Every generation has its weird quirks and habits. Zoomers have their Tiktok, Millennials are obsessed with destroying industries, and Gen X couldn’t care less.
Boomers aren’t exempt. While scrolling through Reddit, I found a thread asking users to share the weird things older folks love that the rest of us just don’t get.
Small Talk About Recently Deceased
A service worker said they’re shocked at how older folks love to tell them about recently deceased neighbors.
“Over the years, I’ve found they LOVE to be the first one to tell me one of the neighbors has died. To the point where if I say ‘yeah, Thelma already let me know,’ they look genuinely disappointed and annoyed that they weren’t the one to break the news to me,” he shared.
This may not be a generational thing but an age thing. As we get older, we start to consider our own mortality more and more.
Gossip
When folks retire, they have nothing better to do than gossip.
And they love it.
“My dad is a baby boomer, and he literally walks around the neighborhood, daily, to find out new information from the neighbors so he can come tell my mom,” shared one user.
People Watching on the Porch
The stereotype of the old couple sitting in their rockers on the front porch watching the world go by rings true.
“Od people sit in front of their houses and do absolutely nothing for hours, just watching people and cars go by,” shared one user.
“Guess there comes a point where you’re content to just sit back and let the world come to you,” added another.
Old Man Music
Each culture has its “old people music.” A user from Vietnam shared a cultural tidbit about traditional music.
“There is this weird type of traditional Vietnamese music my parents said that only old people like, and they could not stand it either. A decade later, and apparently they enjoy it. I await my turn in fear,” they said.
American users jumped in to say the phenomena also happens here, calling Bruce Springsteen and the Steely Dan Band “old people’s music.”
Watching the News
Old folks constantly have the news blaring in the background regardless of what they’re doing.
“My grandparents have CNN on all day long. Even if they aren’t even in the room. It makes no sense to me. Then they complain that they just talk about the same things over and over,” said one user.
“My dad watches the news all the time, and I can’t stand it because all of does is make him mad,” lamented another.
Others said it’s a big reason for our current cultural divide.
“It’s distorting reality. You’re being fed fear 24/7. It gives the impression that everything is bad and that everyone is a danger when statistics and data prove the opposite,” claimed one.
Thank You Notes
Younger generations could learn a thing or two from their older relatives. Boomers are obsessed with sending thank-you notes, and that’s not a bad thing.
“I thought as long as you thank someone in person, there’s no need to write a note specifically to thank them again,” shared one user, adding, “But when I do receive such a note, it makes me think that person is super kind and thoughtful, a genuinely good soul.’
Slot Machines
Older generations love gambling. Advertisers try to pretend it’s a fun, hip pastime for everyone, but you’ll see the truth as soon as you step inside a casino.
“All the casino ads make it look like you’ll be gambling in Monaco with a bouncy, joyful group of young people – then you go in, and it’s endless rows of blank-faced olds jamming on those buttons,” said one user.
Another said it’s likely due to financial reasons. “Old people have the money to do it in a casino,” they explained.
Discussing Medical Issues
If a boomer corners you, you can rest assured you will get an earful about their most recent diagnosis.
One older user explained why. “I’m in my 70’s. When new aches or pains pop up every month or two, you’re not going to immediately run to a doctor every single time. So you’ll want to share this information to gauge out how serious it is, find out how other people have dealt with that ache or pain, and share your own discoveries with others,” they said.
Fine China
Boomers love their fine china, silver plated service ware, and other antique collectibles they keep pristine for when they have company but never actually use.
“It’s pretty in the way anything made in bulk can be, it’s expensive, has very little resale value, fragile as ***, and virtually useless unless you’re trying to impress another old person,” stated one user.
“My grandmother, her sisters, and even my mom, to an extent, act like this is a necessity for your home,” added another.
Soap Operas
Many soap operas have been airing for 20 or more years, so it makes sense that older generations got sucked in and can’t let go, but the rest of us don’t understand the appeal.
“I get bored after 30 mins how does someone watch 500 episodes,” asked one user.
Another said their mom explained why she likes them. “My mom, who is in her 70’s and retired, explained this one to me: she enjoys her daytime soaps because so little happens that she can have them on while she cleans around the house and doesn’t feel like she misses anything.”
Body Positivity
We’re all into body positivity, but boomers have no shame. They’re the ones who will walk around gym locker rooms, baring it all without a care in the world. Younger folks don’t get it and would much rather cover up.
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Source: Reddit