They get teased for being “set in their ways,” but honestly, older people are out here living smart, simple lives.
Not only that, but a lot of their so-called “old-fashioned” habits actually make a lot of sense. While the rest of us are juggling apps, forgetting to eat lunch, and chasing productivity hacks, they’ve already cracked the code in their own quiet way. Once you start adopting these practices in your own life, you suddenly realise that your elders had it figured out all along.
1. Keeping a stash of plastic bags (just in case)
Source: Unsplash They’ve got one under the sink, one in the hallway cupboard, and possibly a bonus stash in the boot of the car. It might look excessive, but when you need to carry leftovers, wrap muddy shoes, or take snacks to the park — that plastic bag collection becomes pure gold.
Meanwhile, the rest of us are panicking at the checkout when we’ve forgotten to bring a tote bag for the fifth time. Turns out, there’s something to be said for never throwing a “perfectly good” bag away. They’re not hoarding — they’re prepared.
2. Drinking tea before doing literally anything else.
Feeling stressed? Make a cuppa. Just got home? Put the kettle on. Minor inconvenience? Kettle. Major crisis? Kettle. Older generations know the power of a good brew, and they don’t rush it either. It’s practically a ritual, and they take their time with it.
In a world where we’re told to meditate, hydrate, and journal before 7 a.m., maybe a strong cup of builder’s tea is all we really need to reset. It’s calm in a mug, and it’s no wonder they swear by it. Honestly, we should all be starting our mornings this way.
3. Always carrying tissues, even if no one’s sick
They’re in the sleeve, in the handbag, in the coat pocket from 1994—and somehow always perfectly folded. At first glance, it might seem unnecessary, but then you need one, and who comes to the rescue? Yep, it’s them. Tissue royalty.
Whether it’s a sneeze, a spilled drink, or someone crying on the bus, the humble tissue solves problems on the spot. No frantic searching, no “Does anyone have a napkin?” panic—just quiet preparedness. It’s basically a superpower.
4. Using cash and always knowing exactly how much change they’ve got
While the rest of us are tapping cards and then wondering where all our money went, older people are counting coins with confidence. They know when something’s too expensive and aren’t afraid to say, “I’m not paying that.” Honestly, that’s a power move.
Using cash slows things down and makes spending more intentional. Plus, there’s something deeply satisfying about handing over exact change like you’ve just completed a real-life maths challenge. Turns out, pocket money wisdom never gets old.
5. Having a “good” coat that’s only worn for special occasions
You know the one—it’s not for walking the dog or nipping to the shop. It’s the respectable coat that only comes out for weddings, funerals, or “going down the town.” It’s always immaculate, stored carefully, and somehow never goes out of style.
Meanwhile, the rest of us are wearing our oversized hoodies everywhere, wondering why we never feel quite put together. Having a go-to outfit that instantly makes you look polished? It’s the kind of habit that quietly screams, “I’ve got it together.”
6. Eating dinner at 5 p.m. and loving it
They’re not waiting until 8 p.m. to be fancy; they’re eating early, digesting properly, and probably watching the news with their feet up by 6:30. What started as a necessity has turned into the ultimate life hack.
Why are we all running on empty, snacking at 4, then eating heavy meals right before bed? An early dinner means no post-meal slump and no midnight regrets. The older generation figured it out ages ago, and honestly, we’re late to the party.
7. Walking for the sake of walking
Not for steps, not for content, not even for fitness goals. Just walking because it clears your head and gets you out of the house. Older people have been doing daily strolls long before “hot girl walks” became a thing on TikTok.
It’s less about burning calories and more about seeing the neighbourhood, nodding at the postman, or admiring someone’s rose bush. There’s something charming about moving without multitasking. They do it better and slower, and maybe that’s the whole point.
8. Keeping receipts for everything “just in case”
Whether it’s from the post office or a pair of socks bought in 2003, they’ve got a folder or drawer full of receipts, neatly flattened and organised. At first, you laugh… until you need to return something, and they’ve got the slip ready before you can finish your sentence.
It’s not paranoia; it’s forward-thinking. And while our inboxes are cluttered with digital confirmations we’ll never find, they’ve got their paperwork sorted. Say what you want, but they’ve got proof of every purchase, and that’s impressive.
9. Using the same mug every day because it’s “just right”
They have a favourite mug and no one else is allowed to use it. It’s not about design or trendiness; it’s about comfort. The handle sits right, the tea tastes better, and it’s been theirs for decades. Meanwhile, the rest of us are rotating between mugs we barely remember buying. Maybe there’s something to be said for choosing one and sticking with it. The older generation has figured out that familiarity is its own kind of luxury.
10. Listening to the same music for decades without getting bored
They’re not chasing playlists or trying to keep up with what’s trending. They’ve got their favourites, and they’ve had them since the vinyl days. And somehow, they still enjoy every note like it’s the first time they heard it. While we’re constantly skipping songs and building “vibes,” they’re content with the classics, and never feel the need to justify it. They’re not bored, they’re loyal. And really, it’s kind of beautiful.
11. Waking up early… on purpose
There’s no alarm, no panicked scramble, just calm mornings and a cup of tea by the window. Older people have cracked the code on starting the day slowly and intentionally, without needing five reminders from a smartphone. They’re dressed, breakfasted, and halfway through the crossword by the time the rest of us are fumbling for coffee. Early rising might not be for everyone, but there’s something undeniably peaceful about their pace.
12. Writing things down instead of relying on memory
They’ve got a wall calendar, a little notepad by the phone, and maybe a list for the supermarket. While we’re trusting memory and phone reminders that somehow never ping, they’re calmly checking their handwritten notes and never forgetting a birthday.
There’s something grounding about putting pen to paper—and turns out, it works. No endless scrolling through your Notes app. Just a scribble here, a list there, and a lot less chaos.
13. Reusing wrapping paper because “it’s still perfectly good”
You haven’t known true wrapping mastery until you’ve seen a gift that’s been rewrapped using paper that’s clearly seen multiple birthdays. It’s carefully folded, tape gently removed, and tucked away to live another day. Not only is it resourceful, it’s delightfully low-waste. While we’re frantically tearing into everything and binning it, they’re saving bows and smoothing creases. It’s not stingy; it’s genius.
14. Sitting by the window and just… watching things
No phone, no podcast, no rush, just observing the world from the best seat in the house. Whether it’s people-watching, checking if the bins have been collected, or admiring the weather, it’s a slow hobby that somehow never gets boring.
They’re not wasting time; they’re noticing it. And maybe, just maybe, that’s the kind of peaceful presence we’re all secretly craving. Not every moment has to be productive; some are better spent with a brew and a view.
