Recently, more & more millennials have started to fall in love with some of the habits their boomer parents held dear—even though the younger generation used to call them old-fashioned. Maybe it’s a response to how fast-paced everything is these days, or perhaps these habits are simply timeless and were due for a comeback at some point. Whatever the reason, you’ll be surprised to find out which boomer traditions are making a huge comeback. Here are nineteen boomer habits that millennials are starting to appreciate.
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Using Layaway Plans for Purchases
Boomers used to use layaway plans to buy items over time and millennials are starting to appreciate this method as a way to manage their finances. Making payments on a purchase stops them from relying on credit cards, so they’ll avoid debt & still get what they want. This kind of practical approach to budgeting really appeals to a generation that’s desperately worried about their credit.
Polishing Shoes Every Weekend
Many older people make it a habit to polish their shoes every Saturday or Sunday—setting aside this time helps them keep their footwear in great condition & extend the life of each pair. Millennials have started picking up this habit and lots of them enjoy the consistent routine, as well as the long-lasting shine. You just need simple tools like brushes, shoe polish, and a cloth, which are all available at general stores.
Making the Bed as Soon as You Get Up
A lot of boomers are big believers in making the bed right after getting up because it’s a quick way to keep the bedroom tidy all day long. While some younger people used to skip this step, many of them now recognize the benefit of having a neat place to sleep and it usually takes less than a minute. Starting the day with a made bed makes the room feel more organized and for relatively little effort.
Taking a Midday Rest Period
You’ve probably seen a few boomers scheduling a short break in the early afternoon to recharge—they’ll use this time to close their eyes & sit quietly or enjoy a glass of water without any distractions. This pause is just a little downtime and younger adults who try this have noticed that they feel calmer in the middle of the day. They love that they’re able to do this practically anywhere and get a refreshing reset during the busyness of the day without any tech involved.
Scheduling a Weekly Phone Call with Loved Ones
Older adults usually pick a specific day each week to call family members or close friends, whether that’s a Sunday afternoon or Wednesday evening, and they stick to that schedule. These calls cover everyday updates and millennials adopting this habit find it less stressful than trying to keep up with random calls. Instead, they’re able to stay connected more reliably and don’t need to worry about missing someone or missing out on important news.
Walking the Block After Dinner
After finishing their evening meal, many boomers take a walk around the neighborhood because it gives them a chance to get some light exercise & fresh air before settling in for the night. It doesn’t need to be a long walk—a few minutes will do—and a comfortable pair of shoes is all that they need to get fit. Younger adults who try this find it fits easily into their routine and such a simple stroll helps them stay active without needing a gym membership.
Doing a 15-Minute Nightly Cleanup
Some boomers will spend about 15 minutes each night tidying up the main living areas, which might include washing dishes & wiping counters—or even simply clearing clutter. Dealing with these small tasks each day means they prevent messes from piling up, and millennials who adopt this routine appreciate waking up to a more organized home. It makes mornings run smoother while also cutting down on big cleaning sessions over the weekend.
Eating a Sit-Down Breakfast Each Day
Don’t be surprised to see boomers starting their day with a simple sit-down breakfast at the table, usually comprised of toast or a bowl of cereal. The important part is taking the time to eat without rushing and this habit makes mornings far less hectic—it also doesn’t require much preparation. As such, it’s no surprise that young people have more improved focus throughout the day while also starting the day more relaxed.
Hanging Laundry on a Clothesline
Lots of boomers have a clothesline strung up in the yard or on the balcony for drying clothes because they love hanging everything to air-dry under the sun. Yes, it’s not as quick as tossing clothes in the dryer but they like the fresh scent & feel of sun-dried fabrics. It’s also great for lowering electric bills and is gentler on the clothes, which is why it’s becoming popular among millennials, too. It’s a simple and eco-friendly habit that fits nicely into a sunny day.
Sending Postcards When Traveling
Boomers grew up during a time when it was normal to send postcards when they traveled to friends & family back home. Millennials have also picked up on this habit because postcards make great keepsakes and they’re also a lot cheaper than buying a gift. It also makes their trips a little more personal as they’re able to share their experiences beyond social media updates.
Carrying a Small Flashlight
The majority of boomers believe in keeping a small flashlight handy in their purse or car so that they’re ready for unexpected situations—they don’t rely only on their phone’s light. Having a dedicated flashlight means they’re able to deal with power outages without draining their phone battery and millennials have learned to do the same. They’ve fumbled with phones on a low battery too many times, so they’ll carry around a compact flashlight wherever they go.
Scheduling a Monthly Car Maintenance Check
Boomer drivers usually set aside one day each month to check on their car’s vital parts and they might pop the hood to look at the oil level or battery connections—all without needing a fancy garage. This quick inspection takes just a few minutes but helps them find issues early and some will keep a small log of each check that gives them a clear record of the car’s condition over time. Millennials have begun doing the same because it helps them avoid costly repairs and keeps their vehicles running rather efficiently, too.
Rearranging Furniture at the Start of Each Season
When the seasons change, boomers like to switch up their living spaces by moving furniture around, such as by shifting a sofa closer to the heater in winter or opening up space near windows in summer to let in the breeze. Their goal is to make the home feel comfortable & adapt to the weather while also preventing dust from gathering in hidden areas. It’s no wonder millennials have started doing it—with just a little effort and no extra spending, their place gets a new look.
Attending Town Hall Meetings
Most boomers frequently participate in local government by attending town hall meetings and they’ll show up to stay informed about community issues & have a say in decisions that affect their daily lives. Millennials are getting involved as well because they’ve realized that being present at these gatherings lets them engage directly with local leaders. Doing so makes sure that their voices are heard and that they’re able to contribute to their community.
Shopping at Farmers’ Markets
Millennials are flocking to farmers’ markets because they’re looking for organic & locally sourced food—but boomers have been doing this for ages. The older generation enjoys talking with farmers and supporting local businesses, making for something more than mere grocery shopping. Picking up fresh vegetables, fruits & homemade goods makes cooking more enjoyable and is also a real experience.
Ironing Clothes for a Neat Appearance
Older generations take the time to iron their clothes as they want to keep them crisp and presentable, with millennials starting to value this habit to look professional. Ironing at home also saves money on dry cleaning bills and makes their outfits look their best—it also gives them more confidence for whatever the day holds. Having well-pressed clothes makes a great impression in both personal & professional settings.
Using Handkerchiefs Instead of Tissues
Carrying a cloth handkerchief was the norm when boomers were younger and millennials have started to appreciate this reusable alternative to disposable tissues. You’re able to wash and use handkerchiefs over & over, so they’re quite eco-friendly—it’s a small change that reduces waste and is gentle on the environment. It’s also kinda charming to have one on hand, especially since they’ll personalize any outfit.
Using Traditional Alarm Clocks Instead of Phones
Before smartphones, boomers relied on alarm clocks to wake up each morning—millennials are switching back to these devices to reduce screen time before bed. Using a separate alarm clock helps avoid the temptation of late-night scrolling so the younger generation gets better sleep. There are also so many unique alarm clocks to try, such as Nintendo’s Alarmo or alarm clocks that you physically have to get up to turn off.
Embroidering and Quilting as Creative Outlets
The older generation loved crafting beautiful pieces from fabric and millennials are starting to feel the same passion for embroidery & quilting. They’re trying to make personalized gifts and picking up a needle & thread allows them to disconnect from screens—then, they get creative. It’s a truly relaxing hobby that also gives them something tangible they’ll have for years to come.
Collecting Recipes in a Personal Cookbook
Millennials have adopted the boomer habit of preserving family recipes and favorite dishes in a personal cookbook, as writing down recipes by hand creates a keepsake they may pass down through generations. It’s quite handy having all of your favorite meals in one place when planning dinners or baking treats. And best of all, sharing these cookbooks with loved ones keeps culinary traditions alive.
Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.
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