It’s no secret that every generation has its quirks, and the boomer generation is no exception.
Some of their old-school habits might make younger folks roll their eyes, but there’s a certain logic to the way they do things that’s hard to deny.
I’ve personally found myself both annoyed and impressed by some of the more traditional ways boomers handle life.
But after digging into a bit of psychology, leaning on lessons from my years in digital marketing, and observing how different generations adapt to change, I’ve come to a realization: what sometimes feels outdated can actually serve as a reminder of core values like patience, thoroughness, and community.
So, let’s talk about nine things boomers still do that quietly annoy everyone — yet there’s a surprising amount of wisdom in each one.
1. They prefer phone calls over texts
Boomers are often the first to suggest calling instead of texting.
If you’ve ever had your phone ring out of the blue on a lazy Saturday morning, it can feel intrusive. Why not just send a quick message?
However, there’s a reason phone calls still hold a sacred place in their communication habits. Calls provide that real-time connection and nuance that text messages sometimes lack.
Tone of voice, the chance to hear someone’s laugh, and the ability to dive into a topic without a flurry of back-and-forth text bubbles can all deepen relationships.
I remember running a client campaign that nearly fell apart because of confusion in an email chain. A quick phone call would have saved us days of frustration.
So while it might make you flinch when your phone lights up unexpectedly, it’s worth noting that this direct approach can foster stronger bonds and clearer communication.
2. They stick to tried-and-true tech
If you’ve ever watched a boomer valiantly refuse to replace a perfectly good (but ancient) laptop or cling to email instead of newer communication tools like Slack, you know how frustrating it can be.
But from their perspective, if it ain’t broke, why fix it?
This preference for older, stable technology can actually be a lesson in resourcefulness. Instead of constantly hopping onto the newest shiny apps, many boomers show that you can do quite well by knowing your tools inside-out.
A study has found that older adults are less likely to rush to adopt every tech innovation. They value reliability and deep familiarity, which leads them to use technology more intentionally.
Sure, it may feel like they’re behind the curve.
But watching them skillfully navigate the programs they do use can be a reminder that mastering a few things thoroughly is sometimes more efficient than juggling a dozen platforms only halfway.
3. They write checks and pay bills by mail
Waiting in line at the post office or meticulously writing out a check can seem painfully slow to younger generations.
In our digital world of Venmo, PayPal, and tap-to-pay cards, who really needs paper checks, stamps, and envelopes anymore?
But this slower pace might be a hidden advantage. The very act of writing a check or mailing a bill can serve as a ritual of mindfulness.
There’s an awareness that comes with physically writing down amounts, signing your name, and walking it to a mailbox. You’re forced to pause and think about what you’re spending.
I remember my grandmother carefully recording each check in her ledger, so she always had a clear idea of where her money was going.
That level of intentionality might be worth embracing in our era of “buy now, worry later.”
4. They stick to face-to-face meetings
Sometimes, when you suggest a quick Zoom call or Slack thread, a boomer might say, “Let’s just meet in person!” And in a busy world, that can feel like a tall order.
You’ve got to drive, park, and possibly give up half your day for a chat that could have been done remotely.
Yet, there’s plenty of research showing that in-person interaction can increase trust and collaboration.
As Simon Sinek once said, “There is no decision that we can make that doesn’t come with some sort of balance or sacrifice.” Face-to-face meetings offer a dimension of connection that digital platforms struggle to replicate.
Body language, a handshake, sharing a coffee — all these elements build a sense of rapport and understanding.
It’s not always convenient, but the next time a boomer insists on meeting up in real life, remember that personal touch can make a difference in building stronger, more genuine relationships.
5. They insist on proper grammar and formality
From putting a period at the end of a text to writing out full sentences on social media, boomers often bring their English class lessons into digital spaces.
If you’ve ever received a text like, “Hello. How are you doing today? Sincerely, Mom,” you know it can feel stiff or overly formal.
Still, there’s a case to be made for clarity and respect in communication. “Words carry power,” as Seth Godin has often pointed out, and taking an extra moment to ensure you’re writing clearly can reduce misunderstandings.
I’ve mentioned this before but in my digital marketing days, one poorly worded email caused a big contract negotiation fiasco that nearly cost us a client.
Yes, it might seem nitpicky to correct text-speak, but boomers’ focus on good grammar and polite formality can serve as a reminder that language matters, especially in a world where words are often misread or taken out of context.
6. They watch cable news religiously
It’s easy to roll your eyes when a boomer starts quoting a cable news show.
Many younger people rely on curated social media feeds, podcasts, or newsletters for current events.
But the habit of sitting down at a specific time each day to watch the news can stem from an eagerness to stay informed and a respect for traditional journalism.
Cable news certainly has its biases and sensationalism, but there’s also merit in carving out a set time to engage with the day’s headlines.
Gary Vaynerchuk once emphasized the importance of understanding both “macro trends and micro details.”
While cable news might sometimes feel outdated or slanted, the boomer drive to keep up with world events is rooted in a desire to be an informed citizen. That’s an ethic we can all appreciate, even if we might get our information differently.
7. They cling to loyalty programs and brand allegiances
Boomers love their loyalty cards, airline miles, and “buy 10, get 1 free” punch cards.
For many of us, that extra weight on the keychain looks like a hassle. In an age where everything is on our phones, it might make you cringe watching someone fumble for a physical card at the checkout.
But that loyalty can pay off over time. There’s a small sense of satisfaction in accumulating points, stamps, or miles.
It becomes its own little game: carefully collecting and finally redeeming for something tangible.
I know my parents would never switch their phone carrier, not because they’re thrilled with the service, but because they’ve built up so many perks.
This might feel old-fashioned, yet it underscores the power of consistency. Sticking with one brand long enough can yield benefits, whether it’s through an app or an actual punch card.
8. They keep physical documents and files
If you’ve ever helped a boomer clean out their office, you’ve probably come across stacks of old statements, receipts, and tax documents.
Meanwhile, lots of younger people keep their records purely digital, often trusting cloud storage or simply hoping they’ll never need hard copies.
It can be exasperating to see all that paper stored away. But this approach can be a lifesaver if something goes wrong online. Cal Newport talks about “deep work” and the importance of being prepared in a world full of digital noise.
Having physical copies of critical documents can cut through that chaos when disputes arise or files mysteriously vanish from the cloud. The boomer logic is: if you’ve got it in a folder, you always know where to find it.
9. They rely on word-of-mouth recommendations over online reviews
Last but not least, there’s the classic boomer habit of asking friends or neighbors for personal recommendations rather than scrolling through Yelp or Google.
For younger folks, turning to an app for quick, crowdsourced star ratings is second nature. After all, a few taps can show you dozens of reviews in seconds.
Yet, a word-of-mouth endorsement can feel more trustworthy. It’s personal, specific, and rooted in real relationships.
A neighbor who’s used the same handyman for 15 years might give a more genuine referral than an anonymous online reviewer. This older method of seeking opinions builds community bonds and often leads to quality finds.
It might be annoying if you’re in a hurry, but it’s also a reminder of the value of human connection in decision-making.
Putting it all together
No one’s arguing that writing checks or watching cable news is the ultimate secret to happiness.
But these habits — as frustrating as they might be — often have a deeper rationale tied to personal connection, thoroughness, and consistency.
Here at DM News, we like to highlight how different perspectives can shape our daily habits and mindsets. And boomers, for all their “annoying” quirks, remind us that sometimes old-school ways can keep us grounded.
If you find yourself silently fuming when someone insists on an in-person meeting or wants to call instead of text, maybe take a second to see the human element behind that choice. Annoying at times? Sure. But wrong? Not necessarily.
After all, we’re all just trying to navigate life in a rapidly evolving world.
Sometimes, blending a bit of boomer wisdom with modern convenience might be the sweet spot for a balanced, intentional approach to daily living.
