How Baby Boomers Have an Edge Over Gen Z in Everyday Life
Baby Boomers and Gen Z often represent two very different worlds, with contrasting values, lifestyles, and skill sets. While Gen Z gets plenty of attention for being tech-savvy and socially aware, Baby Boomers have quietly held their ground in surprising ways.
From life skills to financial habits, there are areas where Boomers clearly outperform the younger generation. It’s not about competition—it’s about recognizing strengths across the spectrum. Let’s explore 19 ways Baby Boomers are excelling where Gen Z struggles to keep up.
Writing in Cursive
Boomers grew up learning cursive as a required skill, and they’ve mastered the art of penmanship. Gen Z, with its reliance on keyboards and touchscreens, rarely uses or learns cursive.
For Boomers, cursive isn’t just practical—it’s a mark of elegance and personalization. Meanwhile, many Gen Z individuals struggle to read handwritten notes, let alone write them, highlighting a lost art.
Balancing a Checkbook
Boomers excel at managing finances manually, including balancing checkbooks. This old-school habit teaches discipline and accountability in spending.
While Gen Z relies on apps to track their money, many lack the foundational understanding of how finances work without digital assistance, putting Boomers a step ahead in financial literacy.
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Making Small Talk
Boomers grew up in a world where face-to-face interaction was the norm, and small talk was a vital social skill. From friendly conversations with strangers to navigating professional environments, they excel at connecting on a personal level.
Gen Z, raised on texting and social media, often struggles to engage in this way, making Boomers more approachable in many settings.
Navigating Without GPS
Before GPS, Boomers relied on maps, landmarks, and memory to get around. This skill honed their sense of direction and problem-solving abilities.
Gen Z, accustomed to Google Maps and apps, often feels lost—literally—when technology fails, showing the value of Boomers’ navigational expertise.
Writing Letters
Boomers have a knack for writing thoughtful letters, whether for business or personal occasions. This skill requires patience and creativity, often lacking in today’s quick-message culture.
Gen Z’s preference for emojis and abbreviations may be efficient, but it can’t match the depth of a well-crafted letter.
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Fixing Things at Home
Boomers are known for their “fix-it” mentality, tackling home repairs and DIY projects with confidence. Raised in an era of resourcefulness, they mastered tools and techniques that Gen Z often outsources to professionals or YouTube tutorials.
This practical know-how sets Boomers apart.
Reading Analog Clocks
While it seems simple, the ability to read an analog clock is fading among younger generations. Boomers, who grew up before digital clocks were widespread, have no trouble with this skill.
Gen Z, however, often hesitates when faced with an old-school clock face, proving that some basics shouldn’t be forgotten.
Living Without a Smartphone
Boomers spent much of their lives without smartphones, mastering the art of living in the moment. They know how to focus on conversations, enjoy uninterrupted experiences, and stay present.
Gen Z, heavily reliant on devices, often struggles to detach, making Boomers’ approach refreshing.
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Saving for Retirement
Boomers have a reputation for financial prudence, with many diligently saving for retirement over decades. Gen Z, grappling with rising costs and financial instability, often prioritizes short-term spending.
Boomers’ long-term planning is a model of stability and foresight.
Memorizing Phone Numbers
Boomers can recall multiple phone numbers from memory—a skill honed before smartphones stored everything for us. Gen Z, accustomed to relying on contact lists, often finds this ability unnecessary, but it demonstrates sharp mental recall and preparedness.
Cooking Without Recipes
Boomers often cook intuitively, guided by experience and taste rather than strict recipes. Gen Z, while experimental in the kitchen, tends to depend on online tutorials or meal kits.
Boomers’ culinary confidence allows them to adapt on the fly and create delicious results.
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Gardening and Growing Food
Boomers excel at gardening, growing their own fruits and vegetables as a sustainable practice. For many, this is a lifelong skill that provides both food and relaxation.
Gen Z, while aware of sustainability, often lacks the time, space, or knowledge to cultivate their own gardens.
Sewing and Mending Clothes
From patching holes to hemming pants, Boomers have sewing skills that save money and reduce waste. Gen Z, accustomed to fast fashion and easy replacements, often discards items instead of repairing them. Boomers’ approach is both economical and eco-friendly.
Maintaining Long-Term Friendships
Boomers value loyalty and consistency in relationships, often maintaining friendships over decades. Gen Z, navigating a transient world of online connections, struggles with forming bonds that withstand time and distance.
Boomers’ dedication to meaningful relationships stands out.
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Keeping Calm Without Multitasking
Boomers are masters of focusing on one task at a time, prioritizing quality over quantity. Gen Z, raised in a world of constant notifications and distractions, often multitasks to the point of burnout.
Boomers’ calm, steady approach offers a lesson in mindfulness.
Handwriting Thank-You Notes
Boomers continue the tradition of writing heartfelt thank-you notes, a personal gesture that leaves a lasting impression. Gen Z, while quick to send a text or email, misses out on the impact of this tangible expression of gratitude.
Using Public Libraries
Boomers grew up relying on public libraries for books, knowledge, and community events. Even today, they utilize these spaces efficiently.
Gen Z, accustomed to instant access via digital platforms, often overlooks libraries’ resources and their value for lifelong learning.
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Handling Awkward Situations Gracefully
Boomers are adept at navigating socially awkward moments with humor and poise, often diffusing tension. Gen Z, more accustomed to online interactions, sometimes struggles to handle face-to-face discomfort with the same finesse.
Respecting Privacy
Boomers were raised in an era where privacy was deeply valued, and they respect boundaries both offline and online. Gen Z, accustomed to sharing every detail on social media, sometimes overlooks the importance of discretion.
Boomers’ approach fosters trust and thoughtfulness.
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