Although the younger generation do criticise us boomers, it is important to understand that both can benefit from each other’s habits. These seven habits have been embraced and appreciated by a growing number of the younger generation. I believe it truly does lead to a much healthier mindset and state of wellbeing. No doubt times are changing and there is no turning back, but there are some things the soul craves and needs; hopefully us boomers can leave just a little bit of that soulful search that has a massive impact on our mental wellbeing.
A lot of those ‘boomer habits,’ which we once dismissed as outdated and irrelevant, are now making a comeback. As it turns out, the younger generations are beginning to see the wisdom in some of these old-school practices. From the value of handwritten letters to the joy of home gardening, there are things that we previously scoffed at but are now learning to appreciate—and for good reason.
1. Embracing the Art of Letter Writing
Receiving a handwritten letter used to be a big deal in my house. It felt personal, thoughtful, and a little bit magical. Digital messages dominate now, but surprisingly, Gen Z and Millennials have started to check out the charm of letters. There’s just something special about seeing someone’s handwriting and knowing they spent real time and effort. I’ve noticed more people hunting for pretty stationery or talking about pen pals—even in the world of texting and DMs. This revival has even sparked entire online communities where people swap snail mail tips and share stories about memorable letters received.
Why It Clicks Today:
- Letters feel like a true keepsake, something to save and revisit over the years.
- Writing by hand forces you to slow down and really think about what you want to say, almost like meditation in action.
- This habit can help reduce screen time and encourage creativity in ways texting just can’t match.
Picking up a pen instead of a phone can make even a short note feel meaningful. It’s a small but powerful way to connect in a world that moves a little too fast. Writing letters even encourages practicing gratitude and reflection, as you gather your thoughts before putting them on paper.
2. Growing Your Own Food
I remember my grandparents spending hours in their backyard, hunched over tomato vines or pulling up carrots. Back then, all I wanted was to escape and play. Now, with crowded cities and balcony apartments, a lot of younger folks are getting into gardening—sometimes in just a couple of pots on a window sill, or through community garden plots. The appeal probably comes from wanting cleaner, fresher food, but there’s also a meditative quality in nurturing something from seed to table.
What’s Behind the Trend:
- Homegrown vegetables taste better (seriously, fresh lettuce is a game changer for sandwiches and salads).
- It helps save money and reduce trips to the grocery store, which is handy in a busy lifestyle.
- It offers a sense of accomplishment and gets you outdoors at least a bit, breaking the monotony of screen time.
- Gardening, even on a small scale, can give a boost to mental health by promoting peace and patience.
This habit isn’t all about becoming a master gardener overnight. It’s about enjoying the process, learning patience, and getting a little dirt under your fingernails—no matter your age. Not to mention, sharing the bounty with friends or neighbors can foster community bonds and encourage others to join in the gardening fun.
3. Collecting and Listening to Vinyl Records
Music has always mattered, but something about vinyl is next-level cool. Maybe it’s the warmth of the sound, maybe it’s the big album covers and liner notes, or maybe it’s just slowing down to actually listen rather than skipping tracks endlessly. Even with a million songs in a pocket, more Millennials and Gen Zers are hunting for records at thrift shops, sharing their vinyl hauls, and dusting off old turntables. For many, building a collection is like assembling a library of memories and soundtracks—they reflect a person’s unique taste and mood.
The Appeal of Vinyl:
- There’s a tactile, physical part of the experience. Flipping through records can be as satisfying as listening.
- Listening to a whole album encourages you to enjoy music differently—there’s intention behind it.
- It turns music into a ritual instead of background noise, fostering appreciation and focus.
- Record collecting can spark conversations, as people share their favorite finds or debate classic albums.
Building a record collection isn’t about ditching streaming but adding a personal, analog touch to music appreciation that feels grounding in a digital world. For younger collectors, it’s also an adventure to track down rare presses or share their latest finds online.
4. Spending More Time Outdoors
There was a time when being outside for the sake of being outside wasn’t as common. These days, after years of screen overload, hiking, picnics, and even birdwatching are getting way more popular with younger folks. More city people are carpooling to the nearest trail or choosing parks over bars for meetups. Some are even going big with camping or road trips in vans. The drive to disconnect from tech and reconnect with what’s real is stronger than ever as people seek balance in their routines.
Why Nature’s Calling:
- Being outdoors genuinely improves mood and reduces stress, as multiple studies now show.
- It’s a (usually) free way to get exercise, making a healthy lifestyle more attainable.
- Spending time in green spaces helps reset your brain after tech-heavy work or school, improving overall mental clarity.
- Group outdoor activities, like hiking clubs or outdoor yoga, help grow a sense of camaraderie and community.
You don’t need to be an expert backpacker to enjoy this one. Sometimes, just sitting in the sun with your thoughts works wonders. Outdoor traditions like gardening or picnics can also be seasonally adapted, making them accessible all year round.
5. Cooking from Scratch
The world got used to convenience meals for a while. Now, hopping on TikTok, you’ll often see young people showing off bread they made, or comparing soup recipes—just like how boomers used to do things. There’s real satisfaction in fixing a meal from start to finish, and it can be a gateway to healthier eating, more family time, and actual fun. It’s also way easier on the budget than endless takeout. The act of cooking becomes not just a means to eat, but a creative outlet and a chance to experiment.
What’s Fueling the Comeback:
- Cooking helps people understand exactly what they’re eating, leading to wiser food choices.
- It brings friends and families together in the kitchen and at the table. Shared meals create lasting memories.
- The creative side of experimenting with food can be really satisfying. From learning old recipes to inventing new ones, there’s always space to try something new.
- Learning basic cooking skills gives a real sense of independence, especially for those just moving out or starting their own homes.
It’s not about mastering five-course dinners. Even just scrambling eggs or baking banana bread from scratch brings that oldschool feeling to life. The process can be as rewarding as the end result—everyone gets to enjoy the taste and the experience.
6. Choosing Face-to-Face Connections Over Just Online Chats
Social media makes it easy to keep in touch, but also sometimes pretty lonely. More young people are starting to realize that meeting in person—whether for a coffee, game night, or just a walk—is really important. Group hangouts, craft nights, and even phone calls are making a comeback after years of mainly texting and DMs. There’s a rediscovered value in seeing each other’s faces, sharing laughter in real time, and picking up nonverbal cues that don’t come across onscreen.
What’s So Good About Real-Life Interaction:
- In person conversations build trust and are often more meaningful, letting you spot real emotions and true feelings.
- It’s easier to read emotions and avoid misunderstandings, since a lot gets lost in written words or emojis alone.
- Shared experiences create stronger memories and friendships, making relationships feel more genuine and lasting.
- Stepping away from screens lets people break social media habits, find new hobbies, and balance their social lives better.
It can feel a little old-fashioned, but deep down, most of us crave a bit of real human connection now and then—away from scrolling and endless notifications. Whether through a coffee date or just a chat in the park, these moments add color and warmth to daily life.
7. Practicing Mindfulness and Slowing Down
Mindfulness isn’t exactly new, but a lot of boomers grew up around the idea even if it wasn’t called that. My granddad would sit quietly on the porch every morning, coffee in hand, lost in thought. Nowadays, the speed of life is wild, and more people (especially younger folks) are picking up slow living, journaling, or regular unplugged moments. Yoga, meditation apps, and just taking time to pause are way more mainstream now. Many young adults have started morning routines that borrow from the slower pace of earlier generations, making reflection and self care priorities.
Why Mindfulness Works:
- Slowing down helps reduce anxiety and keeps burnout in check. School, work, and social life all seem easier to manage with these breaks.
- It improves focus and self-awareness, helping people adapt and respond instead of rushing decisions.
- This habit can make you more appreciative of the good in daily life—journaling, gratitude lists, and simply being present work wonders.
- Slower living promotes better sleep patterns, healthier habits, and more balanced emotions overall.
Big or small, building in time to reflect or just do nothing can totally change your whole outlook. Mindfulness can be as simple as a daily walk, a digital detox, or five minutes of quiet breathing—with the benefits often felt right away.
Final Thoughts
No matter how fast technology moves or how wild the world gets, some things just stick around because they work. The younger generation have their own ways of seeing the world, but these boomer habits offer something steady and soulful. Picking up even one or two can make daily life a bit less stressful and a lot more meaningful. If you’ve tried any of these habits (old or new), you know how much of a difference they can make. The best part? Good habits don’t belong to any one age group—they’re here for everyone. And by sharing these traditions, generations can learn from one another, making the world just a bit kinder and more connected for us all.