Is it the end of an era? As millennials and Gen Z begin to dominate the workplace and redefine consumer behavior, many habits once seen as standard for Baby Boomers are quietly fading from view. These customs are now being questioned, reshaped, or simply abandoned by younger generations who value efficiency, digital-first convenience, and evolving social standards.
This article examines 13 habits that were once defining traits of the Boomer generation but are now on the verge of extinction. If you’ve ever wondered what future generations may no longer relate to, here’s a glimpse at what might not make the cut.
Buying DVDs and CDs
The pride of a stacked DVD or CD shelf was real for Boomers who loved owning physical media. It felt tangible and permanent, a way to build a personal library of favorites.
But digital streaming and downloads have made physical media less appealing. Platforms like Spotify, Netflix, and Apple TV+ have rendered these collections obsolete for many. As devices with disc drives become increasingly rare, the format is slowly fading away.
Calling Instead of Texting
For many Boomers, a phone call is the most direct and respectful form of communication. Whether it’s a check-in with a friend or a professional inquiry, speaking on the phone has long been their default mode of interaction.
But for younger generations, calls are often seen as intrusive or unnecessary. Texting, messaging apps, and even voice notes have taken precedence. As preferences shift toward quick, asynchronous communication, the old-fashioned phone call is falling out of favor.
Using Paper Checks
Baby Boomers grew up in a world where writing checks was the go-to way to pay bills or buy groceries. It was seen as both secure and reliable. Even as debit cards emerged, checks held on, especially among those wary of newer technologies.
Today, digital banking has made paper checks almost obsolete. With mobile payment apps and direct transfers becoming the norm, many younger consumers have never written a check at all. As banks phase out checkbooks and businesses stop accepting them, this habit is slipping quietly into history.
Storing Documents in Filing Cabinets
There’s a sense of security Baby Boomers often associate with having physical copies of important documents neatly stored at home. Tax returns, utility bills, and insurance paperwork have traditionally lived in color-coded folders or manila envelopes.
Cloud storage and digitized records are now taking over. Not only are they more space-efficient, but they also allow instant access from any device. As more institutions go paperless, the trusty filing cabinet is losing its long-held place in the home office.
Using Landlines at Home
Landline phones were a staple in households for decades. For Baby Boomers, the sound of a home phone ringing was part of daily life, and memorizing phone numbers was second nature.
Mobile phones have nearly eliminated the need for landlines. Many younger adults don’t see the point of paying for a service they never use. As telecom companies retire their old infrastructure, landlines may soon be remembered only as relics of a bygone era.
Ironing Clothes Regularly
Pressed shirts and crisp slacks were once non-negotiable for Boomers, especially for work and social events. Ironing was part of the morning routine, reflecting a polished, put-together image.
Younger generations lean toward casual and low-maintenance fashion. With wrinkle-resistant fabrics and a more relaxed approach to style, the iron now gathers dust in many households. Convenience has overtaken tradition.
Balancing a Checkbook
Keeping a physical ledger of deposits, withdrawals, and balances was a core financial habit for Boomers. It provided a sense of control and financial literacy that was ingrained from a young age.
Today’s banking apps do that job automatically. Real-time account updates and notifications render manual balancing as redundant. While it still has educational value, it’s no longer a necessity for managing money.
Mailing Letters and Greeting Cards
Boomers often send handwritten notes or seasonal greeting cards to mark special occasions. It’s a gesture steeped in personal touch and tradition.
Now, email, text, and social media have taken over. Digital messages are instant, customizable, and eco-friendly. While some still value a physical card, the volume of mailed greetings has dropped significantly.
Shopping at Department Stores
Department stores were once a cornerstone of retail therapy. Boomers often spent weekends browsing Macy’s or Sears, where everything was under one roof.
E-commerce and boutique experiences have disrupted this model. Consumers now prefer personalized, convenient shopping experiences. Many large department stores have shuttered or shifted their operations online, signaling a major shift in how people shop.
Using Encyclopedias and Phone Books
Before the internet, encyclopedias and phone books were vital reference tools. Boomers relied on these hefty volumes for research, contact information, and general knowledge.
Search engines and digital directories have made them nearly irrelevant. With information now just a few clicks away, younger generations barely recognize these once-indispensable books.
Following a 9-to-5 Work Schedule
Structured work hours and commutes were the norm for Boomers, often seen as a sign of professionalism and discipline. The standard workday was rarely questioned.
Remote work, flexible schedules, and digital nomadism are shifting the workplace dynamic. The younger workforce increasingly prioritizes productivity over presence, pushing the traditional 9-to-5 into retirement.
Hanging Decorative China Plates
Displaying china in glass-front cabinets or on walls was once a widespread tradition among Boomers. These collections were often family heirlooms or wedding gifts, representing elegance and heritage.
Minimalist decor trends have made such displays less popular. With changing tastes and smaller living spaces, many younger people are opting for more functional and modern design choices. The china plate wall is becoming a nostalgic nod to the past.
Disclaimer – This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information. It is not intended to be professional advice.
How Total Beginners Are Building Wealth Fast in 2025—No Experience Needed
How Total Beginners Are Building Wealth Fast in 2025
I used to think investing was something you did after you were already rich. Like, you needed $10,000 in a suit pocket and a guy named Chad at some fancy firm who knew how to “diversify your portfolio.” Meanwhile, I was just trying to figure out how to stretch $43 to payday.
But a lot has changed. And fast. In 2025, building wealth doesn’t require a finance degree—or even a lot of money. The tools are simpler. The entry points are lower. And believe it or not, total beginners are stacking wins just by starting small and staying consistent.
Click here and let’s break down how.
5 Easy Steps to Change Any Habit
5 Easy Steps to Change Any Habit
We all click on them with the hope that just THIS time the secret to changing a bad habit or adopting a healthy one will be revealed and we’ll finally be able to stick to that diet, stop that one or ten things that might in the moment make us feel temporarily good but really just make us fat, unhealthy, sad, mad or just frustrated with ourselves.
