You know how Boomers have these little quirks that make you smile, shake your head, and sometimes go “OK, that’s so true!”? I was chatting with my friend the other day about how our parents can’t seem to give up certain habits, even when the world around them feels like it’s spinning faster than ever.
And get this: a 2024 ConsumerAffairs survey found that a whopping 1 in 3 Gen Xers and Boomers report feeling overwhelmed by technology on a daily basis, with another quarter saying they deal with it multiple times each week.
It’s almost funny watching someone furrow their brow at a smart TV interface or insist that a paper planner is just better than any app, but there’s a kind of charm to it, too. So, let’s talk about the 8 daily habits boomers can’t shake, even in 2026, because honestly, some of these behaviors are so persistent, they’ve basically become cultural classics.
Obsessing Over Physical Newspapers
Some Boomers still can’t get enough of their physical newspapers. While younger adults are far less likely to follow the news closely, only about 15% say they keep up with it all or most of the time; the oldest Americans are much more engaged, with 62% reporting they follow the news regularly. That’s roughly four times as many.
For Boomers, reading the paper is more than just staying informed; it’s a ritual. Coffee in hand, fresh print edition on the table, it’s their way of starting the day grounded, even as younger generations scroll headlines on their phones. Maybe it’s nostalgia, maybe it’s habit, but it clearly shows how differently generations connect with the news.
Calling Instead of Texting
Forget texting. If you’re a Boomer, the phone call is where it’s at! Sure, texting is quick and easy, but Boomers just love picking up the phone for a good old chat. Boomers overwhelmingly prefer voice calls to texting for personal conversations.
Texting might be a more efficient way to communicate for some, but there’s something charming about hearing a voice on the other end, isn’t there? It may be a little old-fashioned, but it’s certainly personal, and I can’t help but smile when I hear the phone ring instead of a text buzz.
Talking About the Weather—Non-Stop
Ah, the weather. If you’ve spent any time with a Boomer, you know it’s practically their favorite conversation topic. Whether it’s sunny, rainy, or snowy, you can bet they’ve got an opinion on how it’s affecting their day. And it’s not just small talk, it’s practically a lifestyle.
But honestly, who hasn’t found themselves discussing the weather when there’s nothing else to chat about? Talking about the weather has been an American pastime for decades. Sometimes, the weather’s the most interesting thing going on, and sometimes, it just makes for a great icebreaker!
Using Landlines Like It’s 1999
Here’s one you probably haven’t thought about in years: landlines. Despite the advent of smartphones, Boomers still hold on tight to their trusty corded phones. There’s just something about the familiarity of picking up the receiver that makes them feel secure.
And sure, cell phones are portable and handy, but nothing quite matches the nostalgic charm of that old-school landline. 2026, and they’re still dialin’ it up like it’s the ’90s! Maybe it’s just a refusal to let go, but honestly, I kinda respect it. If it’s not broke, why fix it?
Refusing to Switch From Paper to Digital
If it’s not on paper, it’s not real. For many Boomers, paper planners, receipts, and physical books remain irreplaceable. For many Boomers, paper planners, receipts, and physical books remain irreplaceable, even as the rest of the world embraces digital calendars and e-readers.
This preference isn’t just nostalgia; consumer sentiment backs it up. According to the Two Sides survey, 81% of U.S. consumers believe they should have the right to choose between paper and electronic communications, and 73% say they shouldn’t pay extra for paper bills, both up from 78% and 67% in 2021. No wonder handwriting still feels like an art worth preserving.
Keeping the TV Remote Just a Little Too Close
If you’ve ever spent time with a Boomer in front of the TV, you know the remote is never far from their hand. No, seriously, they’ve got that remote glued to their palm. Changing channels? Flicking through streaming services? They can do it all without even getting up.
They’ve mastered the art of flipping between cable, news, and classic sitcoms, all while the remote stays within reach. It’s funny because we’ve all moved on to streaming and on-demand services, but for Boomers, the remote’s still a vital part of the TV experience. Never underestimate the power of the TV remote.
Reluctance to Try New Tech—Or Any Tech at All
Ask a Boomer to set up a smart speaker, and you’ll probably see them sweat a little. While they’ve mastered the basics of smartphones, apps, and social media, anything beyond that can spark anxiety. From streaming services to smart home devices, they often just don’t get it, or don’t want to.
Numbers back this up: a 2024 ConsumerAffairs survey found that 38% of Gen Xers and Boomers feel tech-induced overwhelm daily, with another 26% experiencing it several times a week. Honestly, I respect their dedication to staying “old school” when the world of new tech feels like a headache. We could all take a page out of their “keep it simple” playbook.
Saying “Back in My Day” Every Chance They Get
If you’ve ever heard the phrase “Back in my day” more times than you can count, you know exactly what I mean. Boomers love reminiscing about how things used to be, whether it’s technology, work ethic, or social norms. It’s their way of connecting to a simpler time.
Sure, we all talk about the past occasionally, but Boomers live for it. It’s like their personal time machine. I’ll admit, some of it’s kind of endearing, and other times, it’s like, “Okay, we get it. You had it tough with dial-up internet.” But hey, they’ve got memories, and I’m here for the trip down nostalgia lane!
Disclaimer – This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information. It is not intended to be professional advice.
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