What is an appropriate term for a young person (child or teenager) whose words and actions mimic that of a much older person from a previous generation? Such a youngster would demonstrate strong nostalgia for the past, despite never having lived during that time period.
An example I can think of is a 12 year old boy who observes that, "children nowadays spend all their time with their faces glued to smartphones", or who prefers to write letters rather than emails, "like it was done in the good old days". This child would never have a Facebook or Twitter account, because they are, "silly fads of the 21st century".1
A possible phrase would be mature beyond his years, although that doesn't quite capture the characteristic in question—in particular the underlying contradiction, cynicism, and nostalgia.
I can think a perfectly fitting term from another language, but not English…
1The motivation behind this question is an interesting youngster I know who makes these statements!
Best Answer
A young person who demonstrates wisdom and maturity beyond their years is often called an old soul. It comes from the belief that some reincarnated souls retain a measure of the wisdom and character developed in previous incarnations. These days, even those who don't share in the actual belief find use for the phrase in normal conversation. I'd be perfectly comfortable referring to the boy you describe with this term.