Have you ever thought about what your future self would say to you today?

It’s one of those fascinating questions that can stir up excitement, a bit of dread, and maybe a dash of disbelief.

As I’ve been reflecting on the generational shifts happening right before our eyes, I can’t help but notice how baby boomers—once the wild, free-spirited generation of peace signs and rock concerts—are doing things their younger selves would have never seen coming.

People who were once hailed as the ultimate rebels are now picking up habits and beliefs that their 20-year-old versions might’ve scoffed at. It just shows how we all evolve.

And, if you’re a boomer reading this, consider it a lighthearted tour of how far you’ve come—sometimes in ways you might not have anticipated.

Let’s dive into seven of the most surprising changes.

1. They take social media (very) seriously

I still remember my grandparents giving me a puzzled look when I talked about “liking” a post on Facebook.

Now, boomers are often among the most active users on social platforms, sharing throwback photos or diving into heated debates over politics or current events.

It’s not just about keeping up with grandkids anymore. Social media has become a place to reconnect with old classmates, chat about cooking tips, and even form new friendships.

Ironically, the same people who used to roll their eyes at “kids glued to their phones” are now the ones checking Facebook or Instagram first thing in the morning.

Their younger selves, who might have once said, “We’ll never waste our time on that tech nonsense,” would be shocked to see how they’re now fully immersed in the digital world—hashtags, filters, and all.

2. They jump into new-age health trends

Back in the day, the idea of self-care was often limited to a hearty breakfast and maybe a daily walk around the block.

Fast-forward to now, and I see boomers diving headfirst into everything from yoga classes to plant-based diets.

Some are all about green smoothies, while others rave about intermittent fasting or mindfulness apps. It’s a big shift from steak dinners and classic comfort foods.

As Alan Watts once remarked, “Muddy water is best cleared by leaving it alone,” and many boomers have discovered that practices like meditation and slow living can do wonders for peace of mind—something they might’ve never appreciated decades ago.

3. They openly seek therapy or counseling

For the longest time, therapy was a taboo subject for many people, especially older generations.

Now, I hear boomers talking about teletherapy sessions, couples counseling, and group therapy with an openness that would astound their younger selves.

The notion of mental and emotional health being just as critical as physical health has gained ground.

Many grew up in homes where emotions were kept under lock and key, so the shift to discussing these issues freely is a huge step forward.

Their younger selves might’ve believed, “We don’t air our dirty laundry,” but these days, getting professional help is seen as a wise move, not a weakness.

4. They go digital for everything… even dating

Ever tried explaining Tinder to someone who met their spouse at a sock hop?

It’s quite a conversation. Yet, here we are in the 21st century, where boomers use dating apps and social platforms to find love—sometimes for the second or third time around.

A family friend of mine, in her 60s, ventured into online dating after losing her husband. She was hesitant at first—swiping felt so foreign—but she ended up meeting a great match.

It’s the kind of story her younger self would’ve never believed, because the idea of finding a partner online used to sound sketchy or futuristic.

As Epictetus once said, “We cannot choose our external circumstances, but we can always choose how we respond to them.”

In this new digital era, many boomers are responding with curiosity instead of fear.

5. They embrace personal development and lifelong learning

If you told a 25-year-old boomer in the 1970s that one day they’d spend a weekend at a resilience workshop or sign up for an online course on philosophy, they might’ve laughed.

But the concept of lifelong learning is booming now.

I see boomers watching TED Talks, joining virtual language classes, or enrolling in seminars on everything from leadership to digital marketing.

Their younger selves, fresh off the conventional education path, probably assumed that once you had a steady job, you stuck to it. But the world changed, the job market evolved, and many realized they had to adapt.

In my own circle, I’ve seen retired relatives diving into creative writing, turning to professional editing services to polish their work—proof that it’s never too late to explore new passions.

6. They explore self-expression on platforms like YouTube and podcasts

Remember when the most radical thing a young boomer might do was start a garage band or join a protest?

Now, in their older years, they’re embracing entirely new forms of creative self-expression online.

It’s not unusual to find a retiree with a YouTube channel dedicated to DIY projects or a podcast discussing stories from the 1960s and 70s.

Their younger selves, who once pushed back against “the system” through rock music and marches, might be amused—or slightly appalled—to see themselves now as digital influencers of sorts.

As Marcus Aurelius once noted, “The impediment to action advances action. What stands in the way becomes the way.”

For those who once resisted the digital age, they’ve turned that barrier into a platform for sharing their life wisdom.

7. They prioritize work-life balance (and sometimes keep working by choice)

Decades ago, many followed the American Dream: a stable 9-to-5, retirement, and a gold watch.

But a twist has happened. Plenty of boomers are either retiring early to travel the world or jumping back into the workforce in brand-new careers.

Some pursue passion projects—teaching, consulting, or running small online businesses.

A friend’s parent retired from a corporate gig only to open an art studio, embracing a flexible schedule and unleashing creativity.

Their younger selves might’ve focused on mortgages and job security, never imagining they’d one day chase a dream instead of just a paycheck.

I’ve mentioned this before, but I once assumed once you hit a certain age, the hustle was done.

Now, I see boomers redefining retirement. They volunteer, travel, or start side hustles at an age once associated with rest.

Their younger selves, who followed the conventional path because it was “the responsible thing to do,” would be stunned at how free-spirited they’ve become.

Rounding things off

Every generation goes through its fair share of changes, but baby boomers transitioning from rebellious youth to tech-savvy, health-conscious, spiritually curious older adults is especially striking.

It’s a testament to our capacity for reinvention. No matter how locked in our habits or beliefs seem, there’s always room to pivot.

Whether you’re taking up yoga at 65, diving into a new career, or setting up a YouTube channel, it’s proof that reinvention has no age limit.

If your younger self wouldn’t recognize you today, it’s probably a sign you’ve grown.

So here’s to staying open-minded and evolving, no matter what stage of life we’re in.

Because if the boomers can adapt so radically, the rest of us can, too.