Millennials who adopt these 6 “boomer habits” end up far happier in later life

by Lachlan Brown | September 5, 2025, 2:53 am

There’s a certain charm in the way baby boomers lived their lives, a charm that many millennials seem to be missing out on.

Sure, we’ve got our tech-savvy ways and our innovative thinking. But, there’s a lot we can learn from our elder generation. They’ve got years of wisdom under their belts after all.

It turns out, a handful of “boomer habits” might just be the secret to a happier later life for us millennials.

This isn’t about giving up avocado toast or moving into suburban homes, but about adopting certain simple habits that can make a world of difference in our overall happiness and satisfaction in life.

Get ready to take notes, because here are six boomer habits that could potentially transform your life for the better:

1) Embrace the art of conversation

In a world dominated by digital communication, the art of a good, old-fashioned conversation can seem lost.

Here’s the thing: Baby boomers mastered this art as they valued face-to-face interactions and the deep connections they create.

Before the advent of social media, people had to actually talk to each other to stay connected and it was through these conversations that they shared experiences, learnt about different perspectives, and built lasting relationships.

For us millennials, adopting this boomer habit can actually lead to a happier life. It’s proven that meaningful interactions increase our sense of belonging and purpose.

Plus, who knows? You might just find that swapping texts for talks becomes your new favourite pastime!

However, do keep in mind that it’s about listening more, understanding more, and connecting more.

The next time you’re tempted to send a quick text or DM, why not pick up the phone instead or, better yet, meet for a coffee.

2) Learn to appreciate simplicity

I’ll tell you a personal story: When I was growing up, my boomer parents always had this knack for finding joy in the simplest things.

A home-cooked meal, a family board game night, a walk in the park.

As a millennial, I’ve often found myself caught up in the hustle and bustle of modern life. The constant desire for the newest tech gadget, the most exotic vacation, or the trendiest restaurant.

But you know what? Amidst all this hustle, I’ve realised that some of my happiest moments echo my parents’ simple joys.

That time I baked bread from scratch, or when I spent an entire day reading in my backyard.

Boomers understood the value of simplicity.

They weren’t constantly chasing the next big thing because they found contentment right where they were and in what they had.

Honestly, there’s something incredibly liberating about that!

3) Cultivate a strong work ethic

Baby boomers are often credited with having a remarkable work ethic. They understood the value of hard work and the satisfaction that comes from a job well done.

It wasn’t just about clocking in and out; it was about taking pride in their work, no matter what it was.

People who take their work seriously and put in effort are more likely to be satisfied with their lives than those who don’t.

As millennials, we’re known for our desire for work-life balance and, while that’s important, we must not forget the fulfillment that comes from dedication and perseverance.

Whether it’s your career, a side project, or even a hobby, try adopting a boomer-style work ethic.

Commit to what you do, give it your all, and take pride in your accomplishments because you’ll likely find a greater sense of purpose and happiness in the process.

4) Embrace frugality

Boomers had a knack for living within their means.

They valued saving, budgeting, and planning for the future. A penny saved was indeed a penny earned for them.

In contrast, we millennials are often swept up in a culture of consumerism.

We live in a world of easy credit, online shopping, and the constant allure of the latest and greatest. Yet, living within our means and planning for the future can actually lead to more happiness.

Financial stress can take a heavy toll on our mental health, and being frugal can help alleviate that stress.

Why not give it a shot? Try adopting some boomer-style frugality!

Start budgeting, save more than you spend, plan for your future. Not only might it give you peace of mind, but it could also lead to greater financial freedom down the line.

5) Foster deep connections

Some time ago, I went through a phase where I felt incredibly isolated, despite being constantly “connected” through social media.

It was a wake-up call.

Baby boomers thrived on deep, meaningful relationships. They invested time in their friends, family, and neighbours.

It wasn’t about how many followers or likes they had; it was about the quality of the connections they nurtured.

In the digital age, it’s too easy for us millennials to get caught up in superficial online interactions but these often lack the depth and intimacy of in-person relationships.

I’ve found that investing time and energy into fostering deeper connections has significantly improved my happiness.

Consider adopting this boomer habit.

Put down your phone, turn off your notifications, and spend quality time with the people around you. You might just find it’s the best investment you’ll ever make.

6) Prioritise health and wellness

Baby boomers understood the value of making health a priority.

They didn’t have the luxury of fitness apps or trendy diets, so they had to rely on good old-fashioned habits like walking instead of driving, home-cooked meals, and regular physical check-ups.

For us millennials, with our busy lives and endless distractions, it’s easy to push health and wellness to the back burner.

However, neglecting our health can take a toll on our happiness.

Adopting boomer-style health habits can make a big difference.

Try incorporating more physical activity into your daily routine, cook more meals at home using fresh ingredients, and even make regular visits to your doctor a priority.

Taking care of your health not only leads to a longer life but also improves the quality of your everyday life.

Final thoughts: It’s all about balance

At the heart of these baby boomer habits is a core principle that transcends generations: Balance.

Balance between work and play, saving and spending, solitude and socializing, simplicity and ambition. It’s this balance that fosters contentment and happiness.

The world we live in today is vastly different from the one boomers grew up in.

Yet, these fundamental habits still hold relevance as they may not be flashy or revolutionary, but they have stood the test of time.

As millennials, we don’t have to abandon our ways or values. Instead, we can strive to integrate these habits into our lives, in our own unique ways.

Adopting these habits won’t magically transform your life overnight.

Change is a gradual process but, rest assured, every small step you take towards adopting these habits is a step towards a happier life.

Why not give it a shot? After all, what do you have to lose? At best, you’ll end up happier; at worst, you’ll have lived a more balanced life.

Isn’t that what we’re all striving for at the end of the day?

Lachlan Brown

Lachlan Brown is an entrepreneur and co-founder of Brown Brothers Media, a digital publishing network reaching tens of millions of readers monthly. He holds a Graduate Diploma of Psychological Studies from Deakin University, though his real education came afterward: a warehouse job shifting TVs, a stretch of anxiety in his mid-twenties, and the slow discovery that studying the mind is not the same as learning how to live well. He started experimenting with Buddhist principles during breaks at the warehouse and eventually began writing about what he was learning. That writing became Hack Spirit, a widely read personal development site, and his book Hidden Secrets of Buddhism became a bestseller. His work breaks down complex ideas into frameworks people can apply immediately, whether they are navigating a career change, a difficult relationship, or the gap between knowing what to do and actually doing it. Lachlan splits his time between Singapore and Saigon. He writes about high-performance routines, decision-making under pressure, digital innovation, and the intersection of Eastern philosophy with modern life. His perspective comes from having built things from scratch, failed at some of them, and learned that clarity comes from practice, not theory.