Every generation has its definitive personality traits, and boomers are no exception.
Whether it’s their love of handwritten lists, their devotion to “real” phones, or their scepticism of modern trends, there are certain habits and mindsets that instantly reveal a classic boomer. But despite what younger generations might say, that’s not a bad thing — it comes with a lifetime of experience, practical wisdom, and a no-nonsense approach to life. If you find yourself nodding along to these, you might just be a stereotypical boomer. Wear the label with pride!
1. You still leave voicemails.
While younger generations prefer a quick text, boomers are more likely to leave a voicemail when someone doesn’t answer. To you, it’s just polite; it lets the other person know what the call was about without forcing them to guess. Plus, a well-spoken voicemail feels more personal than a vague text message. Unfortunately, many millennials and Gen Z never check their voicemails, leading to frustration when calls go unreturned. But there’s something reassuring about knowing you’ve left a message properly rather than just hoping they’ll get back to you.
2. You print things out just in case.
Boomers don’t fully trust digital storage, so you probably like to have a hard copy of important documents. Whether it’s travel confirmations, receipts, or emails, you’d rather have a printed backup than rely on a smartphone that could die or a cloud service that might “lose” your files. And honestly, this is a good thing — technology can fail, and having a paper trail has saved plenty of people from last-minute disasters. While younger generations tease boomers for their filing cabinets and stacks of printed emails, they’ll be the first to ask for a copy when their phone battery dies.
3. You write lists on actual paper.
There’s something satisfying about a handwritten to-do list. Unlike digital notes, a physical list can’t disappear because of a glitch or be buried under endless notifications. Boomers love writing things down, whether it’s grocery lists, reminders, or notes to yourself. It’s not just practical, it also helps memory. Science even backs up the idea that physically writing something down makes you more likely to remember it. So while younger people scramble to find their lost notes app entries, you just check your trusty notepad.
4. You still use cash.
While the world is moving toward digital payments, boomers still like to carry cash. You don’t fully trust card machines, and they like the security of knowing you have money on hand, no matter what. Plus, using cash makes it easier to keep track of spending without relying on banking apps. And you’re not wrong — card fraud, hidden transaction fees, and digital banking issues are all modern headaches that cash users avoid. While contactless payments are convenient, there’s a sense of control that comes with holding actual money.
5. You use proper grammar in texts.
Boomers aren’t fans of text slang. You write full sentences, use punctuation correctly, and often sign off with their name, as if sending a letter. To you, “OK” looks better than “k,” and “you’re” is always better than “ur.” Younger people might find this overly formal, but there’s something refreshing about clear, well-structured messages. At least there’s no confusion about what you mean — unlike modern texts full of abbreviations and emojis that can be interpreted in a dozen different ways.
6. You answer phone calls.
In an age where many people let calls go to voicemail (or ignore them altogether), boomers still pick up. To you, a ringing phone means someone wants to talk, and it’s polite to answer. You don’t see the point in dodging calls just to text back later. This habit makes boomers some of the most reliable people when you actually need to reach someone. Whether it’s an emergency or just a quick question, you can be counted on to pick up and have an actual conversation.
7. You think modern music isn’t as good as the old stuff.
Every generation thinks their music was the best, but boomers are especially passionate about it. You argue that today’s songs lack depth, meaning, and real talent. To you, classic rock, Motown, and golden-era pop have something today’s auto-tuned hits just don’t. While music is subjective, there’s no denying that boomer-era songs have stood the test of time. Younger generations might laugh at their parents’ record collections, but they still know the words to Beatles and Queen songs, proving that maybe your generation has a point.
8. You don’t trust self-checkouts.
Boomers like human interaction, and you don’t see why you should do a cashier’s job for free. Self-checkout machines often confuse you or frustrate you with constant errors. “Please place item in the bagging area” is a phrase that’s been known to ruin your day. You’d rather wait in line for a real person, even if it takes a little longer. And given how often self-checkouts malfunction or require an attendant, you might be onto something.
9. You’re sceptical about streaming services.
Boomers grew up with physical media — records, cassettes, VHS tapes, CDs, and DVDs. The idea of paying for something that can disappear from a library overnight (hello, Netflix removals) doesn’t sit well with you as a result. You’d rather own their entertainment than rent it indefinitely. While younger generations rely on endless subscriptions, you still have shelves of movies and albums you can access anytime — no buffering, no licensing issues, just press play.
10. You still send greeting cards.
Boomers believe in the importance of a handwritten card for birthdays, anniversaries, and holidays. A quick “Happy Birthday” text doesn’t cut it; you prefer something thoughtful, personal, and tangible. And honestly, who doesn’t appreciate a heartfelt card in the mail? Given that digital messages disappear, a physical card feels special. It’s a small but meaningful gesture that never goes out of style.
11. You dress for the occasion.
Boomers don’t believe in dressing down for every situation. You were raised in a time when people put effort into their appearance, whether it was a trip to the shops or a family dinner. The idea of wearing sweatpants to a nice restaurant doesn’t sit well with you. While fashion has become more casual, there’s something to be said for looking put together. You might get teased for “dressing up” too much, but at least you always look presentable.
12. You prefer physical newspapers and books.
Even with news available at their fingertips, many boomers still love a good old-fashioned newspaper. There’s something about flipping through the pages that feels more enjoyable than scrolling through headlines on a phone. The same goes for books; you tend to prefer hard copies over e-books. The smell of paper, the feel of a real book in hand — it’s an experience that screens just can’t replicate.
13. You don’t trust Wi-Fi for important things.
Boomers grew up in a world where reliability mattered, and Wi-Fi doesn’t always deliver. That’s why you prefer wired connections, paper maps, and physical backups of important documents. You’ve been burned by technology too many times to put your full trust in it. While younger people rely on cloud storage and digital conveniences, you always have a Plan B. And when the Wi-Fi goes down, guess who’s still got their files safely printed out?
14. You still write cheques.
While debit cards and online payments are the norm, lots of boomers still keep a chequebook handy. Whether it’s paying bills, sending gifts, or handling rent, you trust a check more than digital transactions. It may seem outdated, but it’s also practical. Cheques don’t have transaction fees, they leave a clear paper trail, and they can be used even when there’s no internet. Sometimes, old-school methods just work.
15. You still believe in fixing things instead of replacing them.
Boomers grew up in a time when things were built to last, and if something broke, you fixed it. Whether it was sewing up a torn jacket, repairing a broken toaster, or patching up an old chair, you’ve always believed in making things work rather than tossing them out. This mindset came from a time when disposable culture wasn’t the norm, and people took pride in maintaining their belongings. While younger generations often replace items the moment they stop working, boomers still look for ways to repair them. Planned obsolescence is everywhere, so this old-school mentality is not only practical but also environmentally friendly. Knowing how to fix things instead of always buying new is a skill that never really goes out of style.
