Baby Boomer Basics
Baby boomers have a distinct way of holding on to traditions and habits that have mostly faded from everyday life. With a talent for keeping what younger generations have long left behind, boomers are quick to proudly (and sometimes loudly) tout the virtues of their old-school ways. Enjoy this list of quintessential boomer activities, and fondly recall the boomers who still swear by them.
Conspiracy Theories
Baby boomers' affinity for conspiracy theories stems from a mix of historical events, skepticism, and the media they grew up with. Having lived through the Cold War, JFK's trip to Dallas, and Watergate, they witnessed deep distrust in government, making them more likely to question official narratives. After all, what would family gatherings be without Great Uncle Harold tossing in a wild theory or two?
Benutzer Verwüstung, Wikimedia Commons
Corporal Punishment
Baby boomers still think a good spanking is the secret to discipline, while millennials are just trying to figure out how to "parent without punishment”. Baby boomers might argue that kids today lack a good spanking. After all, corporal punishment was a "hands-on" approach to discipline in their day!
Golf
For baby boomers, a day on the golf course is the ultimate way to unwind—unless they're busy telling you how they used to play on courses that “weren't so crowded". In that case, it is the penultimate day.
Lilrizz, CC0, Wikimedia Commons
Collecting Knickknacks
Baby boomers have a knack for collecting knickknacks, turning every shelf into a museum of memories. Each trinket tells a story, usually one that starts with, "You won't believe where I found this!" or "Your great so and so was such a character. They gave me this”.
Reading The Newspapers
Nothing beats the feeling of a fresh newspaper in hand for baby boomers—digital screens don't compare to the satisfying rustle of paper. They'll tell you, with a smile, that the news "hits differently" when printed.
Typing In All-Caps
Baby boomers are masters of typing in all caps, believing it adds extra emphasis—and a lot more personality. For them, lowercase letters are just a suggestion, not a necessity.
Michal Klajban, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons
Paying For Cable
Baby boomers still pay for cable like it's the only way to watch TV, convinced streaming services are just a passing trend. To them, flipping through a guide is way more satisfying than scrolling through endless options. Who needs all those channels anyway?
Milicevic01, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons
''Tacky'' Decorations
Baby boomers have a unique talent for tacky decorations, from velvet Elvis paintings to light-up ceramic Christmas trees. To them, the more kitschy, the better—it's not clutter, it's character! Besides, a little tacky decoration is just a sign of a home full of personality—who needs minimalism when you can have a collection of holiday figurines year-round?
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Politically Correctness
Baby boomers often refuse to be politically correct, believing that "speaking your mind" is a sign of authenticity. The world's gotten too soft to them, and they're not afraid to say what's on their mind—even if it's a little outdated. For boomers, honesty trumps all, even if it ruffles a few feathers.
Cecil W. Stoughton, Wikimedia Commons
Writing Checks
Baby boomers are the last generation still happily writing checks, convinced it's a more personal way to pay bills. They'll tell you, "I just don't trust those online payments," as they scribble another check for the plumber. For them, typing in a PIN is no match for the satisfying sound of a pen on paper.
Esgonzalezz, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons
Having A Favorite TV Show's Time Slot
Baby boomers still hold sacred the tradition of watching their favorite TV shows when they air, like waiting all week for The Brady Bunch reruns instead of streaming whenever.
Fine China
Baby boomers still swear by fine china, using it for everything from Sunday dinners to special occasions that don't always feel "special enough”. To them, a meal doesn't taste the same unless served on something with a delicate floral pattern. After all, why save it for guests when you can make every dinner like a celebration?
ReshmaNazeerhussain, CC0, Wikimedia Commons
Landlines
Baby boomers cling to landlines like a lifeline, convinced nothing beats a wired phone's sound quality or reliability. For them, a mobile phone is just a backup when they can't find the corded handset. After all, what's more comforting than hearing that familiar "hello" from the same spot every time?
The Mall
For baby boomers, the mall is more than just a shopping destination. They'll happily spend hours strolling through department stores, dragging you along. Baby boomers are skeptical of online orders, preferring the certainty of seeing, touching, shaking, and taking home their purchase.
PCHS-NJROTC, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons
Cursive
Cursive isn't just a writing style; it's a lost art that symbolizes elegance and effort. For baby boomers, cursive is what adults do—proof that you're sophisticated enough to master more than just printing your name. To them, it's the hallmark of maturity, and typing can't match its graceful flourish.
Klr's eye, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons
Fuzzy Toilet Seat Covers
Baby boomers love fuzzy toilet seat covers and will try to convince anyone that they add a cozy touch to any bathroom. To them, a bathroom accessory is a comfort that turns an everyday task into something special.
Iron Everything
Baby boomers take ironing to a new level, pressing everything from shirts to sheets like an essential daily ritual. For them, wrinkles are the enemy, and no outfit is complete without a crisp, perfectly ironed finish.
Alfred T. Palmer, Wikimedia Commons
Phone Books
Baby boomers cling to phone books like lifelines, convinced that flipping through a thick directory is the fastest way to find a number. To them, digital searches are no match for the satisfying weight of a phone book in hand.
Cgord, CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons
Bar Soap
Baby boomers still swear by bar soap, convinced it's the most effective and satisfying way to clean up. To them, liquid soap is just a modern gimmick—nothing beats a good old-fashioned bar's nostalgic simplicity and longevity.
Mrs Dash
Baby boomers swear by Mrs Dash, believing it's the secret to flavorful meals without the hassle of salt. To them, the go-to seasoning blend makes every dish taste like a home-cooked masterpiece.
Avon
Baby boomers have a soft spot for Avon, remembering it as the trusted brand that brought beauty products right to their doorstep. To them, an Avon lady was more than just a sales rep—she symbolized convenience, community, and a little luxury.
Gendered Everything
Baby boomers are all about gendered everything, from pink toys for girls to blue for boys, believing it's the natural order of things. To them, there's no need to blur the lines—why not let everyone have their designated color and role?
Hangfunzpnui, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons
Diamonds
Baby boomers still see diamonds as the ultimate symbol of luxury and commitment, convinced that nothing says "forever" quite like a sparkling rock. To them, a diamond is more than just a gem—it’s an investment in love and status.
Gryffindor, CC0, Wikimedia Commons
Volunteering
Many baby boomers find that after years of career-focused living, volunteering provides a meaningful way to fill their time and contribute to causes they are passionate about. Baby boomers have perfected the art of "retirement"—volunteering, mentoring, and organizing bake sales—because sitting still and doing nothing isn't in their DNA!
Daniel Thornton, CC BY 2.0, Wikimedia Commons
Spiritual Experiences
Many baby boomers still attend traditional religious services. They were raised with a strong sense of faith and community, finding comfort in the familiar rituals and values of their upbringing.
Ivar Leidus, CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons
Brand Loyalty
Baby boomers are so loyal to their favorite brands that they'd probably write them a heartfelt letter if they could still find a stamp—because nothing says "I love you" like sticking with the same cereal, car, or vacuum cleaner for 40 years!
Andrej Dankovic, CC BY 3.0, Wikimedia Commons
Traditional Etiquette
Baby boomers follow traditional etiquette so closely that they'd RSVP to a Zoom meeting with a formal card and send a thank-you gift after a group chat! For baby boomers, being polite isn't just a habit; it's a cornerstone of building trust, strengthening relationships, and maintaining respect. We poke fun but agree being courteous is a must.
Keeping Paper Receipts And Files
Baby boomers hold on to paper receipts and files like priceless artifacts, convinced that digital copies just can't be trusted. For them, a well-organized filing cabinet is a badge of responsibility, and nothing beats the feeling of flipping through a physical document when you need it.
Use A Physical Planner
Baby boomers swear by physical planners, believing that writing things down on paper helps them stay organized and focused. To them, nothing beats the satisfaction of crossing off a task with a pen.
Putting Physical Photos In Albums
While digital photos are everywhere now, boomers are known for creating physical photo albums and spending hours carefully organizing prints into scrapbooks, as if each picture is a treasure to be preserved for future generations. For them, flipping through these albums is like reliving the past, one carefully placed photo at a time.
Vyacheslav Argenberg, CC BY 4.0, Wikimedia Commons
Complaining About "These New Fangled Gadgets"
From smart thermostats to voice-activated assistants, boomers can't help but shake their heads and ask, "What's wrong with just turning the dial?" Baby boomers treat new gadgets like they're mysterious alien technology, pressing every button except the one that works.
Ajay Suresh, CC BY 2.0, Wikimedia Commons
Calling People "On The Hour"
Some baby boomers still live by the principle of calling people precisely at the scheduled time—whether they're just having dinner, out for a walk, or watching a show. They believe in the sacred ritual of calling people "on the hour," as if punctuality is a lost art in the age of texts and time zones.
Jimmy Panetta, Wikimedia Commons
Writing Handwritten Letters
While texting and emailing dominate communication, baby boomers still enjoy the art of writing handwritten letters, whether they're notes to a friend or extended holiday cards. Baby boomers will swear by handwritten letters, treating them like precious artifacts in a world of quick texts and emojis.
Using Paper Maps Or Atlases
Despite GPS and smartphones, baby boomers sometimes pull out paper maps or large atlases when planning a trip or navigating unfamiliar territory. Baby boomers still use maps like they're on a treasure hunt, while the rest of us ask Siri for directions and hope she doesn't get sassy.
Anastasia Prisunko, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons
Calling Everything A "Tape"
Baby boomers still call everything a "tape," whether it's a cassette, Spotify playlist, or YouTube video, leaving younger generations confused. To them, "press play" seems to mean something entirely different—like it's still the age of rewinding.
Raimond Spekking, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons
Complaining About "Kids Today" And Their Technology
Baby boomers are notorious for shaking their heads at how "lazy" or "dependent" younger generations are on smartphones, even though they can barely figure out how to text without autocorrect. They love to complain about "kids today" and their technology as if using a smartphone to order pizza is somehow more complicated than dialling a rotary phone.
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