Some behaviors and habits may inadvertently signal a person's Baby Boomer generational status, according to writer Lucy Sweet in a piece for YOU Magazine. Sweet suggests that despite individuals feeling younger than their birth certificate might indicate, certain common practices can reveal their age.
One such indicator is carrying a physical wallet. Sweet notes that younger generations often use their phones for payments, while a wallet filled with loyalty cards and old receipts might be seen as a sign of an older demographic.
The presence of a landline phone is also cited as a potential giveaway. For younger generations, landlines are becoming obsolete, akin to historical items, whereas those who grew up with a phone in the house may still consider it a necessity, even if it primarily receives scam calls.
Sweet also points to audible ringtones on smartphones. While loud, unmuted content from phones is common, having any ringtone beyond complete silence is perceived by some as an indicator of being older. Similarly, the way a mobile phone is answered can be telling. Younger individuals often use headphones or speakerphone, whereas answering a phone by holding it to one's ear is presented as a more traditional, potentially older habit. A phone case that opens like a book is humorously compared to a doily in this context.
Refusing a seat on public transport is another observation. Sweet suggests that individuals in their 60s might avoid eye contact with seated passengers, even if they would prefer to sit, as a way to avoid being offered a seat.
Watching terrestrial television and listening to the radio are also mentioned as habits more commonly associated with older generations, in contrast to younger people who primarily stream content or listen to curated playlists.
Signing off text messages with one's name is described as an outdated practice, akin to using a quill pen, and is linked to the era of handwritten letters.
Attempting to engage in small talk with strangers, such as a barista, is also suggested as a behavior that might be perceived as belonging to an older generation, with the writer noting a trend toward less interpersonal interaction in public spaces since the pandemic.
Finally, the article touches on fashion, suggesting that wearing "normal" trousers, such as straight-leg jeans or leggings not specifically for yoga, can be seen as a sign of being a boomer, with larger, baggier styles being more indicative of current youth trends.