Lisa O
Baby Boomers often get a bad rap from Millennials about not being modern enough. However, there are many things they figured out and that turned out better than other generations. Some of their habits have proven to be relevant even today. From finances to lifestyle, Boomers set precedents that are still valuable. Here is a quick look at 20 things Baby Boomers were right about and see how those lessons can be useful to us all.
Save for a Rainy Day
Boomers had their fair share of fun, but they definitely valued saving over spending. They knew that a nest egg would come in handy as a financial cushion in a crisis. The pandemic endorsed this Boomer lesson. You don’t always need to be frugal. However, some money set aside for uncertain times can also help you meet unexpected expenses and provide future security. It can save you a great deal of trouble and ensure peace of mind in times of stress.
Meet, Not Text
There is no doubt that digital communication is convenient, but Boomers still prefer face-to-face conversations. They believe face-to-face interactions build stronger bonds and convey your message more effectively. Ehen you text, your words are not backed up by your tone, gestures, and body language. Isn’t that a recipe for disaster? Face-to-face communication conveys your feelings, too, and helps you forge deeper connections and understanding.
Work Hard
Unlike Gen Alpha, Boomers believed in the power of dedicated hard work. Persistence, dedication, and a never-give-up attitude were some of the most important values they were raised on. Such a hard-work mindset encourages a strong work ethic and resilience, which are essential in both personal and professional life.
Read Books
Boomers grew up in a time before the internet. So, they read books. If you sought knowledge on something, even entertainment, you had to visit the library. They still talk about the benefits of reading, a habit that gave them several benefits — more focus and concentration, richer vocabulary, and a deeper understanding of various things. Reading books remains a proven method to improve your knowledge and mental faculties.
Be On Time
Boomers were the last generation known for being polite. Their politeness extended to being on time—whether it was an interview or a dinner invitation. Younger generations feel they have all the time in the world. They don’t treat time as a valuable resource. Millennials are generally more laid-back and feel they can rock up when they feel ready to. This isn’t the best attitude for life in general, especially in professional and social situations.
Personal Notes
Boomers valued the personal touch of handwritten cards and notes. Whether it was a get-well-soon card or a note to a lover, handwritten notes showed the sender’s thoughtfulness and effort, making the recipient feel valued. Letters were an essential means of communication, too. Boomers’ practice of handwriting notes to express their feelings was a valuable personal gesture that never went unnoticed by the recipient. Texting and emailing are great tools, but there’s something special about writing with pen and paper!
Spend Wisely
Boomers were able to save for the rainy day because they realized the importance of budgeting and living within their means. Most Boomers wanted to avoid unnecessary debt by spending mindfully and prioritizing what mattered most. It offered financial stability. They could rest easily and didn’t lose much sleep over money matters. So, before you wonder how when you see a retired Boomer driving a great car, remember that they lived within their means during their younger years.
Family Dinners
Family dinners were a cherished tradition in Boomer households. Everyone gathered around the table and shared jokes, forming a deep, warm connection between family members. It was also the best time to share experiences, resolve problems, and stay connected with each other without any digital distractions. Boomers’ love for family meals made sure everyone was spending quality time with their loved ones.
Teach yourself DIY
Boomers are known for their do-it-yourself skills. From home makeovers to making swings for their children, they preferred doing it themselves. It saved them precious dollars and provided a sense of achievement and independence. Learning a new skill is also good for mental health because you do something productive. It also makes new neural connections in the brain, improving your cognitive abilities.
Respect Your Elders
Rather than considering their older generations ignorant or less advanced, Boomers respected their elders’ wisdom and experience. This attitude strengthens family bonds and makes it possible to learn from previous generations. The attitude of Boomers towards elders teaches us the value of learning from others who have come before us.
Spend Some Time Outdoors
Boomers spend a great deal of time outdoors. They understand the benefits of fresh air, exercise, spending time in natural surroundings, and a change of perspective. Outdoor activities like hiking, skating, and even gardening promote both physical and mental well-being. This is more relevant than ever since we spend most of our time indoors, hunched down on our digital gadgets and staring at screens.
Do Everything In Moderation
We live in a world of extremes — whether it is experiencing burnout at work, being drowned in debt, or partying too hard. Boomers live a life of moderation, whether it is food, drink, or spending. They bred a culture of doing what you want as long as there is an overall balance. The indulgence may seem fun in the short term while you’re at it, but moderation makes sure the fun doesn’t lead to disaster in the morning. Moderation makes for sustainable living. It’s a concept Millennials have yet to grasp.
Strong Work Ethic
Boomers grew up believing that success is impossible without hard work, and they proved this to be true. Hard work, persistence, and commitment not only result in success but also personal satisfaction. The Millennial entrepreneurial spirit is definitely applause-worthy, but their multiple jobs and side hustles can sometimes put a question mark on their commitment.
Multitasking Is a Myth
Multitasking—a mantra Millennials live by—is a myth. Boomers emphasized the importance of 100% focus and commitment to the task at hand as a sure-shot success hack. Millennials have paid a high price for multitasking in burnout and poor mental health. This proves that the Boomer formula of focusing on one task at a time is the best way to get things done successfully.
Home-Cooked Food
Boomers prefer home-cooked meals over-packaged and ready-to-eat food. Cooking at home means healthier eating while spending less and spending time with loved ones in dining-table conversations. Many modern-day health issues stem from eating packaged and processed foods with harmful ingredients that remain hidden behind the attractive packaging. Home-cooked foods can help you avoid all that and eat healthy.
Taking a Break From the Idiot Box
Boomers had one idiot box. Millennials have several. Boomers realized the importance of unplugging and advocated taking breaks from the screen to avoid stress and improve mental health. It is more relevant than ever since younger generations are surrounded by screens and gadgets. There is life beyond digital. Taking a break from the digital world and engaging in offline activities helps to improve well-being. Whether it’s spending time outdoors or meeting people face-to-face, offline activities are important for a balanced lifestyle.
Listen More
Boomers emphasize the importance of listening. They believe that truly listening to others fosters understanding and respect. Giving others a chance to speak builds meaningful conversations and stronger relationships. Listening actively can improve communication and resolve conflicts more effectively.
Invest in Friendships
Boomers appreciated the importance of true, long-term friendships. They invested time and energy in maintaining meaningful relationships. Millennials spend time connecting with faceless names over the Internet and worry about being judged on Instagram. But Boomers valued friends as a source of companionship, joy, and support through life’s ups and downs. Having good friends and a strong support network improves your emotional well-being.
Quality Matters More Than Quantity
Millennials race to buy every new gadget and follow every new fad. On the contrary, Boomers prioritize high quality over quantity. From clothing to cars, they invest in high-quality items that offer higher value over buying everything that enters the market. This approach helps them save precious dollars. It also helps to solve a huge global problem — reducing waste. The more you acquire, the more you throw. By choosing quality over quantity, Boomers showed us a model of sustainable consumption.
Debit, Not Credit Cards
Paying with a credit card is convenient but also a recipe for disaster because it urges you to spend beyond your means. It’s tough to beat the lure of ‘Buy now, Pay later.’ No wonder millions are buried in credit card debt. Boomers liked writing checks or using debit instead. It helps them stay in better control of their finances. When you write a check, your mind calculates what you are left with. It keeps you mindful of their spending and helps you stay financially accountable.