10 household habits only boomers still practice in 2025

There’s quite a gap between the habits of boomers and the younger generations.

That gap is most noticeable at home. Boomers have a set of household habits they just can’t seem to shake, even in 2025.

Now, don’t get me wrong, I’m not saying these habits are bad. It’s just that they’ve fallen out of favor with younger folks.

Here are household habits that only boomers are still clinging onto in 2025. Let’s see if you recognize any of them.

1) Physical media

There’s something about holding a physical book, CD, or DVD that boomers just can’t resist.

In an age where most media is consumed digitally, these old-timers still prefer the tactile experience that physical media provides.

Streaming music and films are convenient, sure. But nothing beats the satisfaction of owning a physical copy, at least in the eyes of our boomer friends.

While you’re decluttering your home from DVDs and CDs, don’t be surprised to see boomers still adding to their collections in 2025. It’s just one of those habits they’re not willing to let go of yet.

2) Landline phones

I’ll never forget the time I visited my Uncle Bob’s house last year. In his living room, right next to his antique oak side table, sat a rotary dial phone.

Yes, you heard that right. A rotary dial phone, complete with a cord and all, in 2025.

To me and many others in the younger generations, our smartphones are our lifelines.

But for Uncle Bob and many other boomers, the landline phone still holds a significant place in their homes.

While it might seem outdated or even unnecessary to some of us, boomers like Uncle Bob still find comfort and reliability in these old-fashioned telephones.

It’s a connection to the past that they’re not quite ready to cut off.

3) Writing checks

Despite the rise of digital payments, boomers are still fond of writing checks.

In fact, a recent survey revealed that around 13% of those aged 65 and older still prefer to use checks as their primary method of payment.

That’s in stark contrast to the younger generations, where only about 5% still use checks regularly.

This fondness for checks among boomers goes beyond just nostalgia. For many, it’s a matter of trust and security.

Plus, it’s a habit they’ve been practicing for decades, making it hard to break away from even in 2025.

4) Printed newspapers

In an era where most news is consumed digitally, boomers still have a soft spot for printed newspapers.

There’s just something about the smell of ink on paper, the rustle of turning pages, and the ritual of sitting down with a cup of coffee in the morning to read the day’s news.

While the younger generations are quickly scrolling through news on their smartphones, many boomers continue to subscribe to daily or weekly print editions.

It’s a habit ingrained in their routine and one they’re not likely to give up any time soon.

5) Manual housekeeping

While smart appliances and robotic vacuum cleaners are the norm in many households, boomers still prefer to do their cleaning the old-fashioned way.

From washing dishes by hand to sweeping floors with a broom, these manual housekeeping tasks are seen as therapeutic and even meditative by some boomers.

Despite the convenience offered by modern technology, there’s a certain satisfaction that comes from doing things by hand, and that’s something our boomer friends aren’t ready to trade off just yet.

6) Handwritten letters

In a world dominated by emails, texts, and instant messaging, the art of handwriting a letter is a tradition still cherished by boomers.

There’s a certain warmth and sincerity that comes from receiving a handwritten letter. It’s a tangible expression of thoughtfulness, time, and effort.

Many boomers still take the time to write letters to friends and family for special occasions or just because.

It’s a heartfelt practice that holds a lot of sentimental value, one that they hope will not be entirely lost in the digital age.

7) Home cooking

Meal kits, takeout, and food delivery apps might have revolutionized the way we eat, but nothing can replace the comfort of home-cooked meals for boomers.

When I was growing up, my grandmother would cook meals from scratch every day.

The aroma of her cooking wafting through the house remains one of my most cherished memories.

Many boomers like my grandmother still prefer to cook their meals at home, using tried and true recipes passed down through generations.

It’s more than just food; it’s a labor of love and a way to nurture connections with family and friends.

8) Not embracing smart home technology

In a world where everything from our thermostats to our doorbells can be controlled via smartphone, many boomers are choosing to stick with traditional methods.

You might think that in 2025, everyone would have jumped on the smart home bandwagon.

But many boomers find comfort and reliability in their old-school thermostats and doorbells.

It seems that despite advancements in technology, sometimes sticking with what you know and trust can feel like the smarter choice.

9) Keeping physical photo albums

In an era of cloud storage and social media, where every moment is captured and stored digitally, boomers are still fond of their physical photo albums.

These tangible mementos filled with pictures from birthdays, holidays, and everyday moments hold a special place in their hearts.

While scrolling through digital galleries may be quicker, nothing beats the feeling of flipping through a photo album and reminiscing about the good old days.

It’s a habit that brings joy and nostalgia, and one that boomers are not giving up anytime soon.

10) Reading physical maps

GPS may be a godsend for most of us, but many boomers still prefer the old-school method of navigating with a physical map.

There’s a sense of adventure and self-reliance that comes with plotting your own route and reading a map.

It’s a skill that boomers have honed over the years, and one they’re proud to continue practicing even in this digital age.

A look back in time

Every generation has its own unique set of habits, shaped by the era they grew up in. For boomers, these habits are a reflection of a simpler time, before the onset of rapid technological advancements.

These household practices, from reading physical newspapers to handwriting letters, are not just routines.

They are cherished traditions, steeped in nostalgia and a longing for the tactile experiences of yesteryears.

As we move forward into an increasingly digital age, it’s worth remembering that these habits aren’t necessarily outdated or obsolete.

In fact, they serve as a poignant reminder of our roots and the enduring human need for tangible connections.

The next time you see a boomer holding onto their physical media or turning down the latest smart home gadget, remember it’s not about being stuck in the past.

It’s about holding onto a piece of history and cherishing what once was.