Baby Boomers were born between 1946 and 1964. They have always been trendsetters, yet they hold tight to old-fashioned hobbies that seem out of place today. The younger generations like technology and digital lives, but boomers find comfort in the familiar. Here are the old hobbies that Boomers cannot quit.
Cable TV
Boomers love their cable TV. While millennials and Gen Z binge on Netflix and Disney+, boomers stick with what they know—suitable old cable. Why? because it’s easy. They do not need to find which streamer has the latest hit. Also, they find it comforting to flip through channels and find something interesting.
Landline Telephones
Even in the age of smartphones, many Boomers still have landlines. They think landlines are reliable and offer security, especially in emergencies. A landline connection can cost up to $45 a month, and boomers are ready to pay that cost for their comfort and reassurance that they are connected with their loved ones.
Print Media
Boomers prefer newspapers and magazines over digital ones. They love their ritual of reading the paper with a cup of coffee and solving crossword puzzles.
Greeting Cards
Boomers love sending and receiving greeting cards. Boomers are willing to spend $3 to $6 per card to send personalized messages on birthdays, holidays, and other special events. It’s a way to show care.
Specialty Home Appliances
Boomers care a lot about home cooking and entertaining. They often invest in high-end specialty home appliances, such as fancy espresso machines and special bread makers.
This dedication to home appliances reflects their desire for quality and functionality.
Larger Vehicles
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Image Credit: Deposit Photos
Boomers love their big cars, whether it’s a large sedan or an SUV. For them, vehicles are a status symbol rather than just a mere mode of transportation.
In-Store Shopping
Boomers prefer in-store shopping. They enjoy the traditional experience of browsing physical stores and talking with salespeople. This contrasts with the online shopping trend among younger generations.
Knitting and Crocheting
Boomers love knitting and crocheting and find it creative and relaxing. The feel of creating something by hand is tactile.
Golf
Golf is a classic Boomer pastime, providing a relaxed social experience. Boomers enjoy golf’s slow pace and camaraderie.
Stock Market Investments
Boomers have a special relationship with the stock market. They often hold onto their investments despite changing trends. A Mint article says two-thirds of U.S. adults at or over the age of 65 own stocks.
Metal Detecting
Metal detecting is a quirky hobby that Boomers enjoy. It combines outdoor exploration with the thrill of discovering hidden treasures. Many Boomers spend hours on beaches and parks. They are searching for coins and other valuables. It’s a mix of adventure, history, and exercise that keeps them returning for more.
Board Games
Board games have experienced a resurgence, but for Boomers, they have never gone out of style. The games provide a real social experience. They bring back memories of family game nights and social gatherings and focus on social connections and fostering bonds among players.
Retro Fashion
Boomers have seen fashion trends come and go, but they often hold onto old styles that reflect their youth. Trends like flared jeans, high-waisted skirts, and big glasses are coming back, but boomers never stopped wearing them.
