Now that we have the technology to automate and modernize almost anything, it’s a fast-paced world. If you are in your 40s, 50s, or beyond, you may have certain habits and little quirks that signal your connection to a simpler time and a different era.
Sure, you’ve embraced technology, mastered the art of texting, and put yourself up on social media – you’re not that resistant to change! However, certain quirks can cause the younger generation to treat you like you are older than your actual age.
Here’s a lighthearted look at some behaviors that might have others guessing your age for something older – even if you’re still young at heart!
Using a Physical Calendar Instead of Your Phone
Do you track your schedule through a physical calendar? You may feel like you’re organized but the younger generation prefers their digital calendars. Having your schedule on your phone means you can access it anytime, anywhere, and even set alarms for important tasks or events. While you’re scribbling your appointments, they’re tapping on their phone screens and syncing their schedule to the cloud.
Leaving Voicemails
There was a time when voicemail was considered a cutting-edge technology. But that’s not the case anymore. Younger people prefer quick communication so if you do not pick up their call, they are more likely to hang up and text you why they called. Leaving a voicemail is a more formal and traditional means of communication, and this habit shows you are used to older technologies and social norms.
The “Pocket Check” Before Leaving the House
Phone? Keys? Wallet? Check! The pocket check is a habit that shows responsibility and preparedness. Meanwhile, the younger generation flies out the door without a second thought because they are more carefree. This routine may show you are a mature and cautious adult. But it also can’t be denied that the only way to get this level of maturity is through experience and age.
Double Spacing After Periods
The trusty double space after a period was once mandatory to improve readability – but this was at a time when typewriters were the norm. Modern word processors automatically adjust the spacing making the double space unnecessary. So, if you are still double-spacing, you are practically telling everyone that you learned to type on a typewriter and that you were trained in a different era.
Choosing Comfort Over Style with Shoes
If you reached the point where you traded in those stylish shoes for orthopedic-level comfort, good for you and your feet. But for younger folks who are willing to sacrifice comfort for fashion, you are waving the white flag and giving up on keeping up with the latest trends. You may think that you just want sensible and functional shoes but for younger people, you don’t care about style or the latest trends and that is a sign that you are older.
Being an Avid Facebook User
Do you think you’re cool and hip because you have Facebook? Well, Gen Z thinks Facebook is where their parents and grandparents hang out. Facebook has seen a shift in its user base over the past years. The younger generation prefers other platforms such as Instagram and TikTok. In fact, most of them maintain their Facebook accounts only to communicate with their older relatives, colleagues, and friends.
Using Punctuation in Texts
The younger generation avoids formal punctuation when it comes to digital communication. Using punctuation makes you sound mad or too serious – or both. The older generation has grown up with formal writing standards and this habit is often carried on in the relaxed style of texting and chatting. You’re just being grammatically correct but you are also showing that you are used to an older form of communication.
Showing Up Early to Avoid the Crowd
While younger folks are all about arriving fashionably late so that the vibe is at its peak when they get there, you are arriving early so that you can still get a sense of peace and control before the chaos starts. Early mornings, empty stores, and quiet spaces are your thing – shorter lines and fewer interactions. But for the younger folks, your “I don’t do crowds” is just a sign of aging.
Choosing Desktops Over Laptops
You probably were around during the early years of computer technology so you grew up thinking that desktops are stable and sturdy. Plus it has a big screen that allows you to see everything clearly! But the younger folks are all about laptops because of their portability and convenience. If you are more comfortable with a desktop setup because you think it’s more reliable, do not be surprised if the younger folks think you’re old.
Complaining About Loud Music
No matter where you are or what’s happening, if the music is too loud, you have to say something about it. Complaining about loud music is often seen as a generational contrast. Younger folks prefer their music loud because it gives out a fun vibe and makes them feel energetic. But to you, loud music is just noise and a headache trigger.
Cursive Writing
Cursive writing is considered a lost art for those in their 20s. Most schools do not teach it anymore. For older generations, learning cursive was a requirement and it was a standard practice to write this way. Younger people who have learned cursive barely use it while some do not even bother to learn. Writing in cursive is considered an old-fashioned skill and signals that you went to school in a different educational era.
Taking Mid-Day Naps
For you, a mid-day nap or power nap is a great way to ensure that your energy level will still be at its best for late afternoon or evening plans. But for younger folks, napping is a sign of lower energy levels and this change in physical endurance is often associated with aging. You may say that you are just recharging but to the eyes of a younger person, you are simply slowing down.
Complaining About Automation
It’s an era of self-checkouts and communicating with robots for customer service. Automation is everywhere and if you find yourself thinking negatively about it, the younger crowd might see you as a relic. It shows a reluctance to adapt to change and a preference for older ways. The younger generation actually embraces automation because of its convenience and speed.
Talking More About the Past
Nostalgia is a beautiful thing but if your conversations are more about the past than the present or future, younger folks will interpret your conversation as a “back in my day” story. The younger crowd is more likely to talk about their present or future plans because their life experiences are still developing. Reminiscing indicates that you’ve reached your peak and makes you seem older.
Comparing Generations
This is quite obvious but this is a habit that people are not so conscious about. When you are able to compare generations, it means you have lived through multiple social and technological changes. When you start your sentences with “Kids these days” or “Back in my day” you’re officially crossing yourself into the wiser and older category.
Last Thoughts
While these habits aren’t bad, they can make you appear older than you feel. And amusingly, they can make the younger generation treat you like you are older than you really are. Whether you find comfort in nostalgia or simply prefer the ways of the past, these habits are a part of who you are and how you relate to the world around you. Instead of seeing them as markers of age, treat them as badges of experience!
