20 Things Baby Boomers Still Do But Seem Completely Strange to Millennials
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Baby Boomers, who number about 73 million, make up a significant segment of the U.S. population. They are known for their work ethic and loyalty. They often prioritize stability, leading to careers that sometimes span decades with a single employer.
They are also pivotal consumers, holding roughly 70% of disposable income in the U.S. They may embrace technology at their own pace but are remarkably adaptable—many are active on social media (my dad keeps sending me TikTok videos of how to store groceries). Here are 20 things baby boomers still do but seem completely strange to millennials
Using Cash
Many Boomers grew up in a time when cash was king. That tangibility (rolls of cash fitting snugly in your palm) provides a sense of security that digital payments can’t replicate. The Federal Reserve reports that only 16% of all transactions now use cash.
Over half of Generation Z (ages 18-25) and millennials (26-41) use digital wallets as the go-to payment method. 80% even say that making payments with a mobile device is very important. Digital wallets (e.g., Apple Wallet and Google Wallet) grew 32% in 2023, while mobile payment apps like Apple Pay, PayPal, Venmo, and Cash App rose from 53% to 55%.
Texting with one finger
A Redditor, brycepunk1, says, “I’m 50, and I type with my index finger. I learned to type on an old typewriter and still type with just my index fingers even on a regular keyboard. I can type 50+ wpm, too. It’s muscle memory.”
Many Boomers grew up with flip phones and T9 texting, naturally calling for a more cautious touch. On the other hand, millennials have perfected the use of thumbs to text away on their smartphones.
Using Landline Phones
The Benton Institute for Broadband & Society reveals that 50.5% of Americans 65 and over have a landline phone in their home. Maybe because they offer better call quality and reliability during power outages? Also, you can’t misplace them.
Millennials can’t relate. They have traded their landlines for mobile phones, preferring the freedom to communicate on the go—snapping selfies and scrolling through TikTok for the latest viral trends and memes.
Printing and Filing Documents
It’s tried and tested, and you can see it (amidst a whole bunch of other papers). Having a tangible copy in hand feels much more secure than relying on a digital document that could mysteriously vanish into the abyss of cyberspace. But what about the trees, though?
More than 200 million trees are cut down daily (one every 2.5 seconds) to make paper. Millennials are all about that digital life, opting for cloud storage and digital document management systems. Tools like Google Drive and Dropbox make collaboration a breeze. And you don’t have to wrestle with a dusty cabinet to get that one copy of your birth certificate.
Using Facebook
AARP reports that around 71% of adults 50+ are on Facebook, and 60% use Facebook at least once a day. It’s a place where they can share cherished milestones, connect with old pals from high school, and keep tabs on what their grandkids are up to (kind of).
Millennials prefer platforms like Instagram, Snapchat, and TikTok, which are all about vibrant visuals, instant gratification, and, let’s be honest, a little more fun! Facebook feels a bit like their parents’ favorite hangout spot.
Reading Newspapers
For Baby Boomers, curling up with a fresh-off-the-press newspaper while sipping hot coffee with blueberry waffles is a ritual. And the satisfaction of completing a crossword puzzle with a trusty pen (cap chewed) in hand. Nearly 70% of boomers read print newspapers at least thrice a week.
According to a 2017 report from the American Press Institute, a remarkable 68% of millennials get their news from social media (though 86% don’t bother to fact-check whether it’s fake news or not).
Going to the Bank
Baby boomers still prefer physical bank branches for personal banking and face-to-face interactions. BAI research shows that only 35% are comfortable receiving financial advice via artificial intelligence.
In contrast, Millennials, who often see banking as just another app on their phones, might find this penchant for physical visits odd, considering that 67% of them report using mobile banking services regularly.
Holding on to Physical Media
Baby Boomers love physical media, like vinyl records, printed books, or DVDs. They value the tangible experience, the joy of turning pages, and the nostalgia tied to vinyl’s crackle.
AP News reports that vinyl sales surged 29.2% in 2021 (to $619.6 million), primarily driven by older generations. On the other hand, millennials favor the convenience of digital formats, streaming services, and e-books, appreciating their space-saving and on-the-go accessibility.
Saving and Reusing Containers
Boomers view items like sturdy glass jars, takeout containers, and even old Tupperware as valuable storage solutions rather than clutter. That ice cream tub can easily store leftovers. They grew up with the mantra, “Waste not, want not,” and using empty containers for storage or craft projects feels like second nature.
Millennials, who often gravitate towards minimalist living and instant disposability, find this practice quite puzzling and favor sleek, new solutions.
Shopping in Person
Boomers love retail shopping more than any other generation. 39% say that’s where they often find new items (in physical stores). Being able to touch, feel, try on items, and receive personalized service from store staff before making a purchase is the bees-knees.
In stark contrast, 67% of millennials prefer shopping online to in a brick-and-mortar store because comparing prices and avoiding crowds is easier. And you can save on gas, too.
Eating Meals at Set Times
For Baby Boomers, structured meal times are a staple. Breakfast at 8, lunch at 12, and dinner at 6 create a routine that they find comforting.
Conversely, millennials often eat on the go or graze throughout the day, making strict meal times seem outdated.
Formal Dress for Occasions
Remember when attending an event meant dressing to the nines? Boomers certainly do. They uphold the tradition of formal attire for occasions, equating it with respect and decorum. Millennials prefer a more relaxed approach because of the startup culture’s casual dress code.
A 2019 Society for Human Resource Management survey found that 50% of workplaces now have a casual dress policy, reflecting this generational shift.
Phone Conversations
For Boomers, a phone call is the gold standard of communication. They appreciate the direct, real-time interaction, allowing immediate feedback and a personal touch. Millennials, however, are more inclined towards texting, emails, or messaging apps, finding them less intrusive and more efficient.
A report by OpenMarket found that 75% of Millennials prefer texting over talking. Texting fits seamlessly into their multitasking routines, fostering more transparent and meaningful conversations.
Face-to-Face Networking
For Boomers, professional networking means attending conferences, shaking hands, and making personal connections. They value the trust and rapport built through face-to-face interactions.
While still recognizing the importance of personal connections, millennials leverage digital platforms like LinkedIn for networking. Virtual meetings and online forums are their go-to tools, offering broader reach and flexibility.
Appreciation for Old-School Hobbies
Hobbies like gardening, knitting, and stamp collecting are unique in Boomer’s heart. These pastimes offer relaxation and a sense of accomplishment.
Some of these hobbies are experiencing a resurgence among younger generations, who find solace in unplugging from technology and engaging in hands-on activities. According to the Craft Yarn Council, knitting has increased in popularity among Millennials, driven by the DIY and slow-living movements.
Wearing Wristwatches
Growing up when clocks were a necessity rather than an accessory, Boomers often view their watches as essential tools—reliable and steadfast, just like they are. They view it as a blend of fashion and practicality, appreciating the reliability of a watch that doesn’t run out of battery halfway through the day.
The smartphone has effectively rendered wristwatches obsolete. Why bother with a watch when your phone’s always at your fingertips? Brands like Apple have also taken notice, pushing smartwatches into the spotlight and marrying technology with style.
Loyalty to Brands
Brand loyalty runs deep with Baby Boomers, who often stick to the same brands they’ve trusted for decades. This loyalty stems from when fewer brands existed, and personal experience played a significant role in brand selection.
Millennials are more experimental, exposed to many choices, and driven by reviews and social proof. A study by Morning Consult found that only 1 in 5 Millennials identify as brand loyalists.
Privacy and Social Media
Boomers are generally more cautious about sharing personal information online, a trait from a pre-internet era where privacy was more easily controlled.
Millennials, digital natives through and through, are more open about their lives on social media, sharing everything from daily routines to significant milestones. However, awareness of privacy issues is growing among younger generations, prompting more mindful sharing practices.
Joining Clubs and Societies
It could be a book club, gardening society, or a local choir. These gatherings offer a chance to share mutual interests and a sense of community and belonging. Millennials form online communities around shared interests, such as social media groups or Discord servers.
The idea of spending a Saturday afternoon chatting about gardening in a physical location may seem so… yesterday. Yet, clubs provide significant benefits that digital spaces often lack, such as deep, sustained relationships and the thrill of group activities like community service projects or local events.
Watching TV on a TV
Boomers typically watch television on an actual TV set. In contrast, Millennials are more inclined to stream shows on their laptops, tablets, or smartphones. A Nielsen report highlighted that 54% of Boomers watch traditional TV daily, spending between 5 and 6.5 hours daily.
The shift towards on-demand viewing has made cable TV outdated for the younger generation. Streaming on the go, anyone?
Disclaimer – This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.
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