Age is just a number, but there are a few telltale signs that might suggest you’ve lived through more than six decades of life. From habits shaped by nostalgia to preferences that show wisdom earned over the years, here are five things you might find familiar if you’re over 65. Let’s take a trip down memory lane!
1. You Still Write Checks
Remember the good old days when everything was paid for with a checkbook? While younger generations are tapping their phones at checkout, you might still find comfort in balancing a checkbook and mailing off those handwritten checks for your bills.
2. You Own a Landline—and Use It
While many have ditched the home phone for a smartphone, having a trusty landline with a rotary dial or classic cordless handset is a hallmark of someone who’s been around long enough to appreciate a simpler time in communication.
3. You’ve Watched TV on a Black-and-White Screen
If you’ve spent hours glued to a black-and-white television, marveling at shows like The Andy Griffith Show or I Love Lucy, you’ve experienced the golden age of TV—and you probably have some strong opinions about today’s programming!
4. You Know What a Busy Signal Sounds Like
Before voicemail and text messages, there was the busy signal—a sound that meant you’d have to try your call again later. If hearing that sound brings back memories of dialing someone on a rotary phone, you might have crossed the 65-year milestone.
5. You’ve Used a Road Atlas for a Road Trip
GPS and Google Maps are great, but they’ll never replace the satisfaction of unfolding a paper map and planning your route the old-fashioned way. If you still keep an atlas in your car “just in case,” you know you’re from a time when road trips were an adventure in navigation.
6. You’ve Referred to the Internet as ‘The Information Superhighway’
If you can recall the days of dial-up modems and that iconic AOL “You’ve Got Mail” sound, you’ve witnessed the evolution of technology from its humble beginnings.
7. You’ve Got a Rolodex Full of Contacts
Before smartphones, the Rolodex was the go-to tool for keeping track of important numbers and addresses. If you still have one on your desk, you know the value of keeping things organized the old-fashioned way.
8. You Remember When Milk Was Delivered to Your Door
If you have fond memories of the milkman leaving fresh bottles on your doorstep, you’ve lived through an era of personal service that’s rare today.
9. You Save Buttons from Old Clothes
A true hallmark of wisdom is knowing that a button might come in handy someday. If you’ve got a jar of saved buttons tucked away, it’s a sure sign you’ve been around long enough to appreciate practical habits.
10. You Start Conversations with “Back in My Day…”
If you find yourself frequently reminiscing about “the good old days” and sharing stories about how things were different, you’re in good company among those who’ve crossed the 65-year mark.
Celebrate Your Journey
If you’ve done five or more of these things, congratulations—you’re part of a generation that’s seen incredible changes in the world. From technology to traditions, your experiences are a treasure trove of history and wisdom. Embrace every memory, because each one tells the story of a life well-lived!