10 things boomers do while shopping that leave younger people perplexed

Now look, I’m not here to knock the younger generation—they’re clever, fast, and can scan a QR code before I can find my reading glasses.

But when it comes to shopping? Boomers tend to do a few things that make millennials and Gen Z tilt their heads and mutter, “Wait… why?”

To us, it’s just normal behavior. To them? It’s a time capsule of habits from another world.

So if you’ve ever had a younger person stare at you in the checkout line like you just pulled out a rotary phone—this one’s for you.

Here are 10 shopping habits boomers do without thinking… that completely confuse younger folks.

1. Writing checks at the register

Yes, some of us still carry a checkbook. And yes, we know it takes a little longer. But it’s what we’ve always done.

I had a kid behind me at the pharmacy last month who audibly groaned when I pulled mine out. I almost asked if he wanted a calligraphy show while he waited.

To us, a check is personal. Thoughtful. To them, it’s like watching someone pay in seashells.

2. Counting exact change from a coin purse

There’s a certain satisfaction in handing over $12.37 for a $12.37 purchase.
But apparently, it now qualifies as “slowing down the line.”

Younger folks just tap their phones and move on. Meanwhile, we’re fishing out nickels like we’re on a scavenger hunt.

To us, that’s being precise. To them, it’s… a relic.

3. Talking to the cashier like they’re an old friend

Small talk. A compliment. A joke. Maybe asking how their day’s going.

Seems natural, right?

But I’ve seen younger folks get visibly uncomfortable with this. As if acknowledging another human being during a transaction is somehow suspicious.

It’s not that we’re trying to hold up the line—we just believe in a little kindness. A smile, a “how are you,” and yes, maybe a story about the weather.

4. Still printing coupons—and cutting them by hand

Yes, digital coupons are convenient.

But there’s something oddly satisfying about flipping through the Sunday paper, scissors in hand, and slicing out that 50 cents off toilet paper like you just won the lottery.

Younger folks will stare like we’re practicing some form of ancient ritual. And maybe we are.

But when that discount scans at checkout? It still feels like victory.

5. Reading every label like it’s a legal contract

We grew up checking “Made in U.S.A.” tags and reading expiration dates like hawks. These days, I’ll spend ten minutes in the cereal aisle comparing sugar content before making a choice.

Meanwhile, the 25-year-old next to me has already picked, scanned, and Venmo’d someone for snacks on the way out.

It’s not that we’re slow—we’re just thorough. And maybe a little mistrustful of anything labeled “new and improved.”

6. Saying “I’m just looking” even when we clearly need help

This one’s pure reflex.

A store clerk asks, “Can I help you find anything?” and we immediately respond, “Just looking!”—even if we’re actively lost and holding a shoe in the frozen food aisle.

Younger people will just say, “Yeah, where’s the oat milk?” and move on with their lives. Efficient.

But boomers? We like to figure it out ourselves first. Pride? Habit? Who knows. But we do it every time.

7. Asking if there’s a senior discount—even if we already know the answer

Look, if there’s a way to knock a few dollars off the total, we’re going to ask.

I once embarrassed my daughter by asking the movie theater cashier if the senior discount started at 60 or 62. “Dad,” she whispered, “you already got the discount.”

Didn’t matter. I had to be sure.

To younger people, it might seem petty. To us, it’s called being responsible with money.

8. Carrying reusable bags—and forgetting them in the car

We made the shift to reusable bags (reluctantly), but we still forget them half the time.

Younger shoppers are walking in with stylish fold-up totes and cotton string bags that fit in their back pockets.

Meanwhile, we’re halfway through the checkout line muttering, “Ah, they’re in the trunk again.”

It’s not that we don’t care about the environment—we just haven’t trained our brains to remember the bags before we start loading the cart.

9. Taking our time in every aisle—because that’s half the fun

Younger generations shop with military precision: in, out, done.

Boomers? We stroll. Browse. Linger over new flavors of jam or compare soup labels like we’re reviewing wine.

I once spent 15 minutes debating between two brands of salsa. A teenage shopper came in, got his frozen pizza, and checked out while I was still squinting at sodium content.

To us, shopping isn’t just a task—it’s a ritual.

10. Talking to ourselves while shopping

This one really throws people off.

We mutter, “Now where did they move the beans…” or “I know I forgot something,” as we push the cart along.

Younger people with earbuds in think we’re talking to them. Or worse—ourselves.

We’re not losing it. We’re just thinking out loud. It’s how we’ve always done it.

Why “back in my day” didn’t land the way I thought it would

I’ll never forget the time I was at the grocery store, standing in front of the peanut butter shelf, absolutely torn between crunchy and smooth.

I started talking to myself: “You know she likes crunchy, but you’re the one buying it…”

Didn’t even realize a young man nearby was listening until he said, “You good, sir?”

I laughed and said, “Just negotiating with myself.”

He looked startled. Maybe even concerned.

But that’s the thing—we boomers aren’t malfunctioning. We’re just shopping our way. With a little debate. A little muttering. And maybe some coupons.