7 ‘boomer habits’ making a surprising comeback with younger generations

There’s something interesting happening with younger generations. They’re starting to embrace habits that were once considered ‘old-fashioned’. These so-called ‘boomer habits’ are making a surprising comeback.
Now, you might be wondering, why is this happening? It’s a bit of a mystery, but it’s also fascinating to observe.
These aren’t just any old habits; these are practices that were once fundamental to the boomer generation. And now, they’re being adopted by younger folks who see value in them.
In this article, we’ll explore seven of these boomer habits that are making a surprising comeback.
You’ll find that some of them might even help you communicate your thoughts more effectively, or understand the world around you in a new light.
1) Handwritten letters
In our fast-paced digital age, instant messages and emails have become the norm for communication.
But there’s something uniquely personal and heartfelt about handwritten letters that younger generations are starting to appreciate.
You see, a handwritten letter is more than just a message. It’s a physical representation of someone’s thoughts and feelings. It takes time and effort to write, and that’s precisely why it’s so special.
We’re seeing a resurgence of this boomer habit among younger people.
The charm of receiving a letter in the mail, the anticipation of opening it, and the joy of reading a personal message is unmatched by any digital communication.
Handwritten letters are also a fantastic way to express thoughts that might be hard to convey through text messages or emails. Plus, they make for great keepsakes!
Next time you want to connect with someone on a deeper level, why not try sending a handwritten letter? It might just be the meaningful gesture you’re looking for.
2) Cooking from scratch
Being a millennial myself, I have to admit, the convenience of takeout and ready meals had me hooked.
But during lockdown, like many others, I found myself with more time on my hands and a desire to do something productive. So, I decided to learn to cook from scratch.
Once a staple of boomer living, home cooking was slowly replaced by fast food and ready-made meals. But now, it’s making a comeback.
There’s something incredibly satisfying about creating a meal from raw ingredients. It’s not just about the food; it’s about the process – the chopping, the stirring, the simmering.
Not only did cooking become an enjoyable pastime for me, but it also helped me understand what goes into my meals.
Cooking from scratch allowed me to control the ingredients, which is great for those of us mindful of what we put into our bodies.
And let’s not forget the sense of accomplishment when you sit down to eat something you’ve made yourself. It’s a boomer habit that is nourishing in more ways than one!
3) Gardening
Did you know that the practice of gardening can reduce stress and improve mental health? That’s right, getting your hands dirty in the soil is beneficial for our minds as well as our bodies.
Gardening was once seen as a hobby for the older generation, but it’s now blossoming among the younger crowd.
With urban living and concrete jungles, the longing for green spaces is natural. And what better way to create your own green space than to garden?
It’s not just about growing flowers or vegetables either. The very act of nurturing a plant from a seedling to a full-grown plant provides a sense of accomplishment and connection to nature.
Gardening is also a great way to practice patience and mindfulness – two qualities that can be hard to cultivate in our fast-paced world.
Reviving this boomer habit might just be the breath of fresh air you’re looking for.
4) Vinyl records
In the age of streaming music, you’d think vinyl records would be obsolete. But surprisingly, they’re making a comeback with younger generations.
There’s a charm to vinyl that’s hard to replicate with digital music. The ritual of placing the needle on the record, the crackle before the music starts, and the rich sound quality are all part of the allure.
Record collecting has also become a popular hobby among younger people. It’s a way to explore music history and discover new artists at the same time.
Listening to vinyl requires active engagement, unlike streaming music which often becomes background noise. It encourages us to slow down and appreciate the art of music in its entirety.
So dust off that old turntable and start spinning some records. It’s a boomer habit that will add a touch of nostalgia to your music listening experience.
5) DIY repairs
There was a time when I’d instantly reach for my phone to call a professional whenever something broke down at home.
But one day, when my favorite lamp stopped working, instead of calling an electrician, I decided to try fixing it myself.
DIY repairs were a common practice among the boomer generation. With the help of online tutorials and a bit of patience, I realized that this boomer habit could be incredibly satisfying.
Not only did I save money on repair costs, but I also learned a valuable skill. There’s something empowering about being able to fix things around your house. It instills a sense of independence and self-reliance that’s hard to match.
The next time something breaks down, consider giving DIY repair a shot. It might just surprise you as it did me!
6) Reading physical books
In a world where digital reading devices are incredibly popular, there’s still something special about holding a physical book.
The smell of the pages, the weight of the book in your hands, and the satisfaction of turning a page are experiences that digital reading just can’t replicate.
Despite the convenience of e-books, younger generations are rediscovering the joy of reading physical books.
Bookstores are once again becoming popular hangout spots, and the sight of a well-stocked bookshelf has its own charm.
Physical books engage more senses than e-books do. They also provide a break from screen time, which is a relief in our increasingly digital world.
If you’ve been glued to your e-reader, consider picking up a physical book for your next read. This boomer habit might just reignite your love for reading.
7) Face-to-face conversations
While technology has made it easier than ever to stay connected with others, nothing can replace the value of a face-to-face conversation.
There’s something about the human connection, the nuances in tone, and the body language that make in-person interactions irreplaceable.
In an era dominated by texting and social media, younger generations are beginning to see the value in this boomer habit.
Not only does it build stronger relationships, but it also helps to develop empathy and understanding.
Next time you’re tempted to send a text or an email, consider having a face-to-face conversation instead. It’s a boomer habit that fosters authentic connections and enriches our social experiences.
Final thoughts
It’s intriguing to observe how boomer habits are resurfacing among younger generations. These habits, once seen as old-fashioned, are now being embraced for their inherent value.
This resurgence might be our collective response to an increasingly digital world. As we spend more of our lives online, the allure of tangible experiences becomes stronger.
Whether it’s the feel of a book, the sound of vinyl, or the taste of a home-cooked meal, these boomer habits offer a sense of authenticity that’s hard to replicate digitally.
It’s also a reminder that progress doesn’t always mean leaving the past behind. Sometimes, it means reevaluating and reintegrating aspects that still hold value.
As we move forward, it will be interesting to see how these habits evolve and blend with our modern lifestyles.
After all, it’s not about going back in time but about creating a balance that suits our needs and preferences in the present.
Maybe it’s time to pick up that pen, dust off that record player, or start that garden project. Who knows? You might just discover a boomer habit that enriches your life in unexpected ways.