Technology may rule the day, but there’s a growing appreciation for the hands-on skills boomers bring to the table. Now, these abilities are making a comeback among younger generations. Here are 17 skills from the older generation that millennials are keen to master.
Fixing Things Around the House
Boomers are the kings and queens of DIY home repairs. They can fix a leaky faucet or unclog a drain without breaking a sweat. Millennials are jumping on this bandwagon as they’re now eager to learn these practical skills. In fact, Gen Z is now leading a ‘fix-it’ trend, as reported by Circular Online.
Balancing a Checkbook
It might seem like an old-school thing to do, but balancing a checkbook is actually a financial lifesaver. Boomers have this down to an art, offering a clear and accurate picture of their finances. The younger generation wants to pick up this habit as they’re looking for better control over their money. Although, they don’t really know how to do it.
Writing in Cursive
Cursive writing is more than just pretty script; it’s a lost art that boomers mastered in school. The elegant, flowing letters add a personal touch to notes and letters. Millennials realize this now as they’re rediscovering the charm of cursive writing. Although not many younger people can read it now.
Sewing and Mending Clothes
All boomers can sew on a button, fix a tear, or even make a garment from scratch. This skill not only saves money but also promotes sustainability, so millennials are getting into sewing nowadays. They see it as an eco-friendly practice and a creative outlet. Knowing how to mend clothes means less waste and more personalized fashion.
Navigating Without GPS
Before GPS, boomers used maps and a good sense of direction to get around. This ability to navigate using landmarks and paper maps is a more handy skill than many millennials realize. Others are eager to learn these old-school navigation techniques to enhance their travel experiences and reduce their reliance on technology. Maybe Google Maps won’t have over 1 billion active monthly users in the future….
Cooking from Scratch
Lots of boomers often whip up meals from basic ingredients, steering clear of pre-packaged foods. This approach not only means healthier meals but also hones cooking skills which are always useful. Now, young people are getting more and more into it.
Gardening and Growing Food
Being able to grow their own food is a skill many boomers take pride in. Gardening provides fresh produce but also delivers a rewarding sense of accomplishment. Today’s millennials are catching on, eager to learn gardening techniques by cultivating their own fruits, vegetables, and herbs.
Letter Writing
The actual writing of a letter might seem outdated in the age of instant messaging, but real boomers know its value. It’s a more personal and thoughtful way to communicate! Some young people are keen to revive the art of letter writing, finding it a meaningful way to connect with friends and family.
Building and Woodworking
The older generation has a knack for carpentry and woodworking, always creating furniture and home improvements with their own hands. It’s a creative and practical thing to do that millennials are diving into. They want to make unique, handcrafted items and enjoy the hands-on satisfaction of building something from scratch.
Handwriting Skills
Beyond cursive, many boomers have excellent penmanship due to the emphasis on handwriting in their education. Good handwriting isn’t just functional; it’s also a pleasure to look at! On the other hand, millennials tend to type more than they write by hand, but they’re looking to get back into writing.
Basic Car Maintenance
It’s so important to know your way around basic car maintenance tasks like changing oil, replacing spark plugs, and fixing flat tires. Boomers have this down to a tee and are able to keep their cars running smoothly and save on repair costs. Millennials want to learn car maintenance to become more self-sufficient and keep their vehicles in top shape.
Face-to-Face Communication
On a deeper level, the art of communicating in person is becoming lost. Millennials love the idea of it but often rely on texting and social media. They’re looking to boost their in-person communication abilities to enhance both their personal and professional interactions.
Canning and Jarring
The art of canning and jarring is a traditional method boomers use to preserve fruits, vegetables, and homemade sauces. Young people are drawn to canning as they’re eager to enjoy homemade, preservative-free foods and engage in sustainable living practices that reduce waste and reliance on store-bought goods.
Budgeting Without Apps
If you’re a boomer, you can probably manage your finances with detailed paper budgets. And you’ll know that this gives you a thorough understanding of your income and expenses. And actually, quite a lot of millennials are jealous of that, as they need apps to budget.
Repairing Clothing and Textiles
Beyond basic sewing, boomers are skilled in repairing and altering clothing, extending the life of their wardrobe. They could teach millennials a thing or two about textile repair and reducing waste by personalizing their clothing. It’s eco-friendly and we love to see it.
Navigating Social Etiquette
The generation of yesteryear grew up with clear social etiquette guidelines, like formal dining manners and respectful conversation. These skills ensure pleasant and respectful interactions in various settings. It’s certainly something millennials could use in their lives, that’s for sure.
Making Homemade Cleaning Products
Did you know that boomers often whip up their own cleaning solutions using simple, natural ingredients? This method is both cheaper and more environmentally friendly than store-bought products. Millennials are pretty jealous of that skill as they want to save money and the planet, too.
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