomer travel habits. Though typically associated with careful planning and traditional booking methods, 64% of Boomers say they would book trips just one month or less before departure (HTRends survey). Meanwhile, their spontaneous approach hasn’t diminished their appreciation for meaningful travel experiences.
Volunteering In Their Communities
Community service remains a defining feature of many Boomer lifestyles. They often dedicate time to local charities and civic groups to strengthen neighborhood bonds in the process. Millennials admire this hands-on involvement, with younger generations increasingly valuing purpose-driven work and aspiring to replicate that commitment in their own way.
Cooking At Home
Millennials are showing renewed interest in home cooking, usually relying on meal kits, recipe apps, and mindful eating trends. This habit mirrors what Boomers have practiced for decades: preparing meals from scratch to save money and encourage healthier eating. Their tradition of practicality continues to resonate today.
Writing Checks For Payments
Paper checks may seem outdated, but Boomers have long trusted them for bills and everyday expenses. The habit reflects accountability and careful record-keeping. Millennials, faced with rising digital fraud, are beginning to respect the security and traceability that traditional check writing still provides.