13 Habits That Instantly Tell That You’re a Boomer
Walk through a checkout lane, wait on hold with customer service, or visit a neighbor’s living room, and you’ll notice certain routines haven’t gone anywhere. Some people over 50 still do things the way they learned years ago, and you can usually spot it right away. Here’s what tends to give them away.
Writing Checks at the Grocery Store
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Pulling out a checkbook at the checkout lane often catches people off guard. The Federal Reserve reports that check payments have dropped dramatically, 7.2% annually since 2018. Digital wallets and cards have taken over, but writing checks remains a go-to move for many over 50.
Keeping a Landline at Home
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Landline phones used to be a household staple, but with over 97% of Americans owning a mobile phone as of 2023, landlines are fading fast. Still, many older adults keep them around for reliability, better sound quality, or simply because that’s the number everyone knows.
Sticking with Cable TV Subscriptions
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Streaming services have reshaped how people watch TV, yet some still hold onto cable like it’s part of the furniture. According to Pew Research, younger viewers prefer platforms like Netflix or Hulu, while older demographics often favor cable’s straightforward channel surfing.
Referring to the Refrigerator as an “Icebox”
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The term “icebox” harks back to the era before electric refrigerators. The word lingers in the vocabulary of those who remember or were raised by those who remembered, a time when cooling food meant using literal blocks of ice. It might confuse younger ears, but to some, it’s just the default.
Using a Paper Map for Directions
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Drivers over 50 still trust a trusty road atlas. Smartphone navigation wasn’t always around, and years of road trips without tech taught older drivers to rely on printed maps. They’re immune to low batteries and spotty signals, and some people just like seeing the big picture.
Listening to Music on a CD or Cassette Player
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There’s a certain loyalty to physical media among those who built collections in the ’80s and ’90s. CDs and tapes don’t require subscriptions, internet access, or account logins—they just play. That reliability, plus the tactile experience, makes digital music feel a bit too abstract.
Answering Unknown Phone Calls
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Caller ID is often ignored by those who prefer not to screen calls. Many over 50 still answer every ring, expecting a person, not a robocall. This habit stems from when phones were more personal and less plagued by spam. Trust in that ringing sound hasn’t quite faded for them.
Saving Gift Wrapping for Later Use
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Peeling tape carefully off wrapping paper to reuse it was once a standard move, especially during frugal decades like the 1940s. It’s less about being thrifty now and more about habit. For those who grew up conserving, the idea of tossing perfect paper still feels wrong.
Handwriting Personal Letters
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Handwritten letters, once the backbone of communication, have become rare enough to feel special. A 2023 CBS News survey found 37% of Americans haven’t mailed a personal letter in over five years. Those over 50, however, still value the thoughtfulness and time it takes to write something by hand.
Using a Rolodex to Store Contacts
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Before smartphones and synced contact lists, the Rolodex was an essential desk accessory. Flipping through its cards gave professionals access to a network built over the years. Some still use them out of habit or nostalgia, even though digital tools have mostly taken over.
Developing and Printing Film Photos
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Snapping pictures on film and dropping them off to be developed was once the only way to see your vacation memories. Today, phones offer instant results. Yet older adults who still use film appreciate the anticipation, the print quality, and the satisfaction of flipping through real photo albums.
Reading the Daily Newspaper in Print
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Though many news outlets now prioritize digital content, reading a physical newspaper remains a ritual for many over 50. It’s not just about the headlines, but the act of unfolding pages with coffee in hand. They just prefer the ink-on-paper feel and curated layout of a print edition.
Using a Check Register to Balance a Bank Account
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Keeping a manual spending log may seem slow, but it was once essential. Many still maintain a check register, jotting down every expense. It’s a routine ingrained long before online banking made instant balances possible. It provides peace of mind and a backup.
Wearing a Traditional Wristwatch
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Smartwatches dominate wrists, but traditional analog or digital wristwatches haven’t disappeared. For many over 50, a wristwatch is about function and habit. It tells time without pulling out a phone, and for those who received them as gifts or milestones, there’s sentimental value that no screen can replace.
Visiting the Library for Research
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Typing a question into Google gives instant results, but older adults often prefer a trip to the library. They value the authority of published books and the quiet focus the environment encourages. Libraries also remain community hubs, offering more than just research: classes, events, and a familiar learning place.