Generational technological, cultural, and social norms shifts have caused many once-essential skills to fade into the background. Below, we spotlight 16 such mastery that the Baby Boomer generation held dear and explore their relevance in today’s digital society.
Mastering Paper Maps
Before the ubiquity of GPS and smartphones, navigating via a paper map was essential. While a mere 20% of millennials claim proficiency in map reading, there’s still value in understanding topography and landmarks without relying on a digital voice.
The Art of Driving Manual Cars
Driving a car with a manual transmission was more than just a mode of transport; it was a skill and a passion. While modern statistics show that only 1% of US vehicles are manual, it remains a testament to hands-on control and connection with the machine.
Elegance of Cursive Writing
Cursive writing, with its elegant loops and curves, was once the standard in handwritten communication. Although its practical use has dwindled, its proponents argue that it promotes better motor skills, cognitive development, and a sense of artistic expression.
Upholding Traditional Grammar
Traditional grammar served as the foundation for clear and effective communication in a world of textspeak and ever-evolving language norms. It reflects a more formal era, where writing was as much about the message as the presentation.
Sewing as a Necessity
Sewing was an indispensable household skill before the era of disposable fashion and next-day deliveries. A rip or a tear wasn’t a reason to discard an item but an opportunity to mend and renew. Today, the sustainable fashion movement aims to restore the value of repairing over replacing.
Navigating Landlines
In the age before smartphones and instant messaging, landlines were the primary mode of distant communication. Remembering phone numbers, dealing with busy signals, and the shared family phone experience are all nostalgic memories now.
Browsing Card Catalogs
Digital databases might have overshadowed card catalogs, but there was a certain charm in thumbing through cards, searching for that one title or author. Libraries were places of discovery, where the journey of finding a book was as enriching as reading it.
Balancing Physical Checkbooks
With digital banking, the meticulous practice of noting every debit and credit in a physical checkbook might seem archaic. But this discipline promoted financial awareness and a hands-on approach to money management.
DIY Oil Changes
Modern vehicles with complex electronics might intimidate the average owner from getting under the hood. But there was a time when changing your car’s oil was a ritual, fostering self-reliance and a deeper connection to one’s vehicle.
Traditional Dating Rituals
Swiping left or right has simplified dating, but the Baby Boomer era had its rituals. Think drive-in movies, diner dates, and dances. These face-to-face interactions emphasized genuine connection, patience, and the thrill of the chase.
Rolling Film in Cameras
Digital photography has revolutionized the way we capture moments. Yet, the meticulous task of rolling film, understanding exposure, and awaiting photo development had its magic.
Handwashing Clothes
Modern washing machines have replaced the need to scrub garments by hand. But handwashing was not just about cleanliness; it was a ritual that demanded care and attention to each item.
Cooking Without Microwaves
Microwaves have made meal prep a breeze. However, the Baby Boomers often relied on stovetops and ovens, emphasizing slow cooking and a deep appreciation for flavors.
Typing on Typewriters
Before word processors and auto-correct, typewriters were the go-to for document preparation. Each keystroke required effort, making each word deliberate and meaningful.
Memorizing Addresses and Phone Numbers
In an era of digital contact lists, it’s hard to imagine when addresses and phone numbers were committed to memory r jotted down in address books.
Writing Letters and Postcards
Email and instant messaging are convenient, but they can’t replicate the personal touch of a handwritten letter or postcard. These tangible messages carried emotion, effort, and a physical connection across distances.
10 Things Baby Boomer Women accepted as norms from their partners that the younger generation has said No to
Baby Boomers and older Millennial women have accepted many norms from their partners that the younger generation is now saying no to. For example, Boomer women often accepted unequal roles in relationships, such as the man being the breadwinner and the woman taking care of the house and children.
The 13 Best Calming Dog Beds of 2023
Dogs are usually delighted creatures but can have their anxieties. Dogs might have concerns about being alone or left in a particular place or situation; otherwise, many dogs might be anxious because of changes to their routine. And there is no better way to treat this than to help them feel safe and secure by getting them the best calming dog bed.
The 13 Best Calming Dog Beds of 2023
20 Baby Boomer Baby Names That Have Gone Out of Style
In the wake of the roaring 20s, a new generation emerged: the Baby Boomers. Their parents were jazzed up about the future and got creative with their names. Some of these monikers have weathered the test of time; others, not so much. Let’s take a leisurely stroll down memory lane and explore 20 Baby Boomer names that are now as out of style as bell-bottom jeans.
20 Baby Boomer Baby Names That Have Gone Out of Style
My Boomer Dad Got Fired From His Workplace for Doing Nothing; Here’s Why I Think He Deserved It and 10 Lessons for Baby Boomers & Millennials
Just the other day, my dear old dad – a card-carrying member of the baby boomer generation – got the boot from his job. He’d tell you he was let go for doing nothing wrong if you asked him. But as much as I hate to say it, I think he sort of had it coming. Before you brand me the worst son in America, hear me out.
This Frustrated Mom Takes her Kids to her Parents’ House After her Husband Fails to Enforce the Family Rules when His Parents Visit; she’s asking if she’s the Jerk
A heartbroken mother’s tale of her husband’s inability to control his parents’ behavior when they visit has gone viral. The story highlights the frustration of a mom who is left as the only enforcer of the family’s rules and the dire measures she took to safeguard her kids.
