Not every Boomer is sticking to the old-school script.
They’re not complaining about “kids these days” and asking to speak to the manager every time something vaguely annoys them (which is often). Some are out here breaking their own rules, trying new things, and secretly living a little differently than their peers might expect. Here’s what they’re really up to—hopefully, this’ll open people’s eyes a bit!
1. Listening to Gen Z artists (and actually liking them)
Sure, they’ll proudly talk about The Rolling Stones or Fleetwood Mac, but scroll through their playlists, and you might spot Billie Eilish, Harry Styles, or even a bit of Olivia Rodrigo. Some have no idea who they’re listening to—they just like the vibe.
They may not shout it from the rooftops, but a surprising number of boomers are genuinely into newer music. It’s not about staying “hip.” It’s about the fact that a good song is a good song, no matter when it was made.
2. Binge-watching reality TV
They might roll their eyes at “Love Island” or “The Kardashians” when it comes up in conversation, but behind closed doors, some boomers are absolutely keeping up with the drama. It’s escapism, and they’re quietly hooked. They’ll say it’s just background noise, but ask them about the latest episode and suddenly, they’ve got opinions. It’s a habit they’d never have admitted to twenty years ago.
3. Following influencers on social media
Even if they grumble about “kids these days,” you’ll find a few boomers scrolling through beauty tips, home hacks, or garden videos from creators in their twenties. And yes, they’re fully invested. They may not be posting much themselves, but they’re definitely watching, and often learning. Silent scrolling has become a whole new form of curiosity.
4. Taking CBD for sleep or pain
Back in the day, anything remotely linked to cannabis was a hard no. Now? Some boomers are using CBD oils, gummies, and creams—and finding they actually work. They might not talk about it openly, but it’s become part of many nighttime routines. The stigma is fading, even if it’s still wrapped in whispers.
5. Getting tattoos later in life
They told their kids tattoos were irresponsible. Now, in retirement, some are heading to parlours for delicate wrist pieces, names of loved ones, or even full sleeves they never got the chance to explore before. It’s the ultimate “why not?” phase. Frankly, they’re loving the freedom of finally doing something for themselves—no one else’s approval needed.
6. Rewatching old soap operas on YouTube
While they might mock younger people for watching TikToks, plenty of boomers are quietly diving into rabbit holes of ’80s soap opera episodes, classic commercials, or retro TV clips they haven’t seen in decades. It’s nostalgia-driven, deeply entertaining, and oddly comforting. And no, they won’t be switching to Netflix any time soon.
7. Embracing online dating
Despite years of saying dating apps are “a young person’s game,” a growing number of Boomers have created profiles—and some are getting surprisingly good at it. They’ve learned the lingo, the dos and don’ts, and yes, even how to swipe. What started as curiosity has, for many, turned into genuine connection. It’s not just about finding romance—it’s about proving to themselves that they still can.
8. Going minimalist
For a generation that held onto everything, it’s pretty shocking how many Boomers are now decluttering, digitising, and downsizing. They’re getting rid of “stuff” with a new kind of freedom. They used to laugh at Marie Kondo. Now they’re thanking their casserole dishes for their service and passing them on to charity shops without blinking.
9. Watching true crime before bed
Some boomers are surprisingly into the darkest corners of Netflix. They’ll stay up late watching serial killer documentaries or chilling unsolved mysteries, and sleep like a baby afterwards. They might act shocked at the content, but they can’t stop watching. For some, it’s replaced the evening news entirely.
10. Swearing more than they used to
They used to censor themselves around the grandkids, at work, and even among friends. However, with age has come a new kind of honesty—and sometimes, that honesty is colourful. They’re not crude, just less filtered. Life’s too short for tiptoeing around harmless language, and they know it.
11. Joining Facebook groups they pretend to hate
Publicly, they’ll complain that Facebook has gone downhill. Privately, they’re deep into neighbourhood drama threads, dog photo groups, or accounts dedicated to ’90s sitcoms. And they check in more than they’d like to admit. They’ve figured out social media isn’t all bad—it just has to be curated to their liking. And now they’re scrolling just like the rest of us.
12. Secretly enjoying plant-based food
They might joke about tofu or oat milk being “rabbit food,” but more and more boomers are quietly incorporating plant-based meals, and discovering they actually taste great. They won’t call themselves vegan, but don’t be surprised if their fridge has a few meat-free sausages and almond milk tucked inside. They’re adjusting their habits in subtle but meaningful ways.
13. Learning from their kids (but never admitting it)
Whether it’s how to use their smartphone or why pronouns matter, many Boomers are learning and adapting behind the scenes. They just won’t always say it out loud. Pride runs deep, but so does curiosity. And even if they roll their eyes, they’re paying attention, and often evolving more than anyone expects.
14. Talking to their pets like people
They used to tease other people for this exact thing. Now? They’re giving full life updates to their dogs and narrating daily tasks to the cat like they’re hosting a reality show. It’s oddly therapeutic, and far less lonely than silence. The pets don’t judge, and the boomers aren’t pretending otherwise anymore.
