18 Old-School Life Skills Boomers Think Millennials Lack

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While times have changed and technology has evolved, there’s no denying that the skills Boomers acquired over the years have their merit. Whether it’s the personal touch of a handwritten note or the satisfaction of a home-cooked meal, these old-school skills hold a special place in the hearts of many.

Basic Car Maintenance

Many Boomers grew up in an era where basic car maintenance, like changing the oil, replacing spark plugs, or even tuning the engine, was done at home rather than at a service center.

Shoe Polishing and Care

Proper shoe care, including polishing and conditioning, was a routine for many Boomers. This not only made shoes look better but also extended their lifespan.

Darning Socks and Knitting

Instead of buying new socks at the first sign of a hole, Boomers often knew how to darn them, extending their life. Knitting was also a common skill, allowing them to create their own garments.

Handwriting a Thank-You Note

In the age of instant messaging and emails, the art of handwriting a thank-you note has become somewhat of a lost skill. Boomers often reminisce about the personal touch and effort it took to pen down gratitude.

Reading a Physical Map

Before the days of GPS and Google Maps, Boomers relied on physical maps to navigate. The ability to read and understand these maps was essential, and many believe it’s a skill that’s fading away.

Sewing and Mending Clothes

Instead of tossing out a shirt because of a missing button or a small tear, Boomers would often mend their clothes. Sewing was a practical skill taught early on and even in schools.

Balancing a Checkbook

While online banking has its perks, Boomers often highlight the importance of manually balancing a checkbook to keep track of finances and avoid overspending.

Cooking from Scratch

Relying less on pre-packaged meals and more on fresh ingredients, Boomers often pride themselves on their ability to whip up a meal entirely from scratch.

Using a Rotary Phone

The rotary phone, with its circular dial, is a relic of the past. But using it required patience and a bit of arm strength, especially for those long-distance calls.

Canning and Preserving Food

Boomers often learned from their parents the art of canning fruits and vegetables, ensuring they had homemade preserves all year round.

Writing in Cursive

While cursive writing was a staple in schools during the Boomer era, it’s becoming less emphasized today, leading many to believe it’s a dying art.

Changing a Flat Tire

With the convenience of roadside assistance, fewer people are learning how to change a flat tire. But Boomers often view it as an essential life skill.

Using a Manual Typewriter

Before word processors and computers, Boomers typed up documents on manual typewriters, requiring precision to avoid mistakes.

Growing Your Own Vegetables

Many Boomers grew up with backyard gardens, understanding the value of fresh produce and the effort it takes to grow it.

Making Do and Repurposing

Instead of buying new, Boomers were often taught to repurpose and reuse, whether it was turning old clothes into rags or using containers for storage.

Face-to-Face Communication

In a world dominated by screens, Boomers often stress the importance of in-person conversations and the nuances of face-to-face interactions.

Basic Household Repairs

From fixing a leaky faucet to patching up a hole in the wall, Boomers often took on household repairs themselves rather than calling in a professional.

Researching Without the Internet

Before the age of Google, researching meant a trip to the library, sifting through card catalogs, and spending hours with books and encyclopedias.

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