15 Well-Meaning Boomer Habits That Drive Younger Generations Up The Wall

15 Well-Meaning Boomer Habits That Drive Younger Generations Up The Wall

Boomers mean well, they really do. But sometimes, their habits—rooted in an entirely different era—can drive younger generations up the wall. Whether it’s their overly detailed voicemails or their love of chain emails, these well-intentioned quirks often clash with modern sensibilities. Here’s a closer look at 15 classic Boomer habits that millennials, Gen Z, and beyond find particularly hard to tolerate.

1. When They Leave Long Voicemails

Boomers love a good voicemail. They’ll leave a detailed message explaining their thoughts, intentions, and even a recap of their day. While this might seem thoughtful, younger generations—who prefer texting or quick voice notes—find it unnecessary and time-consuming. Listening to a two-minute voicemail about something that could have been a short text feels like a waste of time. It’s not personal; it’s about efficiency.

For Boomers, voicemail was once a revolutionary way to stay connected. However, for younger people used to instant communication, it’s outdated and clunky, and they prefer text-based interactions. According to a 2015 report by the Pew Research Center, text messaging is prevalent among U.S. parents and their adult children, with 61% of parents typically using this mode of communication with a grown child. While the intention to communicate is appreciated, it’s clear that communication styles have evolved—and voicemail didn’t make the cut.

2. When They Use Too Many Ellipses in Text Messages

Boomers have a unique texting style that often involves excessive ellipses… which can make their messages seem vague… or even passive-aggressive… Younger generations, who prioritize clarity and tone in digital communication, often interpret this habit as confusing or even stressful. Is it a pause? A trailing thought? Or is something left unsaid?

Ellipses also create unnecessary ambiguity, especially in short messages. An article from the New York Post discusses how generational texting habits, particularly the use of ellipses by older generations, are perceived by Gen Z, and suggests that punctuation choices can significantly impact how messages are perceived. To Boomers, ellipses might feel conversational, but to younger folks, they often read as cryptic or even passive-aggressive. Texting, after all, thrives on brevity and precision.

3. When They Use Chain Emails

Chain emails were the social media of their time, but in 2025, they’re downright antiquated. Boomers often forward these emails—ranging from “if you don’t share this, bad luck will follow” warnings to “heartwarming” but dubious stories—to their entire contact list. While the intention is usually to share something uplifting or important, it’s a habit that grates on younger generations.

Not only do these emails clog inboxes, but they also often contain misinformation. Younger generations, more accustomed to fact-checking and digital literacy, view chain emails as outdated and intrusive. A 2012 report by the Pew Research Center highlights that email use continues to be the bedrock of online communications for seniors, with 86% of internet users ages 65 and older using email. The research also notes that older adults are far more likely to engage with email forwards, but this habit is increasingly incompatible with modern online communication norms.

4. When They Insist On “Hard Work” Over “Smart Work”

Boomers grew up in an era where grinding hard—and visibly—was the ultimate badge of honor. Their advice often leans towards putting in long hours and paying dues, regardless of the context. While their intentions are noble, younger generations prioritize balance, mental health, and working smarter rather than harder. The phrase “work smarter, not harder” exists for a reason.

This generational clash stems from differing definitions of success and productivity. Research from Gallup shows that burnout is at an all-time high, especially among millennials, partly due to outdated expectations of overwork. While Boomers’ advice comes from a good place, younger generations wish they’d embrace modern perspectives on efficiency and well-being.

5. When They Overuse Facebook

facebook webpage
Krasnoyarsk, Russia – June 13, 2011: Facebook main webpage on Google Chrome browser on LCD screen

Facebook is still the go-to social platform for many Boomers. From posting vacation photos to resharing memes and participating in heated comment threads, their presence on the platform is hard to miss. Younger generations, who have largely migrated to platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and Snapchat, often find this overreliance on Facebook baffling—and sometimes embarrassing.

The problem isn’t just the platform but how it’s used. Boomers often post long, public updates or engage in debates that feel out of place in the fast-paced, image-driven world of younger social media users. A study by Statista highlights the generational divide in social media usage, showing that younger people prefer more trendy and interactive platforms. While Facebook remains a community hub for Boomers, younger generations wish they’d broaden their social horizons.

6. When They Expect Phone Calls Instead of Texts

For Boomers, a phone call feels personal and immediate. They value hearing someone’s voice and having real-time conversations. But for younger generations, calls often feel intrusive and unnecessary. Texting allows for asynchronous communication, which fits into their busier, multitasking lifestyles.

Boomers’ insistence on phone calls can feel like a demand for undivided attention—something younger people guard carefully. It’s not that millennials and Gen Z don’t value connection; they just prefer communication that’s on their terms. This habit, while well-meaning, often leads to frustration when a quick text would suffice. Understanding generational communication preferences could go a long way in bridging this gap.

7. When They Offer Unsolicited Advice

Boomers love to share wisdom, often unprompted. Their experience and perspective are valuable, but younger generations don’t always want advice—especially when it’s not applicable to modern challenges. Telling someone to “just buy a house” or “stick with one company for life” ignores today’s financial realities and shifting job markets. Younger people want acknowledgment of their unique circumstances, not solutions from a different era.

This habit, though well-intentioned, can feel patronizing. Millennials and Gen Z crave autonomy and the ability to figure things out on their own terms. Offering advice without understanding the full context often creates frustration rather than guidance. While Boomers see their advice as helpful, younger generations often interpret it as dismissive of their struggles. This generational mismatch underscores the importance of listening before advising.

8. When They Talk About “The Good Old Days”

Yuri A/Shutterstock

Reminiscing about the past is a favorite Boomer pastime, but younger generations often hear these stories as thinly veiled criticism. When Boomers wax nostalgic about how “things were better back then,” it can feel like a dismissal of current struggles and achievements. Younger people are trying to navigate a world that’s vastly different—and often more complex—than the one Boomers grew up in.

The good old days weren’t perfect, and younger generations are quick to point that out. While Boomers see their stories as harmless nostalgia, millennials and Gen Z hear them as a lack of acknowledgment for today’s challenges. This habit, while rooted in fondness for their youth, can unintentionally widen the generational divide. Balancing nostalgia with an appreciation for the present could help foster more understanding across generations. After all, every generation faces its own unique set of challenges.

9. When They Use Speakerphone In Public

Boomers have a knack for putting their phone calls on speaker—no matter where they are. Whether it’s in a grocery store, a waiting room, or on public transportation, the habit is disruptive and often unnecessary. Younger generations value privacy and are quick to cringe at this oversharing. Public spaces aren’t meant to be arenas for personal conversations.

To Boomers, speakerphone might feel convenient or even polite, allowing others to join the conversation. But for those around them, it’s an invasion of personal space. This habit often sparks annoyance and highlights differing views on public etiquette. Adopting a more discreet approach to phone use could bridge this cultural divide. It’s a simple change, but one that would be appreciated by many.

10. When They Overdecorate For The Holidays

woman sitting with grandmother on couch

Holiday enthusiasm is great, but Boomers often take it to extremes. From giant inflatable Santas to front lawns covered in Easter eggs, their decorating habits can feel over-the-top to younger generations. While it’s a fun tradition for them, it can come across as excessive and even wasteful. Millennials and Gen Z tend to value minimalism and sustainability in their celebrations.

For younger people, holiday cheer doesn’t have to mean breaking the bank or overloading the environment. Boomers, however, often see these decorations as a cherished part of the season—a way to spread joy and create memories. This generational clash highlights different priorities when it comes to celebrations. Finding a balance between tradition and modern values could make holidays more enjoyable for everyone. After all, the spirit of the season matters more than the size of the display.

11. When They Expect Thank-You Notes

FornStudio/Shutterstock

Boomers were raised to believe in the importance of handwritten thank-you notes. To them, it’s a sign of good manners and gratitude. But younger generations often see this as outdated, especially when a heartfelt text or email can accomplish the same thing. The difference reflects broader shifts in communication norms.

This habit can lead to misunderstandings between generations. Boomers might feel unappreciated without a physical note, while younger people might assume their digital thanks suffices. Bridging this gap requires mutual understanding of evolving social norms. Acknowledging gratitude matters, but the format doesn’t have to be stuck in the past. After all, it’s the thought that counts—not the stationery.

12. When They Use Checkbooks

Despite the rise of digital payments, many Boomers still rely on checkbooks. Writing a check at the grocery store or for a utility bill can feel painfully slow to younger generations, who are used to the speed of online banking and apps like Venmo. This habit often seems inefficient and outdated. Younger people value convenience and time-saving solutions.

For Boomers, check-writing is a habit rooted in trust and familiarity. It’s not just about paying bills; it’s about maintaining a sense of control. However, as technology advances, this practice increasingly clashes with modern expectations. Encouraging Boomers to explore digital alternatives could help bridge this divide. Financial habits, like all habits, can evolve with the times.

13. When They Opt For Paper Statements

stressed man working out finances

Boomers often opt for paper statements over digital notifications. While younger generations are all about decluttering and going green, Boomers find comfort in having a physical record. This reliance on paper feels wasteful to younger people who see digital as the future. However, the habit reflects a time when physical records were more reliable.

For Boomers, paper statements provide a sense of security and permanence. Younger generations, on the other hand, trust encrypted systems and cloud storage for their financial information. This clash highlights differing levels of comfort with technology. Encouraging gradual adoption of digital statements could help ease this transition. After all, going paperless is both eco-friendly and efficient.

14. When They Insist On Keeping Their Landline

Landlines are practically extinct for younger generations, but Boomers continue to cling to them. To them, it’s a reliable backup and a nostalgic nod to simpler times. But younger people see it as an unnecessary expense, especially when smartphones do it all. The habit reflects a reluctance to let go of the familiar.

Boomers value the stability of landlines, especially during emergencies. However, younger generations prioritize mobility and convenience. This difference underscores how technology adoption varies across generations. Finding a middle ground, like emergency-only landlines, could satisfy both perspectives. It’s a small adjustment but one that acknowledges the best of both worlds.

15. When They Clip Coupons

Boomers love a good deal, and coupon clipping is one of their favorite pastimes. Younger generations, who prefer digital deals and cashback apps, find the practice outdated and cumbersome. Sorting through paper coupons feels like a waste of time compared to automated discounts. This habit highlights the different ways generations approach saving money.

For Boomers, the tactile process of couponing is both nostalgic and rewarding. Younger people, however, value efficiency and technology-driven solutions. Bridging this divide means recognizing the shared goal of saving money while embracing modern tools. Encouraging Boomers to explore digital alternatives could make shopping more seamless. After all, saving money doesn’t have to come at the expense of convenience.

Danielle is a lifestyle writer with over 10 years of experience crafting relatable content for both major media companies and startups.