Today, we’re talking about all those Boomer habits we love to roast on TikTok and Instagram. You know the ones: your dad refusing to use Apple Pay, your aunt’s obsession with cutting coupons, or your grandma’s treasured landline phone. But here’s the thing—maybe we’ve been too quick to dismiss these “old-school” ways as just boomer quirks. Between our digital burnout and growing nostalgia for simpler times, these 13 habits might actually be onto something.
1. They Still Prefer To Write A Check
Ever stood behind someone at Target writing a check and thought, “Really? In 2025?” We’ve all been that person huffing and puffing in line while scrolling through TikTok. But here’s what’s wild: this “outdated” habit might be the financial wellness hack we never knew we needed. Think about it: when you write a check, you’re forced to pause, think about the exact amount you’re spending, and record it. No more of that “Wait, I spent HOW much on DoorDash this week?” moment when you finally check your banking app.
As NPR points out, research shows we spend more when using digital payments versus physical methods like checks or cash. Plus, there’s something deeply satisfying about keeping a check register—it’s like a financial journal that helps you spot patterns in your spending. While your Apple Pay might be faster, it’s probably not helping you build the same mindful money habits. And in an age of data breaches and digital fraud, having a paper trail of your transactions isn’t the worst idea ever.
2. They Read The Newspaper Every Morning (Print Edition)
You remember your dad’s sacred “don’t talk to me, I’m reading the paper” breakfast ritual, like yesterday. Turns out, the old man might’ve been living his best life while we’re over here drowning in push notifications and anxiety-inducing news alerts. That morning paper routine isn’t just about staying informed—it’s about creating a dedicated space for understanding the world without getting sucked into the social media vortex. Researchers from the University of New Zealand have found that reading physical newspapers actually leads to better retention and comprehension of news compared to digital formats.
What’s even cooler is how a physical newspaper forces you to encounter different perspectives and topics you might never click on online. Your algorithm isn’t deciding what you should care about—instead, you’re getting a curated snapshot of the world that someone actually sat down and thought about. Plus, when you’re done, you’re done. No endless scrolling, no “breaking news” alerts at 3 AM, just a satisfied feeling of being caught up with the world.
3. They Still Have A Landline (And Use It)
Okay, let’s talk about that chunky beige phone hanging on your parents’ kitchen wall. Sure, we laughed at them for keeping it, but there’s something kind of magical about a device that does exactly one thing: helps you have a real conversation. No scrolling through Instagram while half-listening, no “sorry, you’re breaking up” excuses when the conversation gets deep, just pure, uninterrupted human connection. Plus, the sound quality on these bad boys is still unmatched—ever notice how your grandma sounds clearer on her landline than on her cell?
Conversations on landlines tend to last longer and feel more meaningful than mobile calls, probably because we’re not distracted by texts, emails, and that irresistible urge to check TikTok. There’s also something weirdly comforting about having a “home phone”—it’s like an anchor to your physical space in this increasingly virtual world. And not to mention how clutch these are during power outages or emergencies when cell towers are overwhelmed.
4. They Still Write and Send Handwritten Letters
“Who has time to write letters when you can just send a text?” we all thought, rolling our eyes at the stack of holiday cards our parents still insist on sending. But be honest—when was the last time you felt genuinely special receiving a “Happy Birthday” text versus finding a handwritten card in your mailbox? There’s something almost magical about holding a piece of paper that someone took the time to fill with their thoughts, complete with coffee stains and crossed-out words.
According to Science News, scientists have found that the physical act of writing by hand activates parts of our brain associated with learning and memory in ways that typing just doesn’t match. Plus, handwritten letters have this amazing time-capsule quality—they’re like little pieces of personal history you can actually hold. Think about finding your grandparents’ old love letters versus trying to scroll back through years of their theoretical text messages (okay, weird example, but you get it).
5. They Use Physical Maps (No Google Here)
If you’ve ever watched someone unfold (and attempt to refold) a massive paper map at a rest stop, you’ve probably thought, “Thank god for Google Maps.” But that crinkly paper teaches you something that turn-by-turn GPS directions never will: actual geography. When you use a physical map, you’re not just following a blue line; you’re learning how places connect, discovering alternate routes, and building a mental model of the world around you.
Think about it: how many times has your GPS led you down some sketchy road because “it’s three minutes faster,” or died right when you needed it most? Map reading is like having a navigation superpower—one that never needs charging. Plus, studies show that people who use physical maps develop better spatial awareness and problem-solving skills. It’s like CrossFit for your brain, but instead of posting workout selfies, you just get really good at never being lost.
6. They Still Clip Coupons And Love Bargain Hunting
The amount of time Boomers spend flipping through coupon books and planning their shopping routes used to make us cringe. But in an era of skyrocketing prices and shrinkflation, maybe there’s something to this methodical approach to saving money. Modern apps like Rakuten basically do the same thing, but Boomers have turned finding deals into an art that goes beyond just saving cash—it’s about understanding product cycles, knowing when to stock up, and never paying full price for anything.
The psychology behind traditional coupon clipping is fascinating—according to Research Gate, studies show that physically cutting and organizing coupons creates a stronger connection to your spending habits than digital alternatives. Plus, there’s that undeniable rush of satisfaction when you walk out of a store having saved 50% on your groceries. It’s like extreme sports for the budget-conscious, complete with the victory dance at checkout when everything adds up perfectly.
7. They Stick To Traditional Handed Down Family Recipes
Sure, we can find 15-minute air fryer hacks on TikTok, but there’s something special about those grease-stained recipe cards your mom refuses to part with. These aren’t just cooking instructions—they’re family history, complete with marginal notes about what worked, what didn’t, and that time Uncle Bob accidentally doubled the cayenne pepper. Traditional recipes often take longer, but they teach you the fundamentals of cooking in a way that quick-fix recipes never will.
These time-tested methods usually result in better-tasting food because they don’t cut corners. When you follow grandma’s lasagna recipe that takes three hours to make, you’re participating in a tradition that’s been refined over generations. Plus, these recipes typically rely less on processed ingredients and more on basic cooking skills that make you a better cook overall.
8. They Love To Listen To Music On Vinyl (Spotify, What Spotify?)
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We mocked the massive record collections taking up entire walls of Boomer basements, but vinyl’s comeback proves they might have been right all along. There’s real science behind why vinyl sounds different—analog recordings capture sound waves in their entirety, while digital formats have to approximate them. This creates that warm, rich sound quality vinyl enthusiasts keep raving about, and it’s not just audiophile snobbery talking.
The ritual of playing vinyl also forces you to engage with music differently. You can’t easily skip tracks or shuffle—you’re committing to experiencing the album as the artist intended. The physical act of placing the needle, flipping the record, and handling these delicate discs creates a more intentional relationship with music than absentmindedly streaming playlists. Besides, those album covers are legitimate works of art that deserve better than being shrunk down to thumbnail size.
9. They Prefer Face-to-Face Interactions (Not FaceTime)
We used to eye-roll at how Boomers insisted on in-person meetings for everything, but after years of Zoom fatigue and digital burnout, maybe they were onto something. Face-to-face interactions trigger the release of different neurochemicals than digital communication, creating stronger bonds and more meaningful connections. There’s a richness to in-person conversation that even the best video chat can’t replicate.
The effort required to meet in person—getting dressed, commuting, and managing time—actually makes these interactions more meaningful. It’s like the difference between streaming a movie and going to the theater; the content might be the same, but the experience hits different. Plus, you can’t really ghost someone when you’re sitting across from them at a coffee shop.
10. They Still Have A Rolodex Of Contacts
While we rely on auto-populated contact lists that disappear with every phone upgrade, Boomers maintained detailed records of everyone they’ve ever met. These physical contact lists weren’t just about phone numbers—they included birthdays, anniversaries, kids’ names, and personal notes that made maintaining relationships easier. In a time where we’re constantly losing digital data, there’s something to be said for having a backup that doesn’t need cloud storage.
The act of manually recording and updating contact information also helps cement these details in your memory. Plus, unlike your phone contacts, a physical Rolodex never crashes, never needs updating, and never accidentally syncs with your work account. It’s like a personal CRM system that runs on paper instead of algorithms.
11. They Keep And Update Physical Photo Albums
The idea of printing photos seems quaint. But physical photo albums offer something digital galleries can’t—a tangible connection to our memories that doesn’t require a password or working internet. There’s something magical about flipping through actual photographs, complete with handwritten captions and ticket stubs tucked between pages.
These carefully curated collections tell our stories in a more intentional way than the thousands of random shots cluttering our phones. Plus, physical photos are more likely to survive for future generations—try showing your grandkids your Instagram highlights from 2021 in forty years. It’s about preserving memories in a format that stands the test of time, not just collecting likes.
12. They Use Cash For Purchases (No Credit Card Here)
You might have thought your parents were paranoid for always carrying cash, but their “never trust the machines completely” mentality has some merit. Studies consistently show that people spend less when using physical money—there’s something psychologically different about handing over actual bills versus tapping a piece of plastic. When you can literally see your money disappearing, you tend to think twice about that impulse purchase.
Cash transactions also give you more privacy in a world where every digital purchase feeds into algorithms and marketing databases. Cash still comes in clutch during system outages, power failures, or when you’re supporting small local businesses that can’t afford processing fees. And nothing beats the feeling of pulling out exact change when the total comes to $19.84.
13. They Maintain And Repair Everything They Own
While we’re over here embracing “fast furniture” and disposable everything, Boomers took pride in maintaining and repairing their possessions. From rotating mattresses to conditioning leather furniture, they understood that quality items last longer with proper care. This approach might seem time-consuming, but it’s actually more economical and environmentally friendly in the long run.
The knowledge required to maintain different types of materials and equipment also creates a deeper appreciation for craftsmanship. When you understand how something works and how to fix it, you’re more likely to invest in quality items that can be repaired rather than replaced. It’s a more sustainable approach to consumption that we could probably learn from.
