Are You Old? 31 Habits That Show Your Age

A woman with blonde hair and a light blue sweater is sitting on a couch, smiling, while reading a book with a blue cover. — Image Credit: DepositPhotos

Growing older is a natural part of life, but sometimes our everyday habits can make us seem older than we really are. It’s interesting to think about how our actions and preferences can unintentionally reveal clues about our generation.

Let’s be clear, this isn’t about criticizing anyone’s lifestyle choices. Instead, it’s an opportunity to reflect on how our habits evolve over time and how they might be perceived by others.

Today, we’re going to look at 31 habits that might be giving away your age. As we go through the list, think about how many of these habits you recognize in yourself or in people you know.

Did we miss any? Let us know!

Sticking to Your Landline Phone

An elderly woman sits in a chair by a window, speaking on a corded phone and holding a glass. An open book or magazine is on a table beside her.

Many older individuals still prefer using a landline phone at home. While most people have switched to mobile phones, some can’t let go of that familiar ring and the comfort of a traditional handset.

If you find yourself reaching for your home phone instead of your cell phone, you might be showing your age a bit.

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Navigating with Paper Maps

A person's hand pointing at a location on a map held by another person, with a focus on the pointing finger, reminiscent of things we will lose with baby boomers.

GPS apps have made getting around much easier, but some people still love the challenge of a paper map. If you keep a road atlas in your car or enjoy planning your route the old-school way, you might be revealing your age.

This habit shows off your excellent planning skills and your ability to read a map, something many younger people struggle with these days.

Early to Bed, Early to Rise

An elderly man in pajamas sits on a bed, tucking in gray bedding. A clock is visible on the wall in the background. — Image Credit: Pexels

Are you the type who’s tucked in bed at 9 PM and up at the crack of dawn? While there’s nothing wrong with getting a good night’s sleep, this habit is often linked to older generations.

Early risers often boast about their productivity, and they might be onto something. Just remember, it’s okay to sleep in once in a while too!

Loyal to Cable TV

With all the streaming services available now, many people have cut ties with traditional cable. But if you’re still channel surfing and setting your DVR, you might be showing your age.

Cable TV offers a different viewing experience, with scheduled programs and the joy of stumbling upon an unexpected gem while flipping channels.

Sending Snail Mail

A bundle of vintage airmail envelopes tied with twine, featuring various stamps, postcards, and handwritten letters scattered around. A green and red pencil rests on top.

In a world of instant messaging and emails, taking the time to write a letter or send a postcard is becoming rare. If you still love putting pen to paper and using stamps, you’re keeping a beautiful tradition alive.

This habit might hint at your age, but it also shows thoughtfulness and a personal touch that digital communication often lacks.

Wearing a Wristwatch

Image Credit: Pexels

These days, most people check the time on their phones. But if you still strap on a watch every morning, you’re part of a classic club. Wearing a watch isn’t just about telling time, it’s a style statement and a practical accessory.

Plus, it’s much more polite to glance at your wrist than pull out your phone during a conversation!

Reading the Morning Paper

An elderly man with glasses and a beard sits on a park bench reading a newspaper on a sunny day. The background is out of focus, showing trees and scattered autumn leaves. — Image Credit: Pexels

There’s something comforting about flipping through a physical newspaper with your morning coffee. While many have switched to digital news, if you’re still getting ink on your fingers, you might be giving away your age.

But you’re also staying informed and supporting local journalism, not to mention giving your eyes a break screen.

Green Thumb Enthusiast

An elderly woman and a young girl are enjoying one of the many things to do in nature: gardening together, surrounded by potted plants and flowers, with a lush green background. The woman is wearing a sunhat and gloves while the girl holds a yellow flower.

Gardening is a hobby for all ages, but it’s often associated with older people. If your idea of a perfect weekend involves getting your hands dirty in the garden, you might be showing your age.

Gardening demonstrates patience, nurturing skills, and a connection to nature, all admirable qualities at any age.

Playing It Safe

Two women sit on a couch, smiling and looking at a book together. One has grey hair and a blue top; the other has dark hair and a white sweater. Their reflections are visible in a nearby mirror. — Image Credit: Pexels

As we get older, we often become more cautious. If you find yourself avoiding risky activities or always choosing the safer option, you might be revealing your age.

This cautiousness comes from wisdom and life experience. It’s okay to be careful, but don’t let fear hold you back enjoying new experiences!

Cash Is King

An older man in a suit sits at a table, smiling while counting a stack of money. A cup and a laptop are on the table, challenging the stereotype of why companies do not hire over 50.

In a world of contactless payments and digital wallets, carrying cash is becoming less common. If your wallet is still stuffed with bills, you might be showing your age.

But being prepared with cash can be handy in many situations, and some would argue it helps with budgeting better than credit cards do.

DIY Home Repairs

Two people preparing to paint a room; one is on a step ladder putting blue painter's tape along the ceiling while the other holds the ladder steady.

There’s a certain pride in fixing things yourself. If you’re the type who’d rather spend a weekend repairing a leaky faucet than calling a plumber, you might be revealing your age.

This hands-on approach shows resourcefulness and thriftiness. While younger generations might turn to YouTube tutorials, you rely on years of experience and a well-stocked toolbox.

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Board Game Nights

A hand is rolling dice over a Monopoly board labeled "Sheffield Edition," with various game pieces and cards visible on the board.

Video games dominate the entertainment scene, but board games still hold a special place in many hearts. If your idea of fun is a night of Monopoly or Scrabble with friends, you might be showing your age.

These games offer a different kind of social interaction, fostering face-to-face communication and friendly competition.

Slippers Around the House

A pair of black slippers with the phrase "Home Sweet Home" printed in white on the tops, resting on a dark surface. — Image Credit: Pixabay

Comfort is key, right? If you have a dedicated pair of slippers for padding around the house, you might be giving away your age.

This habit shows you value comfort and take care of your feet. Plus, it’s a great way to keep your floors clean and your feet warm!

Sticking to Family Recipes

Two people are in a kitchen. A younger person is chopping vegetables at a counter, and an older person is picking vegetables from a crate at a table. Kitchen utensils are hanging on the wall. — Image Credit: Pexels

While trying new cuisines is exciting, there’s something special about cooking the same recipes your grandma used.

If you prefer traditional dishes over trendy food fads, you might be showing your age. These time-tested recipes often carry emotional value and connect us to our roots.

The Feel of a Real Book

An older man with white hair and a beard sits on a gray couch, wearing a blue denim jacket and jeans, holding an open book.

E-readers are convenient, but nothing beats the smell and feel of a physical book. If your shelves are still stocked with paperbacks and hardcovers, you might be revealing your age.

This habit shows a love for the tactile experience of reading and perhaps a bit of nostalgia for simpler times.

Handwritten Shopping Lists

A person with glasses in a green shirt reads a list while standing in front of shelves in a store. A red shopping basket filled with vegetables is on the floor. — Image Credit: Pexels

In a world of smartphone apps, writing a shopping list by hand might seem old-fashioned. But if you still jot down your grocery needs on paper, you’re keeping a practical tradition alive.

This habit shows good planning skills and might help you remember items better than typing them into a phone.

Reading Glasses Everywhere

An older man with white hair and glasses reads a newspaper while adjusting his glasses with his left hand. He is sitting indoors near a window. — Image Credit: Pexels

If you find yourself stashing reading glasses in every room of the house, you’re not alone. This habit might give away your age, but it also shows you’re always ready to tackle any text that comes your way.

It’s a practical solution to a common issue many people face as they get older.

Reminiscing About “The Good Old Days”

An elderly woman and a younger woman sit at a table with a teapot, cups, and a plate of fruit, engaged in conversation inside a rustic wooden room. — Image Credit: Pexels

We all look back on the past sometimes, but if you find yourself starting sentences with “Back in my day…” more often than not, you might be showing your age.

This habit reveals a wealth of life experiences and can provide valuable perspective to younger generations.

Using Formal Titles

A smiling older man in a suit shakes hands with an unseen person outdoors, with a blurred cityscape in the background. — Image Credit: Pexels

If you still address people as “Mr.,” “Mrs.,” or “Miss,” you’re keeping politeness alive. While it might reveal your age, it also shows respect for others.

In a world where casual communication is the norm, this formality can be refreshing.

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Tech Troubles

An older woman with white hair and glasses is sitting on a grey armchair, typing on a silver laptop. She is wearing a beige top and a pearl bracelet. Shelves are blurred in the background. — Image Credit: Pexels

Struggling with new gadgets doesn’t automatically mean you’re old, but it can be a sign. If you find yourself asking for help with your smartphone more often than you’d like, you might be giving away your age.

Remember, though, that every new piece of technology is an opportunity to learn something new.

Classic Fashion Choices

A woman with short gray hair, wearing a light-patterned dress and a brown cardigan, stands in front of lush green plants, smiling with one hand in her pocket. — Image Credit: Pexels

While fashion trends come and go, some people prefer timeless styles. If your wardrobe hasn’t changed much in the last few decades, you might be showing your age.

This habit demonstrates confidence in your personal style and a resistance to fleeting trends.

Desktop Computer Loyalty

An older woman with short gray hair and glasses intently working on a computer. — Image Credit: iStock

Laptops and tablets are popular, but some people still prefer the reliability of a desktop computer. If you have a dedicated computer desk at home, you might be revealing your age.

This setup often provides a more ergonomic work environment and can be easier to upgrade over time.

Embracing the Gray

An elderly woman with white hair, wearing a beige sweater, smiles while standing in a backyard with a table and chairs set up in the background. — Image Credit: Pexels

Letting your natural hair color shine through is becoming more popular. If you’ve decided to go gray gracefully, you’re showing confidence in your age.

This choice can be liberating, saving time and money on hair dye while embracing the changes that come with getting older.

Comfort in Chain Restaurants

A group of people sitting around a wooden table with various dishes, including a large bowl of salad, chips, and beverages. — Image Credit: Pexels

While trying new local eateries can be fun, there’s something reassuring about familiar chain restaurants. If you prefer places where you always know what to expect, you might be giving away your age.

This habit shows an appreciation for consistency and comfort in dining experiences.

Regular Health Check-ups

A healthcare provider measures the blood pressure of an older adult woman using a sphygmomanometer in a clinical setting, reminding her to stop doing these if 75: strenuous exercises and unapproved medications.

Taking care of your health is important at any age, but if you’re diligent about regular check-ups and screenings, you might be showing your age. This habit demonstrates a proactive approach to health and wellness.

It’s a smart way to catch potential issues early and maintain your quality of life.

Impressive DVD or CD Collection

A vintage television and VCR sit on a wooden dresser, surrounded by VHS tapes, books, and a collection of framed photos and papers pinned to a bulletin board.

Streaming services have changed how we consume media, but some people still love their physical collections. If your shelves are lined with DVDs or CDs, you might be revealing your age.

This habit shows a love for tangible media and perhaps a nostalgic connection to favorite movies and albums.

In-Store Shopping Fan

A woman in a denim jacket tries on a pair of sunglasses while standing in front of a display in a store. An older man with gray hair stands in the foreground, facing her. — Image Credit: Pexels

Online shopping is convenient, but some people still prefer the experience of browsing in a physical store. If you’d rather try things in person than order online, you might be showing your age.

This habit demonstrates a hands-on approach to shopping and a preference for immediate gratification.

Wall Calendar Enthusiast

A pair of eyeglasses rests on an open spiral-bound calendar displaying the month of January.

Digital calendars are handy, but there’s something satisfying about writing appointments on a real calendar. If you still hang a calendar on your wall, you might be giving away your age.

This habit shows good organizational skills and a visual approach to planning.

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Traditional Values

A seated woman with gray hair and glasses wears a white shirt, lavender cardigan, white pants, and white socks, posing against a plain light background on a stool. — Image Credit: Pexels

Our views often reflect the times we grew up in. If you find yourself holding onto more conservative or traditional values, you might be showing your age.

These principles have likely guided you through life and shaped your worldview. It’s important to remain open to new ideas while staying true to your core beliefs.

Outdated Slang

An elderly woman with short gray hair and glasses sits on a couch, gesturing with one hand. She is wearing a patterned blouse and appears to be speaking.

Language evolves quickly, and using older slang can be a dead giveaway of your age. If you still use phrases like “groovy” or “far out,” you might be revealing your age.

This habit can be charming and often leads to interesting conversations about how language changes over time.

Classic Entertainment Choices

Close-up of a vinyl record being played on a turntable. The needle is in contact with the spinning record, which has an orange label in the center. — Image Credit: Pexels

While there’s always new music and movies coming out, some people prefer the classics. If your playlist is full of oldies or you’d rather watch a black-and-white film than the latest blockbuster, you might be showing your age.

This habit demonstrates an appreciation for timeless entertainment of your generation.

Embracing Your Age

Elderly woman in a pink dress stands outdoors, smiling with arms spread wide. Trees and a house are visible in the background.

Now that we’ve gone through all 31 habits, how many did you recognize in yourself? Remember, there’s no shame in any of these behaviors, they’re all part of what makes you unique.

Age is just a number, but our habits can speak volumes. Embrace your unique traits, learn from different generations, and keep an open mind.

After all, the best way to stay young at heart is to never stop growing, learning, and appreciating the journey of life.

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AI was used for light editing, formatting, and readability. But a human (me!) wrote and edited this.

Cha Ching Queen -

Sticking to Your Landline Phone

Navigating with Paper Maps

Early to Bed, Early to Rise

Loyal to Cable TV

Sending Snail Mail

Wearing a Wristwatch

Reading the Morning Paper

Green Thumb Enthusiast

Playing It Safe

Cash Is King

DIY Home Repairs

Board Game Nights

Slippers Around the House

Sticking to Family Recipes

The Feel of a Real Book

Handwritten Shopping Lists

Reading Glasses Everywhere

Reminiscing About “The Good Old Days”

Using Formal Titles

Tech Troubles

Classic Fashion Choices

Desktop Computer Loyalty

Embracing the Gray

Comfort in Chain Restaurants

Regular Health Check-ups

Impressive DVD or CD Collection

In-Store Shopping Fan

Wall Calendar Enthusiast

Traditional Values

Outdated Slang

Classic Entertainment Choices

Embracing Your Age

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