40 Trends Baby Boomers Can’t Let Go Of That Prove The Generation Gap Is Real

Were you born between 1946 and 1964? Then congrats – you’re a Baby Boomer! You lived through the glory days of rock ’n’ roll and had super-cheap college, and that makes Gen Xers and millennials jealous. Some folks think you’re a bit stuck in your ways, though. So, to prove those pesky kids wrong, maybe you should let go of the following? You’re still cool, so let’s prove it!

40. Cable TV

Cable TV sounds like a good thing. But out of those hundreds of channels, we bet you end up watching only a few of them. Maybe it’s time to cut your losses and switch to cheaper streaming services such as Netflix. If you can ever get through to the cable provider to cancel, that is!

39. Patterned wallpaper

Now, fashions come and go, but patterned wallpaper feels kind of old hat these days. Everything is about emulsion and lighting up bedrooms and lounges with clean paint colors. Perhaps it’s time to give your home a refresh? That way, it won’t look as dated when you put it on the market.

38. Catalogs

One thing millennials really don’t get about Boomers – and there are quite a few things, to be fair – is their loyalty to catalogs. These glossy mags were picked up in stores or posted to homes and allowed folks to look through the store’s entire stock at leisure. Some of us still love them, too. But if we’re really honest, we don’t need them in the age of Amazon.

37. Mrs. Dash on everything

As any well-traveled millennial will know, the culinary world is chock-a-block with different spices. You can buy most of them at the store, too. But despite this avalanche of exotic flavors, some Boomers stick to the seasoning they know best: Mrs. Dash. Yes, if you’ve eaten at a Boomer’s home, you may well have tasted this blandest of meal enhancements. Spice it up, please!

36. WRITING IN ALL CAPS

SON, MAKE SURE YOU PUT THE TRASH OUT IN THE MORNING. Okay, Dad, I’ll do it, no need to shout at me. I’M NOT SHOUTING. Well, perhaps not. But to younger folks, the all-caps messages make it seem like you’re really angry or something. Use lowercase from now on, yeah?

35. Chain restaurants

It’s a special occasion. Maybe it’s a birthday, or someone got a new job. Where do you celebrate? Well, for a lot of Boomers, the answer is a chain restaurant. Applebee’s or Chili’s, maybe. But they’re not exactly party central – even if you can rely on the food. Come on, push the boat out next time!

34. Home shopping channels

We get it. Home shopping channels are pretty mesmerizing, and they can have great deals. Most of the time, though, they offer stuff that’s only destined to gather dust in a drawer. Shopping online, on the other hand? Well, there’s also a lot of junk out there, but you have even greater choice. Or, you know, you can just go to a store!

33. Landline telephones

Can’t get rid of your landline phone? You’re not alone. One piece of research suggested that Boomers account for 72 percent of the folks who dial yesterday’s way. But times have changed, and technology has moved on. And let’s face it: it’s far more convenient to be using your cell.

32. Commitment to Crocs

Here’s one that Boomers can’t even blame on nostalgia. Crocs only entered the market in 2002, but they’ve still become the footwear of choice for many in their 60s and 70s. Maybe it’s because they’re comfortable and it’s easy to slip them over your toes? Well, it’s certainly nothing to do with high fashion. These are boat shoes that really are like putting boats on your feet.

31. Inspirational word art

Millennials, have you ever been in a home store and seen those wall art signs with inspiring words on them? You probably wonder who buys them. Well, you too will probably love them as you grow older, as they spring up like mushrooms in the older American’s home. Embrace the cringe!

30. Flares

Prefer flares to skinny jeans? Then you were probably young when they were popular first time round. Or maybe you just like the way flares cover all those lumps and bumps that we get when we age. Either way, it’s time to break out of your style rut and see if you can pull off a skinnier cut. You may be surprised!

29. Road-blocking rock

Boomers grew up at a time when the Beatles, Elvis Presley and The Rolling Stones ruled the airwaves. But although those artists are often favorites of theirs, it’s fair to say that they also developed something of a taste for MOR. Not that we’re knocking such quality acts as Phil Collins and the Eagles. But they’re not for rocking out. And don’t even think about playing hip-hop to a Boomer!

28. Wham! Bam! Thank you, Spam!

Oh, Spam. The wartime ration packed with salt and preservatives that became a staple of many postwar cupboards. But these days, with so much quality meat on offer, it’s amazing that Spam still has a market outside of Hawaii. C’mon Boomers, we’re not on rations now. Break out the barbecue instead!

27. Cuckoo for cruises

We can all enjoy being stuck on a giant ship with nothing to do but eat and drink. The endless entertainment is pretty cool, too. But cruises aren’t the best option if you actually want to travel. You only spend a few strictly limited hours here and there to explore the places you sail to.

26. Phone books

Years ago, if you wanted to find someone’s number, you would thumb through the phone book. Remember that? We have the internet now, though, so we can gracefully let the Yellow Pages go. All that paper must be bad for the environment, too.

25. Social media sharing

We’ve all been guilty of a little social media oversharing. But expecting folks to repost your thoughts on the world? Especially with the line “You probably won’t share this”? That’s not a good look. And we probably won’t share it, sorry.

24. Tired old knick-knacks

We’re sad to say it, Boomers, but no one is going to want your knick-knacks. One person’s memento of a visit to a tropical paradise is another’s dust trap. Sure, your Gen X and millennial kids may thank you when you hand them over, but they’re going in a drawer – or, worse, in the trash. If you don’t want to keep them yourself, why not visit an antique dealer or pawn shop instead?

23. Bills, bills, bills

Still getting your bills in the mail? Well, think if you really need all that paper. With internet banking, it’s a cinch to see what’s going on with your checking account and pay the electric. You can even print out a statement if you need!

22. Mmm, meatloaf

Now, we don’t mean the legendary singer. There’s always a space in our hearts for him. No, we’re talking about the dinner-time favorite that many Boomers grew up on. And we’re not ripping on this classic. Oh, no! But maybe you could keep the loaf for “sometimes food” and branch out into something that will tickle the tastebuds a tad more.

21. Potty for potpourri

Potpourri is essentially a load of dried, perfumed plants tossed together in a bowl. And Boomers, we know you love it. We reckon it’s the scent of the exotic that you adore. But now there are so many other ways to bring good aromas to our homes. There are candles, wax burners, diffusers... Give them a try and your nose a rest!

20. Encyclopedias

Look, we get that you may need something to keep a door closed or flatten a flower. But for everything else, there’s Wikipedia. And let’s face it: how often do you use your encyclopedias for their intended purpose? That’s okay. We won’t tell if you give them to Goodwill...

19. Maps

If you’ve ever been in a car with a Boomer, then chances are you’ve encountered them trying to get to grips with a GPS system. To be honest, we all struggle. And who hasn’t ended up in the wrong end of town when following Siri? Actually, now we think about it, good old-fashioned map books do have some benefits.

18. Checkbooks

There was a time back in the day when the way to pay was either by cash or check. But these days, we flash a card or our phone, and the bill is taken care of. Well, some of us do. Many Boomers still cling to their checkbooks and love to pay in hard currency. Come on, guys, you’re holding everyone else up in the line!

17. Sandals and socks

Wearing socks with sandals? Oh boy. That’s widely regarded as the ultimate fashion no-no. But for some reason, many Boomers beg to differ. How about setting your toes free in the summertime? We reckon that’s a lot cooler.

16. S&H Stamps

Many millennials have probably never heard of S&H Green Stamps. Boomers, though? They certainly have. They may even be redeeming them still in the 2020s. But perhaps it’s time to give them up and pay for that transistor radio using a credit card or money.

15. Throw pillows everywhere

Throw pillows may look good, but they’re not always practical. Whenever you want to laze on the couch or lie on the bed, you have to move them out the way. So, why not save yourself the bother and dispense with them altogether? You know, actually throw them away!

14. TV dinners

TV dinners taste about as good as they look, so why do we still cling on to them? Nostalgia, basically. Convenience, too. But there are plenty of more delicious and just as easy-to-cook options in the store nowadays. Try them! Your tastebuds will thank you.

13. China collections

We spend so much effort cleaning and dusting our good china, and for what? Not for using at dinner! And perhaps it’s not worth the effort anymore. Time to take that old collection to a yard sale, we reckon.

12. High-waisted jeans

Boomers may have no time for skinny jeans, but they do like a nice pair of high-waisted Levi’s. The problem? While this look may be comfortable, it isn’t very fashionable. And it makes millennials cringe with embarrassment. Drop that waistline a few inches!

11. Prehistoric phone cases

Got a cellphone? Of course – modern life’s much more difficult without one. But what’s your case look like? If it’s a leather monstrosity made to look and open like a book, then it’s really time to switch it up.

10. It’s a hard knock life

“Unlike you, I went to the School of Hard Knocks/the University of Life.” Well, it must have been a busy school, as you hear about it so often from Boomers! You’ll probably be familiar with this phrase if you have a college degree and your boss or your parents don’t. But lots of studies show that Boomers had it easier than the following generations in terms of prosperity and opportunity. Maybe they didn’t need that diploma, then?

9. Airport earliness

Hey, no one likes it when someone turns up late. And if you’ve been on a flight waiting for the last person to board, you’ll definitely know when we mean. So, it’s probably a good thing that Boomers like to arrive at the airport with plenty of time to spare. Maybe three hours before check-in opens is overdoing it, though?

8. Tank trouble

Patterned tanks. They’re not something you’re likely to find in a millennial’s wardrobe, and that’s for good reason. Not even golfers can pull them off! Be honest with yourself, then, and take your tanks down to the thrift store.

7. Jell-O salads

Remember the Jell-O salad? Well, for those folks who don’t, it’s every bit as disgusting as it sounds. Veggies in wobbly green jello? Yuk! No wonder you don’t see it on menus anymore. You probably shouldn’t take it to family get-togethers, either, as not many people like the stuff.

6. Shag carpets

Shag carpets were all the rage in the 1960s. But that was 60 years ago! No one who grew up after that era wants anything to do with these ridiculous rugs. They’re a total dirt magnet! Time to consign them to history, we reckon.

5. Conspiracy theories

What is it with Boomers and conspiracy theories? For some reason, they’re quick to go all-in on crackpot ideas, from QAnon to the Moon landing being faked. Perhaps it’s all down to social media swamping them with unverified info. But fact-checking what you read and watch is the way – like Boomers told their kids to do way back when!

4. Fluffy toilet seat covers

It boggles the mind that fluffy toilet seat covers were ever a thing. Sure, everyone wants to feel comfortable when they’re sat on the throne, but just think of all the germs this monstrosity collects. Actually, please don’t, because it’s frightening. We vote to pull the chain on this one.

3. Diamonds

They say diamonds are a girl’s best friend. Well, the precious gemstones definitely have been beloved of Boomer women throughout the decades. Millennials, though, are much less taken by the shiny gemstones. Maybe it’s got something to do with the exorbitant cost? And there’s no cash for a pretty ring when you have student loans to pay off.

2. Shopping malls

Boomers grew up in an era when the shopping mall was king. Practically everything they needed could be bought there – from new clothing to fast food. Now, though, you can browse millions of items and shop online at the click of a button. Ditto with ordering food to your home. It’s nice to go into a store from time to time, though. There’s nothing like the human touch!

1. Jorts

Oh, jorts. What have we done to deserve you? An unholy alliance of jeans and shorts, they’re the summer wardrobe item of choice for many Boomers. And to be honest, they are cooler than sandals and socks – but not by much. Maybe throw those old jeans away rather than cut them down.