23 Things the Older Generation Does Better Than Young People
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Every generation has its unique strengths and characteristics, shaped by the times they grew up in. Younger generations, such as Millennials and Gen Z, are often celebrated for their tech-savviness and adaptability.
However, older generations, especially Boomers, possess invaluable skills and wisdom honed over decades. Here are 23 things the older generation does better than young people today.
Managing Finances Wisely
Older generations have mastered the art of financial prudence. They prioritize saving over spending and often have well-established investment strategies and robust retirement funds. They grew up with a strong focus on budgeting, avoiding unnecessary debt, and living within their means.
Cooking Traditional Meals
Cooking from scratch is a dying art, but older generations excel at it. They know how to prepare meals using basic ingredients, often passed down through generations.
Younger generations can learn much from these time-tested methods, often emphasizing sustainability and flavor over convenience.
Maintaining Long-Term Relationships
The older generation is known for long-lasting marriages and friendships. Its commitment to communication, mutual respect, and working through challenges sets a strong example.
DIY and Handyman Skills
Older generations possess practical skills in home repairs and maintenance. From fixing appliances to doing carpentry, they demonstrate self-sufficiency that many younger individuals may lack. Instead of calling a professional for every little problem, they can often handle things independently.
Writing and Cursive Skills
Many young people struggle with clear, legible handwriting, especially cursive writing, due to the rise in digital communication.
Research conducted by EdSource indicates that cursive handwriting is more effective in preparing the brain for learning than typewriting. The older generation grew up when penmanship was a necessary skill. They value clear handwriting and its personal touch.
Face-to-Face Communication
Older generations excel in face-to-face conversations. They have strong interpersonal skills and know the importance of body language and eye contact in building genuine connections and resolving conflict.
Younger generations can strive to emulate this ability to engage deeply and empathetically with others.
Reading Physical Books
Despite the rise of e-books, the older generation continues to appreciate the value of reading printed books. Younger people are missing out on the experience of holding a book, turning the pages, and reading without distractions.
Studies by the National Institute of Health suggest that reading physical books can improve comprehension and retention compared to digital screens.
Crafting and Sewing
The older generation excels in traditional crafting skills, such as quilting, knitting, and sewing clothes. These skills promote creativity, patience, and a sense of accomplishment—the older generation’s expertise in crafting stands out in a modern world dominated by mass-produced goods.
Fixing Cars and Basic Mechanics
Many older individuals have second-nature mechanical knowledge and car maintenance skills. They grew up when cars were less complex, and many people learned to maintain and repair their vehicles.
They had basic skills in changing oil and even fixing brakes. This contrasts with the younger generation’s reliance on professional services for minor issues.
Navigating Without GPS
Before smartphones and GPS systems, people relied on maps, memory, and landmarks to find their way. The older generation excelled in navigation without digital assistance. Technology has made things easier, but this skill can be handy when technology fails.
Writing Letters and Sending Postcards
Handwritten letters and postcards have a personal touch that digital messages can’t match.
Older generations know the importance of writing a thoughtful note, such as a thank-you card or a simple “thinking of you” message. These small gestures create lasting memories.
Hosting and Entertaining Guests
Entertaining guests is a highly valued skill, and older generations excelled at creating warm, welcoming environments. They understood the importance of hospitality and making guests feel at home, which is essential for building and maintaining social networks.
Using Cash and Balancing Checkbooks
Digital banking has made managing money more accessible for young people; however, older generations know the importance of using cash and balancing checkbooks.
They see the value of keeping track of finances manually, which offers a hands-on understanding of where their money is going, something that can be easily overlooked when using digital tools.
Preserving and Canning Food
Traditional food preservation techniques, such as canning and pickling, are valuable skills. The older generation’s ability to store seasonal produce and reduce waste is practical and environmentally friendly. Younger generations can learn these techniques to promote sustainability and self-sufficiency.
Handwriting Thank-You Notes
Gratitude was often expressed through handwritten thank-you notes, and the older generation continues to cherish this practice.
A handwritten note offers a personal touch that shows thoughtfulness and appreciation. The older generation understands the importance of this personal touch, which stands out in an era of digital messages.
Working with Tools
The older generation can work with their hands and create or fix things that might seem overwhelming to younger generations accustomed to outsourcing such tasks.
They would do home repairs or craft work, and their accuracy in using the tools reflected their resourcefulness and self-reliance.
Patience and Delayed Gratification
Older generations understand the value of patience and delayed gratification. They’ve experienced the importance of saving for retirement, waiting for sales, and making thoughtful decisions. Younger generations can benefit from adopting a similar approach to life decisions.
Playing Board Games
Before video games and smartphones became popular, traditional games like chess, Monopoly, and cardboard were the primary forms of entertainment. These games offered social and cognitive benefits.
They enhanced critical thinking and helped grow a strong bond among the older generation. Younger people often rely on digital entertainment, missing out on these enriching experiences.
Gardening and Growing Food
Knowledge of agriculture and self-sufficiency is a strength that the older generation takes pride in.
They know how to work with the land to produce food and beauty, promoting sustainability and healthy eating. This connection to nature and the earth is a valuable lesson for younger generations.
Writing in Cursive
Cursive writing has historical significance and aesthetic value. The older generation’s proficiency in cursive is a testament to its importance in education.
They know the significance of cursive writing, not just as a writing style but as a way to preserve history and culture. Despite its decline in modern curriculums, cursive can enhance our connection to the past meaningfully.
Using Landline Phones and Memorizing Numbers
Reliance on memory and manual dialing is a skill the older generation possesses. They remember essential phone numbers and use landline phones effortlessly. This contrasts with the younger generation’s dependence on digital phonebooks and auto-dial features.
Knowledge of history and Culture
The older generation has a wealth of knowledge about historical events and cultural contexts that younger people overlook. Their understanding of history helps preserve cultural heritage and provides valuable lessons for the future.
Playing Musical Instruments
Learning and playing musical instruments require dedication, and older generations have this skill. Their traditional musical skills contrast with the younger generation’s focus on digital production.
Disclaimer – This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.
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