Cruise Ship Enthusiasts
Let’s face it. We could all use a good holiday right about now. For elderly folk, however, the perfect holiday isn’t quite what you would expect. They don’t want to spend their rest days on the beach or at some busy resort. Instead, a simple cruise ship will do the trick. These floating resorts offer everything that seniors could possibly want. From buffets and live entertainment to luxurious lounges and on-board shopping - it really is a seniors’ paradise.
On top of this, most cruises even offer activities specifically geared toward elderly populations, including bingo nights. Cruises provide a safe and more affordable way for older folk to enjoy some time off.
Using a Wall Calendar
Thanks to modern-day technology, we are able to access a calendar at the simple touch of a button on our smartphones. This feature is both incredibly convenient and practical, as most of us have our smartphones on us at all times. With that being said, while digital calendars may be convenient, a lot of seniors still prefer using a physical wall calendar. In their defense, there are a few benefits that come with this preference as well.
Contrary to what we may believe, it isn’t just about resisting technological change. You can’t deny that there is something incredibly satisfying about ticking a task off of your to-do list!
Tracking the Weather
Checking the weather forecast is an activity that most people only do when they have something special planned, such as a trip to the beach or birthday party. However, for seniors, this isn’t just a once-in-a-while occurrence. Instead, it’s something that they do multiple times per day. Some seniors even monitor hourly updates, which we can imagine must be rather time-consuming! This habit simply comes down to basic practicality.
As we get older, everyday tasks, such as walking to the shops, get increasingly difficult and poor weather only makes it that much harder. For this reason, it’s important to stay on top of the weather forecast at all times.
Eating Hard Candy
As far as candy goes, it’s safe to say that hard candy isn’t usually the most popular. With that being said, brands such as Werther’s Original have become synonymous with older generations, as these sweets provide them with a sense of nostalgia. While they may not be great for our dental and overall health, very few treats beat those that remind us of a happy time in our life.
So, the next time that you are visiting your grandparents’ house, be sure to ask if they have a stash of hard candy hidden somewhere. You never know… Perhaps you will develop a taste for them as well.
‘Ugly’ Hats
It’s no surprise that most seniors value practicality over fashion. As a result, they are often seen wearing - for a lack of a better word - ‘ugly’ hats. Of course, ‘ugly’ is relative, but when these hats are compared to what is in fashion at the moment, they definitely do not make the cut. To be honest, we’ve seen it all, so nothing really surprises us anymore. We’ve even seen an elderly gentleman sporting a cowboy hat on the beach once. Cowboy hats can be cool in certain situations, but this definitely wasn’t one of them.
With that being said, no matter what the hat may look like, sun protection should always be the top priority. After all, as we age, our skin becomes more sensitive and prone to damage.
Photos Vs. Selfies
While some seniors choose not to even own a phone, those who do usually don’t take the best of photos. In fact, if you have ever gone through your parents’ or grandparents' camera roll, you will more than likely only find low-quality images. With that being said, does the quality really matter when the image depicts a great memory? Unlike younger generations who prefer selfies, seniors tend to take photos of meaningful moments.
On the other hand, if you go through the camera roll of a younger person, you are more than likely to find a whole bunch of selfies. Social media only really became popular in the naughties, which may be why most seniors aren’t too interested in posting photos of themselves online.
Big Fans of Leaving Voicemails
Instant messaging apps, such as WhatsApp, have a stronghold on modern-day society. Most of us wouldn’t know what to do with ourselves if we lost this luxury - even for a single day. However, even with how communication technology has evolved over the past couple of years, older generations seem to prefer using the voicemail feature to leave personal messages for their friends and loved ones. To be honest, this habit isn’t all that surprising.
Back in their day, life simply wasn’t as fast-paced and technology-based. Instead, communication was about substance, as opposed to speed. Perhaps we should all take a page out of their book…
Constantly Wearing a Jacket
Regardless of the weather, seniors generally prefer to have a jacket with them at all times. If you think about it, this does make sense. Our bodies' ability to regulate temperature decreases as we age, making us way more sensitive to changes in the environment. So, even though you may feel warm as a younger person, chances are that older folk feel a bit more of a chill in the air at the exact same temperature.
On top of this, you never know when the weather might turn. We all know that seniors are generally very organized people, so it only makes sense that they prepare for the worst.
Using Facebook Over Instagram
While social media generally isn’t very popular amongst the older generations, certain platforms seem to grab their attention more than others. For example, you will find that most Instagram and Twitter users are 40 years old or younger. This makes sense, seeing as though these platforms are relatively new. On the other hand, Facebook is often regarded as the original mainstream social media platform, which is why the older generations remain loyal to it.
Even though seniors obviously prefer physical interactions, Facebook provides them with an easy way to stay connected with their loved ones. There are also more than a few hilarious cat memes to browse through.
Using a Landline
Nowadays, we can get in touch with just about everyone with the simple click of a button. Smartphones have made instant messaging the norm. With that being said, some seniors remain loyal to their trusty landlines and for good reason. Landlines provide seniors with a sense of familiarity, as they were the only mode of communication for a number of years. On top of this, they are easy to use and don’t overcomplicate things with unnecessary apps, widgets and buttons.
Landlines are also immune to poor cellular service. At the end of the day, when you only need a device to make phone calls, landlines make a bit more sense than smartphones.
They Love Early Bird Specials
If you’ve ever stopped by a diner around 5 p.m., you probably noticed a lot of senior citizens scattered around the restaurant. Contrary to popular belief, this pattern isn’t just about eating habits. A lot of diners offer pensioners an early bird special if they come in before 6 p.m. Eating at this time also makes the experience a whole lot less stressful, as peak dining hours are only between 6 and 7 p.m.
We all enjoy saving money wherever possible, and, for pensioners, this is especially important. Where there's an early bird special, you will find pensioners, that's for sure.
Super-Sized Glasses
Unsurprisingly, our glasses tend to get bigger and bigger as we get older. This trend has nothing to do with fashion. Instead, larger glasses are much more practical, as the lenses are also wider. This protects our eyes from harmful UV rays, while simultaneously providing increased visibility. There really are no drawbacks to using supersized glasses other than that they aren't the most stylish or trendy-looking for the wearer.
When it comes to elderly folk, practicality and comfort really are everything, which is why this trend makes a whole lot of sense.
Navigating the Old-Fashioned Way
Technology really has made our lives a whole lot easier. In fact, it’s almost impossible to get lost when driving, as we always have access to digital maps and GPS technology on our smartphones. However, it’s important to remember that this technology is relatively new, meaning that the older generations aren’t accustomed to it. For this reason, some seniors prefer to use a more old-fashioned method of navigation: the good ol’ map.
Seniors usually have pretty good knowledge when it comes to their local roads, meaning that they don’t always need fancy navigation tools. If worse comes to worst, they could always simply ask for help as well.
Rolling Shopping Carts
Rolling shopping carts are all the craze in Europe, but they’re becoming increasingly popular worldwide as well. There are a number of benefits that come with using your own personal shopping cart. For example, you can avoid touching the dirty handles of the carts provided. For seniors, this can make a massive difference in preventing illness caused by the spread of germs. On top of this, they provide additional stability for those who are extra frail.
In fact, rolling shopping carts have become so popular amongst seniors that you may even struggle to find any without them.
Writing in Cursive
Cursive writing is definitely a thing of the past. While it may look pretty on paper, it also takes much longer to write, making it rather inconvenient and inefficient for most people. With that being said, many seniors still prefer this style of writing. In fact, they view it as a sort of art. Back in the day, schoolchildren used to practice writing in cursive until they had it perfectly mastered.
To this day, cursive provides a link to a time when written communication was much more appreciated and common. After all, in today’s digital society, just about everything is written on a phone or computer.
Tea Time
There’s no denying the fact that having a hot cup of tea after a hard day of work is the perfect way to unwind and relax. With that being said, older generations see tea time as a very important period in their day. It’s not only about stress relief for them. Instead, it gives them something to look forward to and provides a much-needed social break. Just think about it…
As we get older, simple tasks, such as visiting friends, become more and more challenging. The simplicity of sitting down with a loved one to enjoy a cuppa is exactly what many elderly folk long for.
Bingo-Lovers
This may come as a bit of a surprise, but Bingo can actually be quite fun and exciting. While it is usually seen as a game for older adults, we believe that it doesn’t receive the credit that it deserves. In fact, Bingo is most commonly played in retirement villages, which may be why it has the reputation it does. At the end of the day, Bingo is yet another way to bring seniors together, while simultaneously entertaining their competitive edge.
Most elderly folk simply enjoy the game as a social event and a form of friendly competition. If you want to make your grandparents’ day, be sure to challenge them to a game of Bingo next time they visit!
Jell-O Lovers
Jell-O definitely isn’t the most popular dessert out there. However, it holds a very special place in the hearts of seniors. Like usual, this comes down to practicality. Jell-O is soft and easy to swallow, making it the perfect choice for older adults who have dental issues. Unlike other bulky foods, having Jell-O doesn’t pose a choking hazard, making it the perfect solution for seniors looking for a sweet treat.
More so, Jell-O is hydrating and can contain healthy ingredients, such as fruit. It is also incredibly easy to make. After reading this, you may just feel inclined to add Jell-O to your diet more often.
Using Exact Change
Many seniors make it a point to carry the exact amount of change when they go shopping. While many people think that this habit has to do with frugality, it’s actually related to their ingrained sense of precision and preparedness. After all, very few people are as organized as elderly folk. In most cases, these are qualities that we should all look up to, as they would definitely make our lives a whole lot easier!
On top of this, by paying with the exact amount of change, they receive handfuls of coins in return, ensuring that their wallets remain neat and tidy.
Wearing Slippers
There’s no denying that we all love to be as comfortable as possible when at home. However, when it comes to cozy slippers, it’s safe to say that they are mostly worn by seniors. There is a good reason for this, though. A pair of soft and warm house slippers offers both physical and mental comfort, helping us to unwind after a hard day’s work. Even if the person is retired, having something soft to wear on their feet protects them from any unnecessary damage.
It’s not uncommon for some seniors to get attached to their slippers after so many years of wearing them.
Wearing Diamond Rings
Have you ever noticed a fancy diamond ring on your grandmother’s finger? Well, for older generations, this piece of jewellery symbolizes way more than just wealth or fashion. Instead, it signifies a life-long commitment and true love. Back in the day, diamond rings were used to be gifted as a way to celebrate important milestones, including anniversaries or birthdays. Sometimes, they were simply passed on as a confession of love, without the need for any special occasion.
As you can imagine, seniors rarely take their beloved diamond rings off - unless it is being passed down through the family, of course. In this way, the ring becomes linked to the family heritage and personal history. If you see an elderly woman wearing a diamond ring, know that it probably has significant sentimental value.
Short Shorts
It’s safe to say that short shorts aren’t exactly the most fashionable item of clothing at the moment. If we were to leave the house in a pair, we would expect to be the center of some unwanted attention. With that being said, in certain scenarios, they can actually be incredibly practical. To be more specific, in any instance where you need to be able to move around freely, without much restriction, short shorts become the perfect solution.
Seniors, being the practical individuals that they are, usually opt for short shorts in this situation, regardless of any strange looks that they might receive.
Wearing High Heels
There is no denying that high heels are not the easiest shoes to walk in. Still, many senior women choose to spend their days dressed to impress in heels, even if they have nowhere to go. Why, you might ask? Well, heels have always been associated with class and style. On this occasion, seniors are willing to compromise their comfort and practicality for what they deem to be high fashion.
On top of this, some women believe that wearing heels helps in maintaining their youthful and strong appearance. In our opinion, the sore calves, blisters and risk of falling aren’t quite worth it.
Checking the Mailbox
Nowadays, just about everything is digital or available online. Gone are the days of physical letters, newspapers and messages. Instead, if you want to get in touch with someone, you can simply do so online or via instant messaging apps. However, not too long ago, sending goods via post used to be the norm. In fact, waking up in the morning and checking the post box used to be rather exciting.
While most seniors do have access to email and instant messaging, many still check their post boxes from years of habit. They say that old habits die hard and this is definitely one of those instances.
Waking Up Early
Generally speaking, older folk wake up earlier than younger generations. While they may not actually have anywhere to be, many seniors prefer waking up with the sun or, during the Winter months, around 6 a.m. This habit can usually be chalked up to years of routine, even after they have long since retired. On top of this, older generations grew up with the saying ‘the early bird catches the worm’.
The hustle and bustle of everyday life usually starts around 7 a.m., which is yet another reason why seniors like to start their mornings a bit earlier.
People Watchers
Nowadays, most people spend every moment of their free time staring at a screen. Whether that be a TV screen or smartphone, modern day technology provides the majority share of our entertainment. However, back in the day, people-watching used to be one of the more popular pastimes. This may seem strange to younger folk who have TV characters to watch instead, but there was something so entertaining about watching others go about their daily lives.
Even though seniors do have access to screens, many still prefer sitting on their porches and watching the world pass by. If you are ever the center of their attention, just remember that they aren’t judging you or trying to be rude!
Red Meat Lovers
These days, we are constantly hearing about new diets. Some studies show that meat is bad for our health when eaten frequently, which is why veganism and vegetarianism have become so common. However, seniors habitually include red meat in their diets, as this is how they grew up eating. Back in the day, there were very few studies that reflected the effects of meat on our health, so most people just assumed that red meat was healthy.
More so, meat used to be a symbol of nourishment, commonly used as the centerpiece of any feast. As you can imagine, it can be rather difficult to break such a habit when it has played such an integral part in your life.
Wearing Red Nail Polish
Many women love to wear nail polish. However, red nail polish has become synonymous with the older generation. This habit is about more than just fashion. Thanks to iconic figures like Marilyn Monroe, the color red is often associated with class, sophistication and high fashion, which is why many seniors make a point of adding it to their ensemble. While some women prefer red lipstick, nail polish is generally much easier to maintain.
Trends come and go, but this is always one that will stick around. On top of this, applying red nail polish evokes a sense of nostalgia for many. After all, is there any feeling better than pampering yourself before a night out?
Lifetime Sweethearts
Unfortunately, long-term commitment seems to be a thing of the past. For seniors, committing to a person isn’t simply a choice. Instead, it is one of the most cherished aspects of life and many see it as a privilege to be able to spend the rest of their lives with the same person. On the other hand, modern society has shifted more towards the idea of short-term, unserious relationships, creating a sort of commitment-free culture.
Many senior couples have been together since they were young adults, reflecting their immovable sense of commitment and loyalty. Divorce culture has become much more popular in recent years, showing that younger generations are more likely to call it quits when anything goes wrong.
Card Game Enthusiasts
Let’s face it. With modern day technology at our disposal, there are so many ways in which we can find entertainment when we are bored. For most of us, card games simply are not at the top of our list. In fact, thanks to smartphones and televisions, card games have become all but obsolete. For older generations, on the other hand, they provide an easy way to keep the mind sharp and indulge in some much needed social time.
Back in the day, before technology became such an integral part of our everyday lives, card games used to be one of the only forms of entertainment. With this being said, it’s no surprise that seniors still enjoy a good game, as it reminds them of a much simpler time.
Wearing Sandals for Comfort Instead of Fashion
It’s no secret that seniors typically prioritize practicality over looks when it comes to fashion. This becomes increasingly evident if you’ve ever looked at the feet of seniors. For example, during summer, it only makes sense to wear lightweight and breathable sandals - no matter how ‘ugly’ they may be. Strappy sandals are synonymous with the elderly, which isn’t necessarily a bad thing, because breathable footwear is great and cool.
These shoes give the feet air to breathe, while simultaneously providing sufficient support and comfort. This is in stark contrast to flip flops or slides, which are more trendy, but place quite a bit of strain on the feet.
Cat-Eye Glasses
Back in the day, cat-eye glasses used to be all the rage. In fact, you would struggle to find any woman who didn’t own a pair, even if they were just sunglasses. However, as time passed, new trends arose and these once-popular glasses fell out of fashion. With that being said, you will still find many senior women sporting this unique eyewear, regardless of whether or not it is actually trendy.
These distinctive glasses, known for their upswept frames near the temple, are a beloved choice for many. They provide a retro flair to any outfit, as well as bigger lenses for additional clarity. If you ask us, there really is no downside to these distinctive frames.
Frequent Nappers
Everybody loves a good nap. However, with the hustle and bustle of everyday life, very few people actually get the chance to squeeze in a nap during the day. The same cannot be said for the elderly. To be fair, though, the older we get, the more important sleep becomes. More so, after so many years of hard work and commitments, it’s safe to say that seniors deserve a few minutes of rest every now and again.
With that being said, after so many years of napping, it isn’t just a means to ease tiredness for them. Instead, it’s a scheduled part of any day, such as having breakfast or going to the store.
Committed Voters
As most of us may have guessed, the older generations make up the vast majority of voters in just about every country in the world. This reflects the attitude that seniors have towards their right to vote. After all, up until a few decades ago, only a small percentage of the population was actually allowed to vote. As you would expect, this fuels the commitment of older generations to participate in every single election.
While most see it as a privilege, they also accept voting as their civic duty to their country.
Writing a Check
Checks (sorry, youngsters, you'll have to Google what a check is) are a thing of the past. Digital payment methods undoubtedly dominate the economy, with electronic payment platforms, such as PayPal, becoming increasingly popular. With that being said, there are still a handful of people who prefer writing checks. For the most part, this includes older generations, as these are the people who grew up using this old-fashioned payment method.
Having grown up using checks, these individuals seem to have a deep distrust for modern-day payment methods. More so, checks offer a tangible record of payment, making it much easier to keep track of finances.