Boomers have become the punchline of many jokes by millennials and Gen Z about their unwillingness to change and see things their way. But boomers had rich social lives and traditions when they were in their prime; sadly, these 17 have become another bit for the younger generations’ comedy acts.
Creating Cassette Mixtapes
NYU writes, “Most mix tapes were inherently personal, either kept for oneself, or given to a friend or lover.” Making a mixtape was a labor of love, carefully curating songs and recording them in a specific order. Now replaced by instant playlists, the process seems charmingly antiquated.
Shopping at Malls
Boomers enjoy the experience of shopping at malls. It used to be where teenagers would meet up and hang out for hours. Younger generations, who prefer the convenience of online shopping, find the idea of spending hours at a mall somewhat outdated.
Attending Bingo Nights
Going to bingo seems like something only geriatrics do on TV, but bingo is a popular social activity for boomers. Younger folks, who are more into digital entertainment, often joke about the simplicity and slowness of bingo games.
Watching Soap Operas
Boomers are loyal fans of daytime soap operas. The Tribune Chronicle claims, “The familiar faces and voices can feel like ‘company’ in a world that’s increasingly disconnected and in the midst of what has been called an epidemic of loneliness.” Younger generations, who binge-watch series on streaming platforms, find the melodramatic and drawn-out storylines of soaps amusing.
Eating TV Dinners on Folding Trays
TV dinners in aluminum trays eaten on folding “TV tables” were a mealtime staple for boomer families. Compared to the endless takeout and delivery options now, they seem like sad, tasteless relics.
Watching Live Major Events Like the “Miracle on Ice”
Boomers experienced major events like the “Miracle on Ice” Olympic upset live on TV. With clips available instantly online now, watching history unfold live on TV doesn’t have the same impact. Plus, who has live TV anymore?
Renting VHS Tapes
Friday nights were for pizza and Blockbuster. Video rental stores were a weekend ritual for boomers looking to catch the latest movies. The idea of leaving your house to rent a physical tape is unthinkable in the age of Netflix.
Reading TV Guide to See What’s On
Before on-screen guides and DVRs, boomers relied on TV Guide to plan their viewing and avoid missing their favorite shows. Having to check a printed magazine to know what’s on TV would baffle cord-cutters today.
Playing Bridge
Bridge is a beloved card game among boomers. “Despite the deep success of poker seen over the past 20 years, bridge has never gotten quite that level of success in the modern day, likely in part because it’s not an easy game to explain to newbies,” according to Tedium. Younger generations, who are more into video games and fast-paced activities, often find bridge slow and complicated.
Memorizing Phone Numbers
With no contact lists on their phones, boomers had to memorize the numbers of friends and family or look them up in a phone book. Imagine not being able to just ask Siri to dial for you!
Forwarding Chain Emails
Boomers can’t resist forwarding sappy chain emails to everyone in their address book. These messages are often filled with maudlin stories, cheesy graphics, and vaguely threatening exhortations to share “if you really love Jesus.” Their kids simply hit delete or have Gmail filters set up to automatically trash them. The only chain letters they share are ironic memes.
Handwriting Letters and Cards
Email, Facebook, and e-cards may be fine for younger generations, but boomers still believe in the power of a handwritten note. They keep drawers full of cards for every occasion, write long letters to friends, and send postcards from their travels. It’s a dying art that millennials can appreciate, even if they rarely reciprocate.
Collecting Knick-Knacks and Hummels
Boomers love to collect tchotchkes like Hummel figurines, commemorative plates, spoons from different states, and other dust-gathering baubles. Minimalist-minded millennials can’t fathom the point of filling one’s home with so much useless junk. They prefer to spend money on experiences rather than things. But boomers find comfort in their kitschy treasures.
Attending Church Services
Gallup reports, “There has been a seven-point decline in church membership, from 79% in 1998–2000 to 72% now.” Many boomers regularly attend church services. Younger generations, who may explore spirituality in different ways, sometimes find traditional religious practices less relevant.
Clipping Articles Out of Newspapers and Magazines
Boomers love to clip interesting articles and recipes out of print media. They’ll often mail these unsolicited cuttings to their adult children. Meanwhile, millennials consume all their content online. If they want to share an interesting piece, they just copy and paste the link. The only time they pick up scissors is for crafting.
Sending Actual Birthday Cards
E-cards and Facebook wall posts may suffice for millennials, but boomers still believe in sending real birthday cards via postal mail. They’ll even pay extra for fancier cards that sing or have 3D pop-up designs. Younger folks appreciate the gesture but often feel guilty for not reciprocating. Boomers’ thoughtfulness can seem like one-upmanship.
Joining Social Clubs and Fraternal Organizations
Many boomers are active in old-fashioned social clubs like the Rotary, Kiwanis, Shriners, and Elks. They enjoy the networking and volunteer opportunities. Younger generations are more likely to find community through informal meetups, professional associations, or online groups. The pomp and circumstance of boomer social clubs seem stodgy and overly hierarchical to them.
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