Let’s be real—there’s been a lot of generational tension lately. Between “OK boomer” memes and endless debates about work-life balance, it sometimes feels like younger generations and baby boomers are speaking completely different languages.
But here’s the thing: while we’re quick to roll our eyes at some boomer habits, there are certain things they do that actually command serious respect from younger people. I’m talking about habits that make you think, “Damn, I wish I had that together.”
I’ve noticed this with my own parents and other boomers in my life. There are moments when their approach to certain situations makes me pause and think, “They’re really onto something here.”
Today, we’re diving into seven boomer habits that younger generations secretly admire—and maybe even wish they could master themselves. These aren’t outdated practices; they’re timeless qualities that feel more valuable than ever in our chaotic modern world.
1. They prioritize face-to-face conversations
There’s something almost radical about how boomers handle communication. While the rest of us are firing off texts and having “important” conversations over DM, they actually pick up the phone or suggest meeting in person.
I remember being initially annoyed when my dad would insist on calling instead of just texting back. But then I started noticing how much more we actually accomplished in those conversations.
Turns out, there’s real science behind this. As psychologist Susan Pinker notes, “Face-to-face contact releases a whole cascade of neurotransmitters and, like a vaccine, they protect you now and well into the future.”
When boomers suggest grabbing coffee instead of jumping on another Zoom call, younger people secretly respect that commitment to genuine human connection. It feels authentic in a world drowning in digital noise.
2. They maintain consistent sleep schedules
Here’s something that makes younger people genuinely envious: boomers actually go to bed at reasonable hours and wake up naturally without hitting snooze seventeen times.
I used to think my parents were boring for turning down late-night plans because they had to be up early. But watching them function like actual human beings in the morning while I stumbled around like a zombie made me reconsider.
There’s wisdom in what Benjamin Franklin famously said: “Early to bed and early to rise makes a man healthy, wealthy, and wise.”
While the rest of us are doom-scrolling until 2 AM and then wondering why we feel like garbage, boomers have mastered something we’re all desperately trying to figure out: a sleep routine that actually works.
3. They limit their screen time naturally
While Gen Z and millennials are drowning in digital overwhelm, boomers have this almost magical ability to just… not be glued to their phones constantly.
I’ve watched my parents sit through entire meals without once checking their devices. They can have conversations without the urge to document every moment on social media. It’s honestly impressive.
The numbers back up why this matters. Exploding Topics notes that “3 in 4 Gen Zers claim to spend too much time on their smartphones.” Meanwhile, figures by Cigna suggest nearly 8 in 10 Gen Z adults (79%) and 7 in 10 millennials (71%) reported feeling lonely, compared to just 50% of baby boomers.
I’d say there’s definitely a connection there.
When boomers put their phone in another room or simply forget about it for hours, younger people notice. Many of us are fighting tooth and nail to achieve that level of digital detachment, and they just do it naturally.
4. They show up when they say they will
This one hits different in our flaky, “maybe” culture. Boomers treat commitments like actual commitments, not loose suggestions that can be canceled via text thirty minutes beforehand.
I’ve noticed this pattern with older colleagues and family friends—when they say they’ll be somewhere at 7 PM, they’re there at 6:55. When they agree to help with something, they follow through without needing three reminder texts.
It’s such a stark contrast to our generation’s approach to plans. We’ve normalized the last-minute bailout, the perpetual “running late” text, and the vague “let’s figure it out” mentality.
There’s something deeply respectable about someone whose word actually means something. In a world where reliability feels rare, boomers’ commitment to showing up—both literally and figuratively—stands out.
Younger people notice this reliability, even if we don’t always admit it. It’s the kind of consistency we really want in our relationships and friendships.
5. They actually listen without multitasking
Here’s what’s wild: when boomers are in a conversation with you, they’re actually present for it. No scrolling, no checking notifications, no half-listening while mentally composing their next Instagram story.
I’ve talked about mindfulness before, but boomers seem to have mastered this without even trying. They give you their full attention, ask follow-up questions, and remember what you told them last time you spoke.
It’s become so rare that when it happens, it’s genuinely striking. You walk away from conversations with them feeling heard in a way that’s hard to find elsewhere.
Compare that to trying to have a deep conversation with someone our age while they’re simultaneously responding to Slack messages and liking TikToks. The difference in connection quality is obvious.
This natural ability to be present and engaged makes younger people feel valued and respected—something we’re all craving more of in our distracted world.
6. They invest in long-term relationships
Boomers have this approach to relationships that feels almost foreign to younger generations: they actually stick around and work through things instead of ghosting at the first sign of conflict.
I’ve watched my parents maintain friendships for decades, weathering disagreements, life changes, and geographic moves. They don’t just cut people off because of minor annoyances or growing apart temporarily.
There’s something so powerful about witnessing that kind of loyalty and commitment. In our swipe-left culture where everything feels disposable, seeing people who actually fight for their relationships is refreshing.
They call friends on birthdays, send Christmas cards, and show up for weddings and funerals. They understand that meaningful relationships require maintenance and aren’t just entertainment.
Younger people respect this depth of commitment, especially when we’re struggling with surface-level connections and wondering why our friendships feel so fragile.
7. They live within their means
While younger generations are drowning in debt and financing everything from phones to groceries, many boomers operate with a simple principle: if you can’t afford it, you don’t buy it.
They save up for purchases, pay cash when possible, and aren’t constantly stressed about money because they’ve learned to live below their means rather than chasing lifestyle inflation.
I know this might sound privileged given economic differences between generations, but there’s still wisdom in their approach to money management. They prioritize needs over wants and don’t equate their self-worth with their possessions.
When you see someone who’s genuinely content with what they have and isn’t constantly chasing the next upgrade or trend, it’s both admirable and enviable.
This financial discipline and contentment stands in sharp contrast to our generation’s tendency toward impulse purchases and keeping-up-with-others spending. Their peace of mind around money is something we secretly wish we could master.
Final words
Look, I’m not saying we should start wearing cargo shorts and complaining about “kids these days.” But there’s definitely something to be learned from these boomer habits that have stood the test of time.
The irony is that many of the things we’re desperately trying to achieve through apps, life hacks, and self-help books—better sleep, meaningful connections, financial peace, digital wellness—boomers often do naturally.
Maybe it’s because they grew up in a different world, or maybe they’ve just had more time to figure out what actually matters. Either way, these habits aren’t about being old-fashioned; they’re about being intentional with how we live.
