Millennials and Baby Boomers certainly don’t always see eye-to-eye, but even the strongest Boomer-critics have to admit that there is wisdom to be gleaned from our predecessors. From financial sharpness and classic rock to taking joy in the natural world, here are the 18 things we reckon Boomers totally nailed.
Early Home Ownership
Masters of the real estate game, many Boomers got on the property ladder at a young age, especially by today’s standards. Millennials are starting to understand how beneficial it is to stop throwing money away on rent and instead start plowing it into your own property as early as possible. Most millennials agree that this provides security and a stronger financial future. It may be tough with today’s sky-high property prices, but it’s a lesson that needs to be learned.
Family Dinners
The modern tendency to be constantly glued to our screens isn’t exactly conducive to family bonding time. Before the era of smartphones and iPads, Boomers focused on setting time aside for shared meals, aimed at keeping everyone nourished while also providing a chance for families to discuss the day and have some quality face-to-face conservation. In our fast-paced age, Millennials can’t help but realize the value of pausing to connect around the dinner table.
Hard Work
Dedication and dogged perseverance characterized the Boomer work ethic, and it’s something that Millennials can respect. Even though their work environments may have been challenging, Boomers are known for rolling up their sleeves and getting the job done despite the hurdles. Such traits build resilience and character while enhancing a person’s chance of success, something to be admired and emulated by many Millennials today.
Nature Appreciation
The Boomer era wasn’t dominated by technology, and every facet of their lives was yet to be digitized in some way. They valued nature, engaged in outdoor activities, and could appreciate a beautiful landscape or a stunning wildlife display. Today’s focus on technology and time efficiency has led Millennials to crave the improved work/life balance that comes from taking the time to appreciate the natural world: a sense of peace, grounding, and connection no screen can provide.
Community Ties
Before the internet connected us to the world, Boomers valued their local communities. They often knew their neighbors, supported local businesses, and participated in local events. This connection meant that people had a support network when times were hard and a friendly sense of community spirit. In a world increasingly defined by transient connections, Millennials can appreciate the benefits of a tight-knit community. It brings a sense of belonging and teamwork while improving society as a whole.
Investing in the Future
From putting money aside for retirement to playing the stock market, Boomers understood the importance of investing for the future. They knew that financial security wasn’t likely to appear out of nowhere and that securing it meant thinking in the long term. Nowadays, Millennials live in an age of instant gratification but are slowly realizing the value of patience and forward planning when making financial decisions.
Individuality
Though we may not always realize it, Boomers were the trailblazers of some major social and cultural revolutions. In their youth, they were a generation that valued individuality and the ability to break away from traditional norms. Their attitudes paved the way for stronger personal identity, diversity, and self-expression, making today’s self-assured Millennials a modern reflection of the Boomer’s cultural legacy and courage to be unique.
Writing Letters
Before digital communication became so ubiquitous, Boomers perfected the art of letter writing. Though no one can deny the convenience of instant messaging and emails, Millennials can still appreciate the charm and emotional depth of handwritten notes, with the associated spelling or grammar mistakes untouched by a spellchecker or autocorrect. Such details make such unique and personal correspondence a still-cherished form of communication.
Classic Rock
In their youth, the Boomer generation lived through the golden era of classic rock. From The Beatles to Led Zeppelin and The Rolling Stones, they saw the rise of some of the most iconic and influential rock bands of all time. With their diverse musical tastes, Millennials admire this heritage, still enjoying these timeless anthems of freedom, teenage angst, and rebellion, an artistic legacy that still continues to influence modern music.
DIY Skills
Millennials can’t help but admire the practicality of knowing how to fix a leaky faucet or change car oil. Because Boomers were raised in an era when it was common to repair things instead of replace them, they are often capable of undertaking minor house repairs or fixing things without the need for a Youtube video. Millennials acknowledge the environmental and financial benefits of these hands-on skills and are rediscovering the joy of being more resourceful and self-reliant.
Manners
As any Boomer will tell you, “Manners cost nothing.” And they’re right that there’s something to be said for impeccable manners. Writing ‘thank you’ notes, making polite conversation, and respecting personal boundaries are all valuable social skills still relevant today. The Boomer focus on etiquette might seem old-fashioned, but many Millennials realize that this thoughtfulness can foster more meaningful connections in our increasingly impersonal, fast-paced, and robotic era.
Respecting Authority
Be it in the workplace, community, or within families, Boomers grew up with a strong sense of respect for authority. We’re not talking about mindless, blind obedience but about acknowledging the experience and wisdom of their superiors and those with greater experience. While Millennials are more inclined to question authority and the status quo, they appreciate that underlying respect can contribute to a more productive and harmonious society.
Physical Media
In our modern digital world, vinyl records, paperback books, and printed photos bring a tangible, nostalgic charm that millennials are now rediscovering. Although Boomers didn’t exactly have much choice in the matter, the tactility of these items is something to be valued. Digital copies appearing as text on a screen often lack the authentic smell, feel, and emotional response one gets from leafing through an old book or holding the original album art for our favorite song.
Slow Living
In the rapid hustle of modern life, things can get exhausting. We may have plenty of technology to save us time, but that time always seems to get earmarked for other tasks, making for a constant cycle of stress. The Boomer generation has a certain knack for slow living that is something Millennials might adopt themselves. The art of taking things slow, being in the moment, and enjoying quiet times without distracting technology, is a valuable life lesson.
Gardening
The older generation’s penchant for nurturing home gardens has become more attractive to Millennials in recent years, especially amidst growing environmental and health concerns and a lean toward organic produce with fewer pesticides. Growing your own fruits, vegetables, and flowers is not only hugely satisfying and rewarding, but it provides a primal connection with the earth, making for a humbling experience many Millennials now enjoy.
Spirit of Adventure
While it’s true that our younger days are almost always our most adventurous times, the Boomer generation has to take extra credit for their daring explorations of the world. As young people, they popularized backpacking, hitchhiking, and hostelling, opening up an array of travel possibilities that Millennials (and all following generations) continue to explore. Though new technology and software may have made travel easier, the Boomers’ raw, adventurous spirit endures.
Financial Prudence
People of the older generation are known for their ability to handle finances wisely and for being able to deny themselves certain unnecessary luxuries for the sake of greater financial freedom later on. Having lived through times of economic uncertainty, Boomers developed a habit of thriftiness and economy. While Millennials are often criticized for their more frivolous and wasteful spending habits, they can certainly appreciate the benefits of more careful spending.
Cultural Heritage
Boomers often advocate the importance of cultural traditions and heritage, believing these are worth preserving for future generations. From folk tales and traditional recipes to family histories and native languages, Millennials also deeply respect and acknowledge the role our past has on our present. It’s a question of understanding where we came from in order to know where we’re going, a vital part of our social identity and cultural awareness.
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