When I first started working at a multi-generational tech company, I admit I was guilty of the eye-roll when Bob from accounting insisted on printing emails or when Janet kept her passwords in a little notebook tucked into her desk drawer. As a digital native who practically learned to swipe before I could walk, I viewed these habits as outdated relics of a bygone era.
But something unexpected happened over coffee with my 67-year-old colleague David last week. While I was complaining about my constantly dying phone battery, he smiled knowingly and pulled out his flip phone—yes, an actual flip phone in 2025!—which he keeps as a backup. “This little guy holds a charge for four days,” he said. “Sometimes the old ways have staying power for a reason.”
That conversation sparked a revelation that has transformed how I view technology across generations. What if, instead of dismissing “Boomer tech” approaches, we recognized their practical applications in our hyper-connected world?
Boomer – The Wisdom of Analog Backups
In our cloud-everything environment, we’ve become dependent on constant connectivity. Yet my Boomer colleagues maintain physical backups of important documents—a practice that saved our team during last month’s ransomware scare. While the rest of us panicked about potentially lost files, Linda calmly pulled out her folder of printed contracts, allowing us to continue serving clients while IT restored our systems.
“Digital is convenient until it isn’t,” she told me with zero smugness. “Having a tangible backup isn’t outdated—it’s insurance.”
This isn’t about resisting progress; it’s about thoughtful redundancy. Those handwritten meeting notes and printed reference materials represent a technology-independent safety net that has repeatedly proven its value.
Boomer – Intentional Technology Adoption
Something else I’ve come to appreciate is how the Boomer generation approaches new technology with intentionality rather than automatic adoption. Unlike my tendency to download every trending app, my older colleagues ask crucial questions first: “What problem does this solve?” and “Is this worth my time investment?”
When our team adopted a new project management platform, it was David who questioned whether it actually improved our workflow or just added another login to remember. His skepticism led to a more thoughtful implementation that focused on genuine productivity rather than shiny features.
This selective approach to technology adoption has taught me to be more discerning. Not every digital solution enhances our lives, and there’s profound wisdom in evaluating technology based on its actual utility rather than its novelty.
The Human Element
Perhaps the most valuable insight I’ve gained from observing Boomer tech habits is their insistence on preserving human connection. While I default to Slack messages and emails, my senior colleagues often walk to someone’s desk or pick up the phone.
Initially, I viewed these habits as inefficient. But I’ve watched these face-to-face conversations resolve in minutes what might have required dozens of messages. These personal interactions build stronger workplace relationships and often prevent misunderstandings that digital communication can create.
“Technology should connect people, not replace connection,” as our company founder Janet often says. This philosophy has inspired me to be more intentional about when I choose digital versus direct communication.
Practical Applications for Modern Life
Inspired by these observations, I’ve incorporated several “Boomer tech” approaches into my digital-native lifestyle:
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I’ve started keeping a physical notebook for my most important ideas and tasks, finding that writing by hand helps with both retention and focus.
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I now print and file critical documents like contracts, insurance policies, and medical records—a simple precaution against digital vulnerabilities.
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I’ve implemented “analog evenings” twice weekly, disconnecting from screens after 7 pm to read physical books and engage in non-digital activities.
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I’ve become more selective about which apps deserve space on my devices, evaluating each for its actual contribution to my productivity or wellbeing.
The beautiful irony is that by embracing certain “outdated” approaches, I’ve developed a healthier, more balanced relationship with technology. The wisdom of previous generations isn’t obsolete—it’s a valuable complement to our digital existence.
As David told me during our coffee chat: “Technology should serve life, not the other way around.” In an age of constant digital evolution, that perspective might be the most valuable tech advice I’ve ever received.
