The Baby Boomers, born roughly between 1946 and 1964, have seen incredible changes in society, including the dawn of the digital age and drastic shifts in cultural norms. Yet, they stand by certain things unapologetically—including these 19 things.
Their Work Ethic
According to Indeed, boomers “pride themselves in their work and are typically competitive.” They grew up in a time when hard work was often equated with long hours and a never-quit attitude. They believe that dedication and perseverance are keys to success, so they will stick to the work ethic that built their careers and lives.
Loving Rock ‘n’ Roll
This older generation is from the heyday of rock ‘n’ roll, and they aren’t sorry for still loving it. The Beatles, Rolling Stones, and Led Zeppelin aren’t just bands to them; they are the soundtrack of their youth. They see no reason to apologise for cranking up the volume and letting the good times roll.
Spending Habits
Whether it’s about how much they saved or spent, the boomer generation often has no regrets. They lived through periods of economic boom and bust and made financial decisions that made sense to them at the time. They might not see eye-to-eye with millennials on money matters, but they won’t shy away from buying anything new.
Traditional Manners
Boomers were raised with a strict sense of manners and etiquette and believe in saying “please” and “thank you,” opening doors for others, and dressing appropriately for various occasions. While some might see these as old-fashioned, boomers see them as timeless courtesies that help maintain social harmony.
Their Parenting Style
Older generations were parented in a different era with different expectations and tools. They may not have had all the parenting books and online resources available today, but they did their best with what they knew. They aren’t going to change their tough love or their emphasis on discipline, which they believe helped shape responsible adults.
Not Embracing Technology
Many from this era are comfortable with technology to a point but won’t feel pressured into fully embracing every new gadget or social media trend. They grew up in a time when face-to-face communication was paramount, and while they appreciate the convenience of modern tech, they don’t feel compelled to integrate it into every aspect of their lives.
Staying in One Career
Job hopping is common now, but Baby Boomers often stayed with one company or career for decades, which is why they value loyalty and stability. To them, this long-term commitment reflects dedication and reliability, traits they take pride in.
Sense of Patriotism
Individuals from the boomer group tend to have a strong sense of patriotism and pride in their country. They came of age during times when national unity was emphasised, and they hold on to these values fiercely. They won’t apologise for supporting their soldiers, or feeling proud of their nation’s history and achievements.
Preferring Face-to-Face Interaction
While younger generations might prefer texting or social media, older generations still value face-to-face interactions. This is because they believe that personal connections are best made in person, where you can read body language and feel the presence of others. They aren’t going to change their preference for a good old-fashioned conversation over a digital one.
Their Taste in TV and Movies
Boomers grew up with classic TV shows and movies that they still love to this day. They appreciate the storytelling, humour, and simplicity of older entertainment and aren’t inclined to feel manipulated into the latest binge-worthy series. For them, classic shows are irreplaceable.
Views on Privacy
Growing up in a time when privacy was highly valued, Baby Boomers still strongly value this. They aren’t keen on sharing every aspect of their lives online or embracing the oversharing culture that is prevalent today. They believe in keeping certain things private and see no need to apologise for their more reserved approach.
Home Décor Choices
Including shag carpets and wood panelling, older folks have made some distinct home décor choices over the years. They embraced the trends of their time and created homes they loved. They don’t believe their style warrants an apology, even if it seems outdated now, as their homes are a reflection of their personalities and the times they lived through.
Resistance to Change
Boomers often resist change, especially when it comes to things they’ve grown accustomed to over decades. Whether it’s how they like their morning coffee or their daily routines, they aren’t quick to alter their ways. They believe in the saying, “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it,” and likely won’t change their preferences.
Their Music Collection
Vinyl records, cassette tapes, and CDs—the Baby Boomer Generation has amassed quite a collection of physical music media. They take pride in their carefully curated collections and won’t be strongarmed into streaming their music instead. The tactile experience of flipping through albums and the nostalgia it brings are sacred to them.
How They Approach Health and Fitness
Older individuals grew up with different health and fitness norms, and while today’s wellness culture emphasises yoga, organic food, and mindfulness, they often stick to the basics, like walking, jogging, and traditional home-cooked meals. They still stand by this simpler approach to staying healthy.
Car Taste
Boomers have a soft spot for the classic, robust, and sometimes petrol-guzzling cars they grew up with. They remember the days when cars were built to last and were symbols of freedom and success. They aren’t willing to say sorry for preferring a sturdy old vehicle or muscle car over the latest electric vehicle.
Political Views
It’s also true that older people often have deeply entrenched political views shaped by their time’s major events and societal changes—which have been significant for Baby Boomers. Whether conservative or liberal, they hold their beliefs firmly and aren’t inclined to apologise for their stance. They believe their experiences give them a unique perspective and validity to their opinions.
Fashion Sense
From flares to polyester suits, boomers have seen and worn it all—and they aren’t ashamed of their fashion choices, even if they seem quirky by today’s standards. For them, these styles represent different eras of their lives and memories they cherish, so they don’t need to be excused for holding on to their fashion past.
Their Reading Preferences
One final thing boomers will never apologise for is preferring printed media over digital. They grew up reading books and newspapers, and they enjoy the feel of a physical book in their hands and the experience of reading the morning paper with a cup of coffee.
