Boomers are known for being creatures of habit. They enjoy traditional things and don’t change with the times, which has led them to still use things that many others don’t. Here are 19 everyday things that won’t survive the baby boomer generation.
Suits in the Workplace
Workplace attire has drastically changed over the years. For example, Mirko Spinella via LinkedIn tells us, “Gone are the days of rigid and formal dress codes that restricted employees to a standard corporate appearance.” In more recent years, the culture has changed, and many younger generations take a more casual approach so it’s a more comfortable working day.
Cash Payments
While cash payments are still being used, many people prefer digital payments where they can just swipe a card. Many younger generations never carry cash now, as they’re used to paying with their card or phone for speedier transactions. Boomers, however, still prefer cash, as this is what they’re used to.
Rotary Phones
Rotary phones were commonly used between 1920 and 1960. They bring back fond memories of early communication methods. People who have grown up more recently don’t have this connection with the item, as phones have developed with technology, meaning it’s likely rotary phones won’t survive past the baby boomer generation.
Cable Television
Boomers love their cable TV. Many other generations have steered away from cable TV and have instead opted for subscription services that provide everything in one place, any time of the day. With subscriptions being cheaper than cable TV, it’s likely that this service won’t survive after the baby boomer generation.
Cursive Writing
Cursive writing was a skill that many boomers learned, but it’s been in decline since the 1970s. It was seen as an artistic form of writing, but today it’s no longer taught in schools. This means most younger people don’t even know what cursive writing is, let alone be able to do it.
Newspapers
Boomers have opted to read newspapers their whole lives as back in their day, it was one of the main ways to stay updated on current affairs. They’re one of the last generations to still purchase newspapers, as younger generations opt to receive their news online now, often not at a financial cost.
Telephone Books
Telephone books used to be one of the most popular ways to look someone up and be able to contact them. Nowadays, they’re only used by boomers, as the younger generation uses the internet to research and find the relevant person they want to contact.
Landline Phones
Many younger households today don’t have landline phones. With people having their mobile phones with them all the time, they’re contactable whether they’re at home or out and about. Boomers, however, still use landlines to contact each other, so when boomers are no longer around, it’s inevitable that landline phones won’t be either.
Shoe Shining
Boomers grew up knowing it was important to be presentable. This meant their shoes should always be polished and shining. However, with younger generations taking a more casual approach to attire today, shoe shining isn’t considered as important. Younger people are actually buying shoes made from materials that can’t even be shinned.
Fax Machines
With the evolution of technology, most people moved from fax machines to emails. Some boomers still have fax machines, but most are purchased for nostalgic reasons rather than for actual use. Many younger generations haven’t used fax machines before, and they’re not going to start now, which will likely cause fax machines to not survive.
Home Shopping Networks
Before online shopping came along, home shopping networks used to be one of the only ways you could purchase items without going into a store. They were a hit among boomers and still are today but younger generations don’t use them as they opt for buying online instead.
Voicemails
The boomer generation has always been good at leaving a voicemail. It’s a great way for you to let people know your reason for calling. Younger generations prefer to opt for messaging over calling and if they do call and the person doesn’t answer, they definitely won’t leave a voicemail.
China Tea Sets
China tea sets are common collectibles among the boomer generation. Younger generations don’t see the use of them, though, as they prefer more minimalist choices. These are likely to disappear when boomers are no longer around, as younger family members don’t even want them to be passed down.
Paper Maps
Natural Habitat Adventures reports, “Paper maps supplied by government agencies and private businesses may soon be displaced by our own GPS units and the built-in navigation technology on our smartphones.” Paper maps used to be a key resource for people traveling, and they’re something boomers still use today. However, with access to GPS, younger people don’t see the need to use them.
Soap Operas
When boomers were growing up, the amount of TV available was limited. A family tradition for many would be to watch soap operas together. Boomers continue to watch them today, but younger generations don’t find them entertaining; instead, they prefer to watch reality TV.
Letters
Letters are hardly sent nowadays; only boomers still send them. With the technology available, it’s understandable that younger people don’t see the value in sending letters. Instead, they can opt for messaging or email, which allows instant communication and is more environmentally friendly than using paper.
Toilet Seat Covers
Boomers used to love putting a cover on their toilet seat to add to the aesthetic of their bathroom. Other generations haven’t followed this design, which will likely see it die out with the boomer generation. Many feel it’s unsanitary and outdated, making it more tacky than adding to the aesthetic.
Grandfather Clocks
Grandfather clocks have been an antique that has been passed down through the generations. Boomers are the latest generation to inherit these items but it’s unlikely they’ll be passed down anymore. Younger people view them as outdated, as they don’t match current decor and take up too much space.
Traditional Alarm Clocks
Traditional alarm clocks used to be one of the most used household items in a boomer’s house. It was the main way to ensure you got up in time for work. Today, younger people don’t purchase them as they already have a built in alarm clock on their phones.
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