There are many valuable skills that Boomers have passed on to younger generations, such as how to save money and DIY skills. But, many other Boomer skills are a thing of the past. We look at 21 things that Boomers once celebrated but are no longer required.
Writing Checks
It is predicted that paper checks will be completely out of use in 2026 as the rest of the world catches up with online baking. For younger people, checks are definitely a thing of the past, as most people pay by card or bank transfer. Boomers, however, are still clinging to signing a piece of paper that takes a week to clear.
Using Landline Telephones
Before cell phones, Boomers would chat to their friends for hours on a landline. But, with cell phones being as cheap as they have ever been and landline fees an unnecessary cost, it won’t be long before these chunky phones are a thing of the past.
Navigating Phone Directories
There is no use for landlines, and there is no use for telephone directories. Nowadays, people use Alexa or Google searches on smartphones to look up businesses or contact details for people they need to call.
Dial-Up-Internet
Surprisingly, according to Statistica, in 2019, 1.9 percent of people still use dial-up internet. Most of these people will be Boomers struggling to keep up with technology after years of perfecting the art of getting on the internet, which often took up to 30 minutes.
Film Cameras
Before selfies on smartphones, Boomers loved to take their camera and film wherever they went. There is no doubt the appeal of vintage photographs, but they take up to a week to develop, and film is expensive. These days, digital cameras and smartphone photographs are cheaper and more convenient.
Reading Maps
GPS technology means that map-reading skills are no longer required. Boomers still love to pull out a huge paper map when on a road trip, but even they are succumbing to their car’s sat nav telling them every turn they need to take.
Using a Compass
Like paper maps, compasses are no longer a popular accessory. You might use a compass at summer camp, but you shouldn’t worry too much about getting lost once you are old enough for a cell phone or a smartwatch.
Cursive Writing
Most Boomers have spent years perfecting their cursive handwriting and are not getting rid of it any time soon. Younger generations, however, prefer to communicate via email and text messages. Unless someone wants to write a handwritten letter to a pen pal, there is little opportunity for people to practice their cursive skills unless they write fancy grocery lists.
Traditional Grammar
Younger generations are comfortable using informal language in texting, social media, and online communication. This doesn’t necessarily mean they lack formal grammar skills, but they don’t rely on them as much as Boomers.
Using a Dictionary
With handwritten letters out of style, technology can correct spelling errors, look up the meaning of words, and search for good alternatives while you are typing. While Boomers are experts at finding a word of the day in a dictionary, younger generations are unlikely to see a physical copy outside the classroom.
Updating CVs
While Boomers meticulously update their CVs with every little achievement, the majority of Gen Xers update their online profiles and LinkedIn. According to Jobscan, 87 percent of employers use LinkedIn to source candidates, with CVs taking a back seat.
Collecting Vinyl
Boomers loved collecting vinyl, and many of them still do. While they have rubbed off on some young music fans, streaming services are cheaper and more convenient than getting up and down to play a new record.
Dating in Person
According to Statistica, nearly three in ten U.S. adults say they have used dating apps. Many of these will be younger generations, as Boomers are the main people who look for people in traditional places such as bars and events.
DIY
Boomers are very self-reliant, which means they’re great at DIY and fixing anything they can get their hands on. However, these skills have not been passed down to younger generations, who opt for calling a handyman instead.
Sewing
Cheap clothes and fast fashion mean that many young people dispose of clothes and buy the latest trends rather than sew their old ones. Boomers, however, are adept at fixing everything from holes in socks to too-big jeans.
Changing Oil in Cars
Boomers grew up when car knowledge was more essential for daily life. Now, cars are generally more reliable and require less tinkering. Younger generations take their vehicle to the garage if any maintenance is required.
Driving Stick
Boomers learned to drive stick as a right of passage, but this skill is not necessarily required. According to a 2023 survey by Carscoops new cars with manual transmissions account for 1.7 percent of the market, which means fewer young people can learn to drive a stick shift.
Ironing
Young people will iron a shirt or a pair of fancy trousers now and again, but that’s about it. Boomers, on the other hand, love to iron everything in sight, even pillowcases and pants. People generally have better things to do with their time than stand ironing for hours.
Buy From Shopping Channels
Boomers mastered the art of buying from shopping channels to grab a bargain. These days, it is easier to shop online, where items are usually cheaper and more diverse. There are still dozens of TV shopping channels, but we doubt there are viewers under 60.
Hunt for Treasure
Boomers love a metal detector and would spend hours at the weekend hunting for treasure. Young people have better things to do with their time than trawling through junk found on the beach.
Playing Racquetball
The enduring popularity of racquetball among Boomers is a bit of a mystery. There may be something to be said for the fast pace and contained environment compared to other ball sports, but younger generations do not appear to be interested in it.
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