There are many rules of etiquette that have silently disappeared over time, but older generations still practice them without thinking twice.
Telephone etiquette
Older generations treat phone calls as they would an actual conversation. They answer with a greeting, tell the person who they are, ask how that person is, and make sure there is a conclusion to the conversation before hanging up.
Many older adults were taught that it is rude to hang up without saying goodbye. Some older adults today are still bewildered when youth ignore calls, reply with text, or answer with a one-word greeting.
Waiting to eat
Many seniors hold onto the etiquette that you shouldn’t start your meal until everyone is served. This is what they were taught as children.
This mealtime tradition was strictly enforced during family times, holidays, and dinners with company. Meals today tend to be less formal but many seniors still feel awkward starting before everyone else.
Respecting quiet hours
The older generation is acutely aware of their noise levels. Growing up, they were lectured about how loud music, lawn mowers, power tools, or other noises/people may bother their neighbors and should refrain from doing so at unreasonable hours.
Some adhere to this rule even when no law or ordinance enforces it.
Proper introductions
It still remains an important skill for many elderly people to introduce others. Instead of allowing strangers to navigate the situation by themselves, they usually take the time to introduce someone by name and describe each person’s relationship to one another.
This ensures everyone feels included and doesn’t feel out of place at social functions.
Best dishes
Many from older generations save dishes, glasses, and silverware for company and special occasions. Sometimes, these special items only see the light of day once a year to be used on holidays or for family gatherings and dinners.
Serving guests with their best dishes is a sign of respect to make them feel comfortable.
Personal matters
Many seniors were raised in a time when some subjects were taboo to discuss. Things like income, debt, family problems, and health issues were kept private within families.
Many seniors are still bothered by topics that young adults feel comfortable sharing on social media or as part of daily conversation. Privacy to them isn’t about hiding something; it’s etiquette.
Dressing for travel
Travel used to be much more of a big deal for previous generations. Getting ready to board a plane, train, or even a cross-country bus always meant dressing in clean, presentable attire.
You were expected to look clean and put together out of respect for yourself and others. Nowadays, travel is much more casual. However, most seniors still feel they should wear actual clothes instead of sweatpants or pajamas when traveling.
Sending food home
Some older hosts believe hospitality extends beyond the visit itself. Many offer leftovers, baked goods, fruit from the garden, or other goodies for guests to take with them when they leave.
Not wanting guests to leave empty-handed was once thought to be hospitable and caring. For seniors, giving food is one of the simplest ways to be kind.
Respecting closed doors
A closed door used to be considered by older generations as a request for privacy. Many people would knock before entering even your own bedroom, office, or study.
This sign of respect was firmly established growing up in most households. However, some people in younger generations don’t give it as much thought.
Headset removal
Older generations think it’s extremely rude to speak with a cashier, bank teller, or barista while wearing headphones or wireless earbuds. They will take them off just to perform a few minutes of polite human interaction.
Millennials often leave their earbuds in on transparency mode, missing the point that keeping them in signals that the service worker is a distraction.
Transit scanning
In buses, metros, and trains, older generations instinctively survey the carriage looking for an older person, pregnant lady, or person with mobility difficulties who may need the seat and they stand up automatically.
It’s not that younger commuters are bad people; they just get so caught up in their noise-cancelling headphones and smartphone screens that they live in a world of situational ignorance.
Face confrontation
When breaking up, quitting your job, or ending a massive disagreement, the older generations demand it happen in person or, at least, via phone call.
To them, ghosting someone is the coward’s way out. To the younger generations, it’s easier to dodge these awkward, unpleasant situations behind a screen.
Sources: Please see here for a complete listing of all sources that were consulted in the preparation of this article.