When your grandpa insists on writing a check at the grocery store, or your mom refuses to part with her trusty flip phone, you’ve got to wonder. Are they truly out of touch, or are they simply sticking to what they know?

In an age where social media reigns and smartphones are practically an extension of our hands, it’s easy for millennials and Gen Z to feel a disconnect with the boomer generation. Their actions often seem mind-boggling, even downright infuriating.

But before you roll your eyes next time your dad asks how to attach a file to an email, let’s dive into these 8 things boomers do that might seem quite out of touch.

Understanding their perspective might just bridge the generational gap, one misunderstood action at a time. After all, isn’t that what good communication is all about?

1) Writing checks for everything

Isn’t it baffling when you’re next in line at the grocery store, and the person ahead pulls out that checkbook? This is a common sight when you’re around boomers.

While paper checks were the norm in their time, the digital age has ushered in more efficient, secure payment methods that millennials and Gen Z swear by.

But boomers, being creatures of habit, stick to what they know. They’d rather spend a few extra minutes writing out a check than swipe a card or tap their phone. It might seem absurd to us, but to them it’s just another day at the store.

However, this is not just about being stuck in the past. It’s also about trust and comfort. Boomers have been using checks for decades and they trust this method. It’s familiar, tangible and gives them a sense of control over their finances.

So next time you see a boomer writing a check, rather than getting frustrated, try to understand their perspective. We might live in a digital world, but there’s still room for the old school ways… even if they do slow down the checkout line a bit.

2) Shunning technology

I’ll never forget when my mom flat-out refused to upgrade her old flip phone for a smartphone. She was adamant, arguing that she didn’t need all the fancy features, and that her trusty old phone did everything she needed it to do.

I tried explaining the benefits – video calling, instant messaging, accessing the internet on the go – but she was having none of it. To her, this was unnecessary noise in a world already filled with too much information.

This aversion to technology is something many boomers share. They see millennials and Gen Z constantly glued to their screens and can’t help but feel a disconnect. They value face-to-face interaction and direct communication, something they feel is lost in our digital world.

Sure, not all boomers are technophobes. Many have adapted just fine. But there’s still a significant number who prefer their life uncomplicated by the latest gadget or app.

And you know what? That’s perfectly okay. We could probably all do with a little less screen time and a bit more real-world interaction.

3) Resisting online shopping

Despite the convenience and variety offered by online shopping, many boomers still prefer to buy things the old-fashioned way – in store. It’s not just about the physical act of shopping, but also about the experience. The ability to touch, feel, and try products before buying them is something they value.

It’s interesting to note that a survey conducted by First Insight found that 71% of baby boomers prefer shopping in physical stores to online shopping. This preference stems from their desire to avoid shipping costs, a lack of trust in online payment methods, and fear of data breaches.

On the flip side, millennials and Gen Z are digital natives who embrace the convenience of e-commerce. For them, the ability to shop from anywhere at any time, coupled with speedy deliveries and easy return policies, far outweigh any potential downsides.

As we navigate this digital age, it’s important to remember that not everyone is on board with e-commerce. And while it may seem out of touch to some, for others it’s simply a matter of preference and comfort.

4) Mailing physical letters

With the advent of email, social media, and instant messaging, communication has become a matter of a few clicks. But for many boomers, nothing beats the charm of a handwritten letter.

They often take the time to write, address, stamp, and mail a letter instead of sending a quick email or text. While this may seem painstakingly slow and tedious to millennials and Gen Z, for boomers, it’s about more than just communicating a message.

Handwritten letters are personal and thoughtful. They show that you’ve taken the time and effort to put your thoughts on paper, and that you care enough to send it through the post.

And let’s be honest, who doesn’t love receiving a surprise letter in the mail? It’s a tangible piece of communication that you can hold onto, unlike an email or text that gets lost in the digital clutter.

So while it may seem out of touch in our fast-paced digital world, sending physical letters is one boomer habit that still holds charm.

5) Clinging to landlines

I remember visiting my grandma’s house and being fascinated by the old rotary dial phone. It was bulky, with a loud ring that could wake the dead. But to my grandma, it was a lifeline, a reliable connection to the outside world.

Even today, many boomers are hesitant to let go of their landlines. I’ve heard many say, “What if my cellphone dies? What if there’s an emergency?” They see landlines as a safety net, a backup plan.

For millennials and Gen Z, who grew up with cellphones as their primary means of communication, this dependency on landlines can seem outdated. After all, why have two phones when one can do the job?

But for boomers, it’s about more than just communication. It’s about holding onto something familiar in a world that’s rapidly changing.

And if you ask me, there’s something comforting about that old familiar ring.

6) Avoiding selfies

In an era where selfies rule social media, many boomers are not fans. Sure, they’ll smile for a group photo or pose for a portrait, but when it comes to holding up a phone and snapping a solo pic, they’re often reluctant.

It’s not that they’re camera shy, but rather that they see selfies as somewhat self-indulgent. They come from a time where photos were less about self-promotion and more about capturing moments.

On the other hand, millennials and Gen Z use selfies as a form of self-expression and communication. A selfie is not just a picture; it’s a statement, an emotion, a story.

So while avoiding selfies may seem out of touch, perhaps it’s a gentle reminder for us all to focus less on ourselves and more on the world around us. After all, there’s more to life than perfecting that selfie angle.

7) Preferring printed maps

In a world where GPS technology has made navigating as easy as typing in an address, many boomers still prefer the old fashioned method of using a printed map.

There’s something about unfolding a large map, tracing routes with your finger, and planning your journey that’s quite appealing to them. It might seem cumbersome and time-consuming to millennials and Gen Z, but to boomers, it’s part of the adventure.

Using a map requires more engagement and awareness of your surroundings than simply following voice commands from a GPS. It’s a skill that requires patience and attention to detail – qualities that can sometimes get lost in our fast-paced digital world.

So while preferring printed maps over GPS may seem out of touch, it could also be seen as a nod to a time when travel was more about the journey than the destination.

8) Sticking to traditional media

In a world of streaming services and digital news, many boomers still prefer traditional media. They enjoy their morning routine of reading a physical newspaper with a cup of coffee, and watching the evening news on a television set.

While millennials and Gen Z are quick to stream content or get their news updates from social media, boomers value the reliability and familiarity of traditional outlets.

This isn’t just about nostalgia or resistance to change. Traditional media outlets offer a sense of authority and trustworthiness that’s sometimes lacking in the digital landscape.

So, while sticking to traditional media might seem out of touch to some, it highlights an important reminder: in an age of information overload, sometimes the old ways are still the best ways.

Understanding the generational gap

As we wrap up this exploration of differences between boomers and millennials or Gen Z, it’s important to remember that these are not just quirks to be laughed at. They’re reflections of the different worlds we’ve grown up in – worlds shaped by technology, societal changes, and personal experiences.

Boomers might seem out of touch in today’s digital age, but they’ve navigated life without the conveniences we take for granted. They’ve seen the world change at an unprecedented pace and have had to adapt in their own ways.

Meanwhile, millennials and Gen Z have grown up in a world where change is the only constant. They embrace new technologies and trends with ease, often leading the charge towards innovation.

These generational differences can create a divide, but they can also foster understanding and respect. After all, we are products of our time, shaped by the world around us.

So the next time you find yourself rolling your eyes at a boomer writing a check or refusing to use a smartphone, remember this – they’re not out of touch. They’re just touched by a different era.

And there’s value in that perspective, a reminder of where we’ve come from as we continue to shape where we’re going.