Why Your Grandma Was Right: “Old Person” Habits That Will Actually Make Your Life Better

We need to talk about something important: Our grandparents were onto something big.

As working moms, we’re constantly looking for life hacks to make our crazy-busy days run smoother. Between school drop-offs, work deadlines, and figuring out what’s for dinner (again), we’re always searching for that magic solution. But what if I told you the best life advice isn’t coming from the latest productivity guru or wellness influencer?

What if the real wisdom is coming from people who’ve been there, done that, and have the reading glasses on a chain to prove it?

According to a recent thread that’s been making the rounds online, people are sharing the best “elderly habits and strategies that EVERYONE should adopt” — and honestly? These are game-changers.

The Sweet Habit of Saying Nice Things to Strangers

Here’s one that hit differently: Making time to say nice things to people you don’t know.

Think about it — when was the last time a stranger complimented your outfit, or told you that you were doing a great job wrangling your kids through the grocery store? It probably made your whole week, right? Older generations seem to understand that a kind word costs nothing but means everything.

Next time you’re grabbing coffee at Goshen Brewing or picking up groceries, try telling someone something nice. You might just make their day — and honestly, it’ll probably make yours too.

The “You Cook, They Clean” Rule

One grandmother dropped this absolute gem: “Don’t wash the dishes if YOU are cooking. Make the eaters wash them. You are not a maid.”

Can we get this cross-stitched and hung in every kitchen? If you’re already handling meal planning, grocery shopping, and cooking, there’s zero shame in passing off cleanup duty. Your family members are perfectly capable of loading a dishwasher. Promise.

Why 5:45 AM Flights Are Actually Genius

Here’s a travel tip that sounds crazy but makes perfect sense: Book the first flight of the day.

An experienced traveler explained that a 5:45 AM departure means the plane has been sitting at the gate overnight, there are shorter security lines, and you’re less likely to deal with cascading delays. Plus, you can be at your destination before lunch. As busy moms, that’s more time with family or more time to actually enjoy your destination instead of sitting in airports.

The Magic of “Me Time” Before Everyone Wakes Up

This one resonated: “An early hour in pajamas for myself… for crossword puzzles, reading a book, looking through news, and enjoying coffee. It gives me my own privately enjoyable time before the day begins.”

Before the kids need breakfast, before work emails start pinging, before the chaos begins — that quiet morning hour is sacred. Whether you’re reading, journaling, or just staring at the wall with your coffee, that time is yours. Protect it.

Change Into Pajamas = Instant Relaxation Mode

If you’re not going anywhere for the rest of the evening, change into your pajamas.

This seems so simple, but there’s something psychological about putting on comfy clothes that tells your brain “okay, we’re done for today.” You’re not lazy — you’re practicing excellent self-care and setting boundaries. Your body deserves comfort after a long day.

Maybe It’s Time to Ditch (Some) Social Media

Okay, this one’s controversial, but hear it out: “Get rid of social media apps. At best, they’re just a way to kill time with the occasional interesting post. At worst, they’ll poison your head.”

You don’t have to delete everything (we love connecting with you on Froggy 102.7’s Facebook page!), but maybe consider removing the apps that make you feel worse instead of better. The ones that have you comparing your messy Tuesday night dinner to someone else’s perfectly curated tablescape? Yeah, those can probably go.

Start Your Day With Movement

“I begin every morning with a stretching routine to loosen up my joints. I’m constantly moving throughout the day, either taking a walk or listening to oldies-but-goodies.”

You don’t need a fancy gym membership or complicated workout routine. Just some gentle stretching and moving your body throughout the day — maybe to some great music on Froggy 102.7? (We had to!)

And Yes, Hard Candy Is Actually Practical

Finally, the one everyone jokes about: Werther’s Originals and hard candy in general.

But there’s actually a reason beyond just nostalgia. One person explained: “I didn’t get it before… but now that I’m middle-aged and taking meds for physical problems, my mouth goes dry. It sucks… so I suck on candy.”

So maybe your grandma wasn’t just being cute — maybe she was solving a real problem. Plus, have you tried the caramel coffee Werther’s? Not terrible.

The Bottom Line

Our elders have decades of experience figuring out what actually works versus what just sounds good. While we’re out here trying every new productivity app and wellness trend, they’ve already road-tested the simple stuff that genuinely makes life better.

So maybe this week, try one of these “old person” habits. Say something nice to a stranger. Change into your pajamas early. Protect your morning quiet time.

Because at the end of the day, wisdom isn’t about being trendy — it’s about figuring out what makes life a little easier and a whole lot sweeter.

What “old person” habit do you swear by? Let us know on our Facebook page!

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Source: Information for this article was compiled from Buzzfeed.com’s community discussion on elderly life habits and strategies.