While Boomers often get teased for being “out of touch,” many of their once-mocked habits are now being picked up by Gen Z with surprising enthusiasm. From analog hobbies to old-school communication methods, young adults are redefining what it means to be modern by embracing slower, more mindful ways of living. The return of handwritten notes, unplugged weekends, and even classic fashion shows shows that not everything from the past is outdated. In many ways, Gen Z is reviving Boomer habits with a fresh twist, proving that sometimes the old ways really are worth keeping.
1. Calling People Instead of Just Texting
For a generation raised on messaging apps, Gen Z is showing an unexpected appreciation for phone calls. While texting is still the default for most, many young people now prefer real-time conversation to endless back-and-forths. Whether it’s FaceTiming a friend or calling a grandparent, there’s a desire for more personal, immediate connection. This mirrors the Boomer-era value of checking in by voice rather than typing things out. In a world of digital noise, a short call can feel refreshingly intimate and sometimes far more efficient than sending a dozen messages to say one thing.
2. Writing Letters and Sending Postcards
Letter writing, once considered old-fashioned, is having a small but notable revival among Gen Z. From pen pal programs to postcard swaps, young people are rediscovering the joy of putting words to paper. The slower pace of writing a letter, finding the right stamp, addressing an envelope, and waiting for delivery offers a satisfying counterbalance to instant messaging. Many say it feels more sincere and thoughtful, especially when compared to the quick tap-and-send nature of texting. It’s also a creative outlet, with hand lettering, stickers, and drawings adding a personalized touch that no app can replicate.
3. Thrifting Like It’s a Lifestyle
Thrift shopping has evolved from a budget necessity to a cultural statement, and Gen Z has fully embraced it. While Boomers may have thrifted out of practicality, young adults today are drawn to secondhand fashion for its sustainability and individuality. Vintage blazers, ‘80s denim, and mid-century furniture are now hot commodities. The thrill of the find, combined with a desire to reduce fast fashion waste, makes thrifting feel both ethical and expressive. Unlike earlier generations who often aimed to keep up with trends, Gen Z seems more interested in crafting a unique, retro-inspired identity.
4. Getting into Gardening and Houseplants
It might surprise some to learn that Gen Z is just as obsessed with gardens and houseplants as Boomers are, albeit with a modern twist. While Boomers often maintained full outdoor gardens, Gen Z tends to fill apartments with leafy, potted companions. The reasons are similar: stress relief, connection to nature, and the satisfaction of nurturing something over time. Platforms like TikTok and Instagram are full of plant care tutorials, propagation tips, and aesthetic inspo. In a digital age, tending to something analog and alive gives many young people a sense of grounding they genuinely crave.
5. Taking Analog Photos with Film Cameras
In an era where every phone is a camera, Gen Z is turning to film photography for its charm and unpredictability. What started as a niche hobby is now a growing trend, with film cameras flying off thrift store shelves and disposable cameras making a comeback at parties and trips. The appeal lies in the intention it requires, composing a shot, waiting for development, and appreciating imperfections. This is a sharp contrast to the instant, filtered photos common on social media. Like Boomers who once cherished photo albums, Gen Z is rediscovering the magic of a tangible, analog photo.
6. Unplugging on Weekends and Taking Tech Breaks
While Gen Z is often seen as glued to their screens, many are setting strict boundaries around their digital lives. Whether it’s a full weekend without social media or using a dumbphone for daily use, there’s growing awareness of tech burnout. Boomers were used to being unreachable after 5 p.m., and some Gen Zers are now craving a similar disconnection. Retreats, journaling, and outdoor hobbies are rising in popularity. The goal isn’t to reject technology altogether, but to build a healthier relationship with it, one that prioritizes presence over constant pings.
7. Embracing Slow Cooking and Classic Recipes
Fast food and delivery apps might dominate, but more young people are cooking at home using traditional recipes that take time and care. From slow-roasted vegetables to sourdough starters, there’s a growing interest in meals that aren’t instant. Many Gen Z cooks are turning to their grandparents’ cookbooks for inspiration, enjoying the process as much as the outcome. In a culture used to quick gratification, slow cooking feels radical in its patience. Just like Boomers who prized home-cooked meals, Gen Z is recognizing that food can be a form of grounding and connection.
8. Rediscovering Vinyl Records and Physical Media
Digital streaming dominates, but Gen Z is helping drive the resurgence of vinyl, CDs, and even cassette tapes. The tactile experience of playing a record and flipping an album side offers something deeply nostalgic and physical. Vinyl sales in the U.S. have hit record highs in recent years, fueled largely by younger listeners who value both the sound quality and the ritual. It’s about more than music; it’s about collecting, curating, and being intentional with what you listen to. This echoes how Boomers once built their record collections as part of their identity and daily rhythm.
9. Volunteering for Local Causes
While it’s often assumed that community volunteering is more of a Boomer thing, many Gen Zers are now stepping up to support local causes. Whether it’s participating in beach cleanups, organizing mutual aid networks, or helping out at shelters, there’s a clear interest in community-driven impact. Unlike performative online activism, this kind of involvement reflects deeper values of connection and responsibility. Young people are rejecting the idea that change only happens at a national scale and instead focusing on helping their neighborhoods directly. Much like Boomers who built community organizations from the ground up, Gen Z is proving that real-world action still matters.
10. Reading Physical Books and Actually Going to Libraries
Despite the prevalence of digital reading and audiobooks, Gen Z is falling back in love with physical books and quiet library spaces. Whether it’s the tactile joy of turning pages or the charm of annotated margins, many young readers say real books help them focus better. Public libraries, once thought to be relics, are seeing a quiet revival as Gen Z visits for study time, free resources, or just a peaceful environment away from screens. This mirrors the Boomer appreciation for long-form reading and quiet reflection. The return to print isn’t about rejecting tech, it’s about reclaiming attention in an age of distraction.
