20 Old-School Skills Boomers Had That Are Fading Away
Boomers grew up in a world vastly different from today’s technology-driven society, and along with that world came a set of skills that were once essential but are now becoming obsolete. From manual tasks to self-sufficiency and hands-on problem-solving, these skills were part of everyday life for the older generations.
Today’s kids, with their smartphones and digital shortcuts, are missing out on these old-school skills that were once commonplace. Here are 20 skills that boomers had in the past that kids today rarely, if ever, learn.
Reading a Map
Before GPS, boomers relied on paper maps to navigate the roads. Understanding how to read a map and follow directions without electronic assistance was an essential skill.
Today, GPS apps have made this skill almost unnecessary for younger generations.
Sewing and Mending Clothes
Boomers often learned how to sew and mend their own clothes to save money and extend the life of their wardrobe. This practical skill was taught at home or in school, but today’s kids often rely on fast fashion and rarely need to mend anything themselves.
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Writing Letters by Hand
In the past, communicating over long distances meant writing letters by hand. Boomers perfected the art of letter-writing, complete with careful penmanship and thoughtful content.
Today, texting and emails have largely replaced this once-cherished form of communication.
Cooking from Scratch
Boomers knew how to make meals from scratch with basic ingredients, as convenience foods were less common. Cooking wasn’t just a necessity; it was a skill passed down through generations.
Many of today’s kids rely on pre-packaged meals and takeout, missing out on the fundamentals of home cooking.
Using a Rotary Phone
Dialing a rotary phone required patience and precision, but boomers had this skill down to an art. Younger generations, accustomed to smartphones, have never needed to master the mechanics of rotary dialing.
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Canning and Preserving Food
In an era before widespread refrigeration and convenience stores, many boomers learned how to can and preserve food. This skill allowed them to store fruits, vegetables, and jams for long periods, but it’s a lost art in today’s world of year-round grocery access.
Balancing a Checkbook
Boomers didn’t have online banking to automatically track their finances, so they had to balance checkbooks manually. This skill ensured they stayed on top of their spending and avoided overdraft fees, a practice less common among younger generations.
Starting a Fire Without Matches
Camping, grilling, or even dealing with power outages required the ability to start a fire without modern tools like lighters. Boomers often learned how to use flint, kindling, or other methods to build a fire, a skill many kids today have never had to develop.
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Driving a Stick Shift
Manual transmission cars were once common, and learning to drive stick was a rite of passage for many boomers. Today, automatic transmissions dominate, and fewer young people are learning this once-essential driving skill.
Changing a Tire
Boomers were more likely to know how to change a flat tire themselves rather than relying on roadside assistance. Today’s kids often don’t learn this skill, opting instead to call for help when they’re in a bind.
Using a Typewriter
Before computers became mainstream, typewriters were the go-to tool for writing papers, letters, and more. Boomers became proficient in using these machines, but younger generations may never touch one in their lifetime.
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Gardening for Food
Boomers often grew up with gardens that provided fresh produce for their families. Learning how to plant, tend, and harvest vegetables was a common skill, but many kids today are disconnected from the process of growing food.
Handwashing Dishes
Before dishwashers became standard in homes, washing dishes by hand was a daily task. Boomers learned the proper way to wash, rinse, and dry dishes, while many kids today are more familiar with loading a dishwasher.
Knitting and Crocheting
These hands-on crafts were popular pastimes for boomers, who often learned how to knit or crochet from family members. Today, these skills are less common, with fewer young people taking up these time-consuming yet rewarding hobbies.
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Writing in Cursive
Boomers were taught cursive handwriting in school, a skill that was once considered essential for formal writing. However, with the rise of digital communication, cursive writing is becoming less emphasized in today’s education.
Using a Record Player
Boomers grew up listening to vinyl records and knew how to handle a record player, from placing the needle correctly to caring for the vinyl. Today, streaming services have replaced the need for physical records, and many kids have never used a turntable.
Repairing Household Items
When something broke, boomers often fixed it themselves instead of immediately replacing it. Whether it was repairing a leaky faucet or patching up a worn piece of furniture, this do-it-yourself mentality is less common in today’s throwaway culture.
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Navigating Without Technology
Boomers relied on memory, landmarks, and physical maps to navigate the world, a skill that required spatial awareness and planning. GPS and smartphones have made it easier to get around, but younger generations may struggle without their devices.
Sharpening Knives
Sharpening kitchen knives or tools was once a necessary skill for boomers who needed to maintain their equipment. Today, many people buy pre-sharpened tools or replace them when they become dull, bypassing the need to learn this practical skill.
Making Their Own Entertainment
Without endless screens or digital devices, boomers had to create their own entertainment. They played board games, built forts, told stories, or engaged in outdoor activities with friends, a contrast to today’s digital distractions that dominate kids’ free time.
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