Boomers might catch a lot of flak for their quirks, but let’s be real—some of their habits are pure gold. From insisting on paper maps to sending chain emails with enough exclamation points to fuel a rocket launch, these “old school” moves might seem outdated, but they’re worth a second look. Why? Because beneath the humor lies wisdom, simplicity, and a little bit of charm that we could all use in our modern, tech-obsessed world. So grab your reading glasses (even if you don’t need them), get ready to embrace some landline-level nostalgia, and let’s dive into 14 hilariously wholesome Boomer habits that just might make life a little better. Don’t knock it till you’ve tried it!
1. Talking on the Phone for Hours
Remember when people actually talked to each other? Boomers perfected the art of marathon phone calls, where conversations meandered like Sunday drives. There’s something deeply satisfying about catching up on every detail of someone’s life without the pressure to “keep it short” or the distraction of doomscrolling. Instead of sending a dozen fragmented texts, try dialing a friend, pouring a cup of tea, and enjoying the sheer luxury of unhurried conversation. You might be surprised how much closer you feel when you’re not just skimming someone’s life in snippets.
2. Writing Checks and Balancing a Checkbook
It might seem archaic, but there’s a peculiar charm to writing checks. It forces you to slow down and be intentional with your money—a lost art in an age of mindless swiping and auto-pay. Plus, balancing a checkbook—or even just keeping a written budget—feels oddly meditative. It’s like having a real-time relationship with your finances, where every transaction leaves a mark you can see. If nothing else, it’s a great way to marvel at how Boomers managed to keep their money in check without five budgeting apps and endless subscriptions.
3. Sending Physical Thank-You Notes
An email thank-you is fine, but a handwritten note? That’s a gesture that transcends time. Boomers understand the impact of putting pen to paper and sending gratitude through the mail. It’s a tactile, personal connection that tells someone you truly care. Plus, it’s refreshing to receive something in your mailbox that isn’t a bill or a coupon you’ll never use. Stock up on stationery, find a good pen, and let your handwriting do the talking. You’ll make someone’s day—and feel a little more thoughtful in the process.
4. Keeping Printed Photos (and Albums)
Boomers knew something we forgot: photos are meant to be held. Scrolling through thousands of images on a phone doesn’t quite compare to flipping through a photo album, where every picture has earned its place. Printed photos feel like tangible proof of a life well-lived, a memento you can pass down rather than a digital file you’ll forget. Start printing a few of your favorites. You might rediscover the joy of curating memories, rather than hoarding digital clutter.
5. Reading a Newspaper Every Morning
There’s something luxurious—and grounding—about unfolding a newspaper and starting your day with ink-stained fingers. Boomers knew that newspapers offered more than just headlines; they were a ritual, a slow unfolding of the world. With algorithms bombarding us with news tailored to our biases, a paper might surprise you with something you didn’t think you cared about—and broaden your perspective. Try it. Brew some coffee, settle into a quiet moment, and embrace the elegance of staying informed the old-school way.
6. Showing Up Unannounced
Yes, yes—we’re all obsessed with texting “are you home?” before dropping by. But Boomers had a different vibe: they just showed up. There’s a beautiful spontaneity to knocking on someone’s door for no reason other than you were in the neighborhood. It’s bold, it’s personal, and it says, “I don’t need an occasion to see you.” While it might feel intimidating in our overly scheduled lives, try showing up—to a friend’s house or even your parents—and see how refreshing it is to reconnect without an appointment.
7. Using Cash for Everyday Purchases
Carrying cash seems almost rebellious in a world of tap-to-pay convenience, but Boomers had it right. Handing over real money makes you feel your spending in a way that plastic doesn’t. Plus, it’s far harder to overspend when you’re watching your wallet thin out in real time. Paying cash for your coffee, groceries, or small purchases isn’t just nostalgic—it’s a mindful approach to money that might just save you from those sneaky overdraft fees.
8. Fixing Things Instead of Replacing Them
Broken toaster? Wobbly chair? Boomers would grab a toolbox and get to work, often with a little trial and error. It’s a mindset we’ve nearly lost in our disposable culture, where everything seems cheaper to replace than repair. But there’s something deeply satisfying about learning to fix something yourself. Not only does it save money, but it also gives you a connection to the things you own. Start small—sew a button, tighten a screw, or patch a hole—and rediscover the joy of keeping things going.
9. Sharing Recipes on Handwritten Cards
Boomers didn’t send links to blogs littered with ads; they shared recipes on little index cards that could get splattered and smudged over years of use. A handwritten recipe card feels like a love letter to future meals—a family heirloom in the making. It’s also surprisingly practical: no need to scroll through endless screens when you’re mid-chop. Grab a pen and start writing down your favorite recipes to share. Your friends and future self will thank you.
10. Taking Sunday Drives
The Sunday drive was never about getting somewhere; it was about the joy of the journey. Boomers embraced this simple pleasure—cruising through backroads, windows down, with no destination in mind. It’s a meditative way to unwind, reconnect with your surroundings, and appreciate the slower pace of life. Gas prices aside, there’s something magical about getting in the car for no reason other than to see where the road takes you.
11. Hosting Dinner Parties Without Overthinking Them
Boomers knew that hospitality didn’t mean perfection. They invited friends over for potlucks, casseroles, and easy conversation—not five-course meals that required days of planning. There’s a certain charm in opening your home without worrying about Instagram-worthy table settings or artisanal menus. Focus on good company, simple food, and plenty of laughter. The best dinners are always the ones where people linger long after the plates are cleared.
12. Wearing a Watch That’s Just a Watch
Remember when watches didn’t tell you to stand up, check your messages, or count your steps? Boomers wore watches for one reason: to tell time. And there’s something refreshingly straightforward about that. A classic watch is timeless—a stylish accessory that quietly gets the job done without nudging you every five minutes. Give yourself a break from screens and try wearing a watch that just ticks. It might remind you that not every second needs to be optimized.
13. Sending Actual Invitations for Events
Boomers understood the importance of marking an occasion with something special. Instead of group texts or social media invites, they sent physical invitations—cards you could hold onto, pin to the fridge, and look forward to. It sets a tone: “This matters.” Whether it’s a birthday, a baby shower, or just a dinner party, consider sending out real invitations. It’s a small effort with a big payoff, and it makes the event feel all the more meaningful.
14. Taking Breaks from Technology (On Purpose)
For Boomers, unplugging wasn’t a challenge—it was just how life worked. They spent time in their gardens, read books without distractions, and watched movies without checking their phones. Reclaiming those tech-free pockets of time can be transformative. Start with an afternoon—put your phone in another room, close your laptop, and do something analog. You’ll be amazed at how refreshing it feels to step out of the digital churn and into a slower, quieter moment.
