We’ve all rolled our eyes at some ‘old-fashioned’ boomer advice. Whether it’s a lecture on the importance of a firm handshake or a reminder to “save for a rainy day,” some of their habits can feel like they’re from a totally different planet. But here’s a wild thought: what if they were onto something?
It turns out, many of those “outdated” boomer practices are backed by modern science, economic data, and even the latest Gen Z trends. These aren’t just nostalgic quirks; they’re evidence-based strategies for a wealthier, healthier, and more connected life.
So, let’s put the “OK, Boomer” jokes aside for a minute. It’s time to highlight some brilliant habits we should all adopt.
They prioritize paying with cash and avoiding credit card debt
That boomer habit of paying in cash isn’t about fear of technology; it’s about smart financial discipline. While younger generations are racking up credit card debt for everyday items, boomers have maintained a healthier relationship with borrowing. Experian data from 2025 shows that while millennials carry an average credit card balance of $6,961, boomers carry a lower average balance of $6,795.
They were raised with a “pay-with-cash” mentality, a principle that helps avoid the debt trap entirely. This stands in stark contrast to younger consumers, who increasingly rely on credit for necessities like groceries and gas amid rising costs.
Financial expert Nathan W. Morris put it perfectly: “Every time you borrow money, you’re robbing your future self”. It’s a lesson in financial self-ownership. As author Dave Ramsey warns, “The decision to go into debt alters the course condition of your life. You no longer own it. You are owned”.
They understand the magic of starting to save early
Boomers grasp a fundamental law of wealth that younger generations sometimes miss: time is your most valuable asset. It’s all about the power of compound interest. A hypothetical example shows just how powerful this is: if you save $5,000 a year starting at age 25, you could have nearly $1.1 million by age 65.
But wait —just 10 years, starting at 35? You’d end up with over $550,000 less. That decade of waiting literally costs you half a million dollars.
This long-term vision is perfectly captured by investing guru Warren Buffett, who said, “Someone’s sitting in the shade today because someone planted a tree a long time ago”. It’s a strategy that trades the thrill of short-term, high-risk bets for the quiet confidence of long-term security.
And the goal isn’t just to have a pile of money. As financial expert Suze Orman notes, “A big part of financial freedom is having your heart and mind free from worry about the what-ifs of life”.
They still pick up the phone to call people
In a world of texts and DMs, actually calling someone feels almost radical—but it’s an emotionally intelligent move. There’s real science behind this. One study found that hearing a loved one’s voice can trigger the brain to release oxytocin, the “love hormone” that’s crucial for building trust and connection.
What doesn’t trigger oxytocin? A text message. What’s more, a real conversation can lower cortisol levels—the body’s primary stress hormone—making you feel calmer and more supported. Many people avoid calls because they think it will be awkward, but research shows a phone call is far more likely to create the genuine connection we actually crave.
As internet entrepreneur Joe Gebbia said, “Digital communication is completely different from in-person, face-to-face conversations. One will give you surface insights, and the other really gives you depth”.
They eat dinner together as a family
The traditional family dinner isn’t just a quaint scene from a sitcom; it’s a powerful tool for raising successful and well-adjusted kids.
Sadly, it’s a disappearing ritual. The Survey Center on American Life reports that family mealtime has declined by more than 30% over the last 30 years. A staggering 74% of Americans over 50 grew up with regular family dinners, but only 38% of today’s Gen Z adults can say the same.
This decline has real consequences. Data shows that teens who have frequent family dinners are almost 40% more likely to get A’s and B’s in school. The health benefits are tremendous. Kids who regularly eat with their families are 35% less likely to develop eating disorders and 24% more likely to eat healthy food.
They fix it themselves instead of buying new ones
Long before “sustainability” and the “circular economy” were buzzwords, boomers were practicing it by simply fixing what was broken. This “fix-it” mentality is making a huge comeback. The DIY home improvement market is projected to skyrocket from $800 billion in 2025 to $ 1,400.9 billion by 2032, with 58% of Americans saying they take on projects to fix something that’s broken.
This mindset is the heart of the “Right to Repair” movement, which is fighting back against our throwaway culture. In the EU alone, discarded but repairable goods account for a shocking 35 million tons of waste every single year.
The boomer habit of repairing things isn’t just about saving money; it’s an act of anti-consumerism that reduces waste and conserves resources. They were ahead of the curve, proving that the most sustainable product is the one you already own.
They pack a lunch for work
Bringing a brown bag lunch to work might not seem glamorous, but it’s a masterclass in financial discipline. The numbers don’t lie. According to one Quora analysis, eating out for lunch costs an average of $11 per meal. Packing your own? Just $6.30.
That might not sound like much, but it adds up fast. That simple daily choice can save the average person $1,222 a year. Think about what you could do with an extra grand.
This habit perfectly embodies the wisdom of Benjamin Franklin, who warned, “Beware of little expenses. A small leak will sink a great ship”. Packing a lunch is a micro-habit with a macro-impact on your financial health.
They cultivate “analog” hobbies like gardening
In an age of endless scrolling and digital burnout, boomers knew the secret to staying sane: working with their hands. Hobbies like gardening, knitting, and baking are seeing a massive resurgence, especially among younger generations. The craft and hobby market is projected to reach $76.23 billion by 2033, with Gen Z and Millennials enthusiastically embracing what they call “grandma hobbies.”
There’s a scientific reason for this trend. Studies, such as those cited by the National Institutes of Health, show that gardening can reduce stress, anxiety, and body mass index (BMI), while increasing life satisfaction.
They show up on time, every time
While modern work culture has become more flexible, the boomer commitment to punctuality is a timeless sign of respect and reliability.
There’s a clear generational divide here. A UK survey found that just under half of Gen Z workers feel that being five to 10 minutes late is basically the same as being on time. In contrast, only 20% of boomers agree.
But this isn’t about being a stickler for the clock. It’s about demonstrating integrity.
Being on time sends a powerful message: you value other people’s time as much as your own. It builds trust and shows that you are dependable. As the author Thomas Chandler Haliburton famously wrote, “Punctuality is the soul of business.” In any era, that’s a soft skill that gets you noticed for all the right reasons.
They write actual thank-you notes
Sending a handwritten thank-you note might seem old-fashioned, but it’s actually a robust mental health tool. The simple act of expressing gratitude has profound effects on your brain. Research shows it can reduce symptoms of depression, lower levels of the stress hormone cortisol, and even improve your sleep by activating the hypothalamus.
One fascinating study even found that when participants wrote gratitude notes, they showed fewer symptoms of death anxiety compared to control groups. This boomer-era courtesy is more than just good manners; it’s a practical, no-cost way to leverage neuroscience to boost your own well-being and strengthen your social bonds. It makes both the sender and the receiver feel better.
They dress for the job they want, not the one they have
Even though office dress codes have relaxed, the boomer mantra of “dressing for success” is still a savvy career strategy. First impressions are formed in an instant, and appearance plays a huge role. Studies show that a person’s initial perception of you is based on how you look and dress.
This has a direct impact on your career. A survey of managers found that 65% said clothing could be the deciding factor in choosing between two otherwise similar job candidates.
It doesn’t stop once you have the job. A whopping 93% of executives say an employee’s style of dress influences their chances of getting promoted. Dressing professionally is a strategic tool to project confidence, competence, and authority, which subconsciously shapes how you’re perceived at work.
They read physical books instead of scrolling
Choosing a physical book over a screen isn’t a Luddite move; it’s a way to give your brain a cognitive edge. Your brain processes information differently on paper versus a screen. As the Guardian reported, a 2014 study discovered that people who read a story on paper absorbed and remembered more of the plot than those who read it on an e-reader.
Why? Because screens encourage us to skim, scan, and word-spot. Print, on the other hand, facilitates the “deep reading” processes essential to critical thinking and comprehension.
Plus, the blue light emitted from screens can mess with your sleep cycle, a problem you’ll never have with a good old-fashioned book. In an age of distraction, picking up a physical book is a conscious choice to engage more deeply and protect your focus.
They stay loyal to a company
The stereotype of the “job-hopping” millennial and Gen Z-er might be just that—a stereotype. New research from the National Institute on Retirement Security is busting this myth. It turns out the job tenure of younger workers today is remarkably similar to that of boomers at the same age.
In 2024, the median tenure for workers aged 25-34 was 2.7 years. Back in 1983, the median tenure for boomers in that same age bracket was 3.0 years—hardly a massive difference.
Boomer “loyalty” was often a thoughtful response to a system that rewarded it with pensions and stability. Now, Gen Z is rediscovering the value of sticking around, with research from Amiral Group showing that 75% are seeking secure, long-term work.
They join local clubs and build real-world networks
In a world obsessed with online followers, boomers understood the power of a real-world community. Joining local groups—whether it’s a book club, a bowling league, or a volunteer organization—builds something sociologists call “social capital.” This is the network of relationships and trust that helps people both “get by” and “get ahead”.
These real-world connections provide tangible support, from a neighbor helping you with a project to a club member tipping you off to a job opportunity. Studies show that substantial social capital can reduce poverty and empower entire communities.
An online network is excellent, but the boomer habit of showing up in person creates a level of resilience and opportunity that a screen can’t replicate.
They cook meals from scratch
Cooking a meal from scratch is a fundamental life skill that gives you direct control over your health and your wallet. Over the decades, Americans have increasingly outsourced their cooking. According to IELTS Mentor, in 1970, only 26% of the average family’s food budget was spent on eating out. By 2010, that number had jumped to 41%.
This shift has had a significant impact on our health. One study found that a shocking 97% of children’s meals from restaurants failed to meet expert nutrition standards.
Cooking at home is a triple win: it’s cheaper, it’s significantly healthier, and it provides a real sense of accomplishment. It’s a boomer staple that’s more relevant than ever.
They are loyal to brands they trust
In a world with endless choices, the boomer tendency to stick with a trusted brand is actually a smart way to avoid decision fatigue.
Overall, brand loyalty is declining. US brands saw a 14% drop in customer loyalty between 2022 and 2023, with over a third of shoppers easily swayed by a lower price. Boomers, however, are more likely to stick with what they know works, prioritizing consistent quality based on their past experiences.
This isn’t about being resistant to change; it’s an efficient mental shortcut. Instead of spending time and energy researching every single purchase, they rely on a trusted brand to deliver. It trades the endless, exhausting search for novelty for the quiet confidence of reliability.
They clip coupons and hunt for deals
Think couponing is an ancient, paper-based ritual? Think again. Boomers have taken their money-saving savvy straight into the digital age.
Forget the stereotype of someone with a pair of scissors at the kitchen table. Data shows that boomers are the most frequent users of digital coupons, with 57% using them. In fact, 96% of people aged 55 and over use digital coupons, proving they’ve fully embraced technology for saving money.
This habit demonstrates that the core principle—never pay full price if you don’t have to—is a timeless and intelligent financial strategy. They’ve adapted the method while keeping the innovative, frugal mindset.
They value a good pension plan
The boomer appreciation for a pension plan underscores a deep understanding of what proper financial security in retirement looks like. Today, traditional defined benefit (DB) pension plans, which guarantee a steady income for life, are rare. In 1975, 27.2 million private-sector workers were covered by one. By 2019, that number had plummeted to just 12.6 million.
They’ve been replaced by defined contribution (DC) plans like 401(k)s, which have exploded from 11.2 million participants to 85.5 million over the same period. The crucial difference? A 401(k) plan places all of the investment risk squarely on the employee’s shoulders.
Valuing a pension isn’t about being old-fashioned. It’s an entirely rational preference for guaranteed stability over market volatility and a recognition that a predictable income stream provides a level of peace of mind that’s nearly impossible to achieve otherwise.
They believe in the power of a face-to-face conversation
Finally, the boomer insistence on meeting in person is a robust defense of what it means to be human. So much is lost when we communicate only through screens. As author Cal Newport explains, “Face-to-face conversation is the most human—and humanizing—thing we do. Fully present to one another, we learn to listen. It’s where we develop the capacity for empathy”.
It’s not just a nice idea; it’s a biological necessity. Surgeon and author Atul Gawande notes that we are social creatures in a fundamental way: “simply to exist as a normal human being requires interaction with other people”.
In a world mediated by screens, the boomer habit of having a real, in-person conversation is the ultimate way to build trust and understanding. It acknowledges that body language, tone, and simple human presence are irreplaceable.
Key Takeaway
Many of these so-called “boomer habits” are actually timeless principles for a better life, grounded in common sense and increasingly backed by modern data. They boil down to a few smart themes:
- Financial Discipline: Prioritizing saving, avoiding debt, and planning for the long term isn’t old-fashioned; it’s the foundation of wealth and freedom.
- Real-World Connection: Genuine bonds are built through phone calls, family dinners, and face-to-face interaction—not just texts and likes.
- Self-Reliance & Mindfulness: Practical skills like fixing things, gardening, and cooking from scratch provide both economic and mental health benefits, acting as a powerful antidote to digital burnout.
- Timeless Professionalism: Punctuality, respect, and dressing with intention are career assets that signal competence and reliability, and they never go out of style.
Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information. It is not intended to be professional advice.
Disclosure: This article was developed with the assistance of AI and was subsequently reviewed, revised, and approved by our editorial team.
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