As a card-carrying member of the younger generation, there are some things that leave me utterly baffled. Top on the list?

A collection of habits from the baby boomer generation that seem to make zero sense to us.

Now, don’t get me wrong.

Boomers have brought us some fantastic things. They transformed industries, fought for social justice, and let’s not forget, gave us some of the best music eras. But I can’t help but scratch my head at some of the habits that have stuck around.

You know what I’m talking about.

Those quirky practices and behaviors that leave many of us younger folks scratching our heads in confusion. The ones that make us go, “Why in the world would they do it like that?”

So, if you’ve ever found yourself wondering why boomers do what they do, you’re in the right place.

Sit back and get ready to nod in agreement as we break down seven boomer habits that continue to baffle younger generations.

This isn’t about creating a generational divide or pointing fingers. Instead, it’s about understanding different perspectives and maybe even finding a middle ground.

Because who knows? Maybe there’s a reason behind these habits that we’re not seeing. Or perhaps it’s time to bid them a fond (or not-so-fond) farewell.

Let’s dive in and explore.

1) Reluctance to embrace technology

First on our list is perhaps one of the most bewildering for us tech-savvy younger folks. It’s the noticeable reluctance among some boomers to embrace technology.

Now, this isn’t a blanket statement.

There are many Baby Boomers who have adapted to our digital age with enthusiasm, mastering everything from email to social media.

But there’s also a significant portion who seem to resist the digital wave, opting instead for more traditional ways of doing things.

You might have seen it in action.

The boomer who insists on sending snail mail instead of emails, or worse, faxes.

The one who still uses a flip phone in an era of smartphones. Those who do not see the need for online banking or shopping.

To us, it feels like they’re making life harder than it has to be. For them, it’s about sticking to what they know and trust.

But here’s the thing.

In our connected world, resisting technology can lead to isolation. It can make communication harder, create gaps in knowledge, and even limit access to services.

So while we understand the comfort of sticking to what you know, in this case, it might be time for a little upgrade.

2) In-person banking

Next up is a habit that’s personally left me scratching my head on more than one occasion: the insistence on in-person banking.

Let me paint a picture for you.

A few years back, I was home for the holidays and offered to help my grandfather with some errands. One of his tasks? A trip to the bank to deposit a check.

I was a little taken aback. “Why not just deposit it through your banking app?” I asked, holding out my phone to show him how easy it was. But he just chuckled, shaking his head as he grabbed his coat and keys.

Off we went, standing in line at the bank for what felt like an eternity, all for something that could have been done in seconds from the comfort of home.

To us younger folk, this insistence on in-person banking seems like a waste of time and energy.

With the rise of online banking and mobile apps, we can check balances, transfer money, and yes, deposit checks without ever having to set foot in a bank.

But for boomers like my grandfather, there’s something comforting about the physicality of a bank and the human interaction that comes with it.

Still, as the world continues to digitize, this is another habit that might need a bit of revising.

3) The obsession with print media

Here’s something that’s baffled me for years: the boomer fascination with print media.

Newspapers, magazines, brochures – you name it, they love it. And I just can’t wrap my head around it.

Don’t get me wrong. There’s a certain nostalgia attached to flipping through a physical newspaper over a cup of coffee. But in this digital age, clinging on to print seems… well, outdated.

We live in a world of news apps, e-books, and online subscriptions.

It’s a world where we can access information at the click of a button, where we can be updated in real time about events happening halfway across the globe.

Yet, there’s still a significant number of boomers who prefer to get their news and entertainment from paper sources.

Maybe it’s the tactile experience of it, or maybe it’s just what they’re used to.

But here’s my two cents.

By clinging to print media, they’re missing out on a wealth of digital content. They’re missing the chance to discover new ideas, perspectives, and voices that are shaping our world today.

So while I respect their preference for print, I can’t help but think they’re doing themselves a disservice by not diving into the digital world.

4) The landline loyalty

Here’s another one that’s always left me puzzled: the undying loyalty to landline phones.

In a world where smartphones are practically an extension of ourselves, the concept of a landline phone seems almost archaic.

Yet, many boomers still have a landline at home and use it regularly. They cling to it like a lifeline, even when they have a perfectly good cell phone sitting in their pocket.

For us, this seems redundant.

Why have two phones when one can do it all? Why be tethered to a specific location when you can take calls from anywhere?

But to some boomers, the landline represents reliability. It’s a steadfast connection to the world that doesn’t depend on battery life or data coverage.

Still, as technology advances and cell phone service becomes ever more reliable, this is one habit that might be due for retirement.

5) The drive-everywhere mentality

Another boomer habit that leaves us younger generations scratching our heads is their love affair with driving.

It seems like boomers would rather hop in the car to go anywhere, regardless of distance.

Whether it’s a trip to the grocery store two blocks away or a quick visit to a friend’s house in the next neighborhood, the car seems to be their go-to mode of transportation.

To us, this seems inefficient and unnecessary.

With the rise in bike lanes, public transit options, and ride-share services, there are plenty of ways to get around without adding to traffic or burning fossil fuels.

Plus, walking or biking to nearby places is a great way to sneak in some exercise and enjoy the outdoors.

Here’s something that might surprise you: according to the US Department of Transportation, 76% of car trips made by Americans are less than 10 miles long. Imagine how much we could reduce our carbon footprint if we swapped some of those short car trips for a more sustainable mode of transportation!

So while we understand the convenience of having a car, we can’t help but question this drive-everywhere mentality.

6) The penchant for physical photos

Now here’s a boomer habit that, while it may seem odd to us, is also quite endearing: their love for physical photos.

In today’s digital world, our lives are documented on social media. Our photos live on our phones, in the cloud, or on our Instagram feeds.

But for boomers, photos are still something to be printed, framed, and displayed.

And while we might laugh at their stacks of photo albums or the way they insist on getting group shots at every family gathering, there’s something beautiful about this tradition.

Physical photos are tangible memories. They’re a piece of the past you can hold in your hand. They have a permanence and a presence that digital images just can’t replicate.

So next time your boomer relative insists on snapping a family photo at Thanksgiving dinner, don’t roll your eyes.

Instead, consider it a testament to their love for family and their desire to capture moments that matter.

After all, when the digital world moves at lightning speed, maybe there’s something to be said for holding onto something real.

7) The resistance to retirement

Finally, we arrive at a boomer habit that’s not only confusing but also has significant societal implications: the resistance to retirement.

For many boomers, work doesn’t stop at the traditional retirement age of 65. They continue working well into their golden years, either out of financial necessity or simply because they enjoy their jobs.

While this dedication to work is admirable, it can create a bottleneck effect in the job market, making it harder for younger generations to move up in their careers or even find jobs in the first place.

Moreover, this work-till-you-drop mentality goes against the idea of enjoying the fruits of one’s labor. After decades of hard work, isn’t it time to relax and enjoy life?

The resistance to retirement is a complex issue with no easy solutions. But it’s something that needs addressing, for the sake of both boomers and the generations that follow.

The final thought

If you recognize these habits in the boomers around you, or perhaps even in yourself, remember this isn’t about criticism or generational divide. It’s a chance to reflect, understand, and evolve.

Sure, some of these habits may seem baffling to us younger folks. But there’s value in appreciating our differences.

It’s important to remember that Boomers come from a different time and context.

They’ve seen the world change dramatically and adapted in their own ways. These habits are a part of their journey and their story.

The key here is open dialogue and understanding. Discussing these habits can lead to a richer appreciation of how life has evolved over generations.

It can spark conversations about change, adaptation, and the fascinating dance between tradition and innovation.

And who knows? Maybe we’ll even find some common ground or learn something from each other.

After all, understanding each other is the first step towards building bridges across generations. And that, surely, is something worth striving for. So let’s keep the conversation going.