Boomers get a bad rap from younger generations for being ‘old school’, but there’s no denying that life in the past had its benefits. In fact, we could all benefit from bringing back some boomer habits. Here are 21 classic boomer traits that need to make a comeback.
Writing Letters to Pen Pals
Was there anything better than receiving a letter in the mail? We’d send letters to everyone – from that friend down the road to that exchange partner overseas. How times have changed – The Guardian says that ⅕ of children have never received a handwritten letter.
Sunday Family Dinners
It was always so much fun to gather the whole family on a Sunday, but this tradition seems to have disappeared almost completely. Let’s bring back all getting together for Sunday dinners—it’s such a nice way to catch up with family and friends!
Listening to Vinyl Records
There is something so unique about listening to music on vinyl – it’s actually no surprise that records are having a bit of a resurgence. Vinyls offer a slower, more deliberate way to enjoy entire albums – let’s go back to the good old days!
Neighborhood Block Parties
When was the last time someone in your neighborhood threw a party for the block? Neighborhood relationships just aren’t the same as they used to be; it seems like no one has enough time for each other anymore. Block parties used to be a great way to build community!
DIY Home Repairs
Fixing things at home has become a lost art, with many people turning to cheap replacements instead. Going back to basics and learning the skills to fix things around the house saves money, and it builds confidence and self-reliance.
Gardening and Growing Food
While not everyone has a garden to grow food in, it’s still possible for people to get joy out of growing their own produce at home. This is a boomer habit that definitely needs to make a comeback; the BBC writes that gardening is also great for our mental health!
Walking to Run Errands
We all love jumping in our cars to run errands! For many, the thought of walking to the grocery store is completely unheard of – but it’s what boomers used to do! Although walking with a week’s worth of groceries might not be possible, we should still try to do more errands on foot!
Hosting Potluck Dinners
Ah, the delicious tradition of potluck dinners! Another boomer staple that seems to have fallen in popularity over the years. But what’s not to like? You get to share food and recipes with friends, and hosting becomes easier because everyone cooks! More potluck dinners, please!
Unplugging From Technology
Now, unplugging from technology wasn’t so much a ‘habit’ for boomers as much as a way of life, but it’s something we’ve oh-so-easily forgotten how to do. Embrace the freedom of simpler times by disconnecting from technology for one day a week.
Reading Books
A lot of people struggle to find the time to sit down and read a book, but they’ll still binge-watch the series. Well, it’s time to head to the library and pick up some books again – Healthline says reading reduces stress and strengthens the brain!
Keeping a Journal
“Dear diary… I can’t remember the last time I wrote in my journal.” Ok, so we might have all neglected our journals for a few decades, but they’re an amazing way to reflect on our lives and track all our goals. Not to mention journaling is great for mindfulness, too.
Visiting Farmers’ Markets
Going to the local farmers’ market used to be a typical boomer activity – buying from local businesses and talking to the people who produced all the food. Of course, grocery stores have taken over, but there’s still something really wholesome about a day out to the market – it’s time to start going back!
Doing Crafts
Doing crafts played a big part in the lives of boomers growing up. We’re talking knitting, crochet, woodwork, sewing… the list is endless. Giving people handmade gifts on their birthdays was the done thing, but this sweet tradition seems to have been forgotten.
Going on Picnics
Who didn’t love taking the picnic blanket out to the local park with a couple of flasks and some delicious food, ready to enjoy a picnic outdoors? There’s something so simple and charming about eating outside – it’s such a feel-good activity!
Playing Board Games
Forget video games; boomers were all about board games. Surely it’s time to bring back game night? Sometimes, it’s really nice to turn away from technology and organize an evening where friends and family simply gather around the table to play cards or Trivial Pursuit.
Sewing and Mending Clothes
Fast fashion is really costing our planet; according to Earth.org, “92 million tonnes of textile waste is produced each year” – but this never used to happen. We definitely need to embrace the boomer habit of repairing and altering clothes again!
Exploring Nature Trails
Do you remember the last time you navigated using a map and a compass? Although you don’t have to go completely analog to enjoy some local nature reserves, it can be really nice to combine being out in nature with not using technology. Plus, it’s authentic to the boomer lifestyle, of course!
Using Cash Instead of Credit
We’ve all got out of the habit of using cash – probably because a lot of places have become card-only – but it does have its benefits. Boomers will tell you that it’s much easier to manage your spending if you just use cash – you’re more connected to the money that you have.
Baking from Scratch
Is there anything more satisfying than creating baked goods from scratch? Following recipes and learning skills in the kitchen is beneficial in itself, but you also get something delicious to enjoy at the end of it all! This slow-paced activity is great for mental health, too.
Having Phone-Free Meals
Everyone is always tap-tap-tapping away on their phones during mealtimes, but boomers know the joys of using family dinners to catch up on everyone’s day. Removing digital distractions from the dinner table makes it easier to chat and enjoy the food.
Writing Thank-You Notes
Writing thank-you notes seems to be becoming a thing of the past, with most people preferring to send a quick text nowadays. However, thank-you notes are so much more personal and heartfelt—they really express genuine gratitude, so let’s bring them back!
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