Baby Boomers have shaped our society in many ways, but often, they’re criticised unfairly for their values, choices, and contributions. Here are some all-important things we got from the boomer generation that can get lost in today’s world.
Working Hard and Getting Stuck In
Baby Boomers grew up in a time when hard work wasn’t just encouraged, it was expected, and for them, success was not about instant gratification. They weren’t handed opportunities; they earned them, often through long hours and sheer determination.
Loving a Bit of Old-School British Charm
Traditional British culture holds a special place in the hearts of older people, whether it’s a cup of tea, dry British humour, or their admiration for the royal family. Even though younger generations might not share the same enthusiasm for royal ceremonies or classic British sitcoms, Boomers see these as touchstones of identity.
Bringing Up Kids with a Tough Love Approach
Parenting in the boomer era was shaped by the belief that children should learn to stand on their own two feet, and those from this generation focused on preparing their children for the challenges of adulthood. While today’s parenting styles may lean towards coddling, boomers believed their “tough love” approach was a way to set their children up for long-term success.
Saving Like Mad to Buy a House
The baby boomer generation grew up in a post-war UK where owning a house symbolised stability and achievement. Unlike today, when house prices can feel unreachable, they worked tirelessly to save for deposits, often going without holidays or luxuries to achieve their goal.
Holding Onto Good Old Paper Stuff
There’s something deeply personal about opening a handwritten card or holding a book with real pages to turn; for older folks, these things carry weight, and while they’ve adapted to emails and e-readers, many still love the charm of ink on paper. A saved birthday card or a box of old letters holds memories in a way that a deleted email never could.
Making Do and Mending
Boomers were raised with a mindset that valued resourcefulness, where everything had a purpose, from repurposed jam jars to mended socks, and wastefulness was seen as unthinkable. While these habits might now seem outdated, they’re surprisingly aligned with today’s focus on sustainability.
Always Choosing Tea Over Fancy Coffee
A cup of tea has been a daily ritual for generations, and while today’s coffee culture is filled with artisanal blends and trendy pods, older generations prefer the simplicity of a teapot and a proper mug. It’s not that they don’t enjoy a latte now and then; it’s just that tea feels familiar and quintessentially British.
Having a Proper Chat, Face to Face
To Baby Boomers, face-to-face communication is about depth, something that texts and emails often lack. They’re not against technology, but they feel it sometimes creates distance instead of bridging it, therefore they prefer a phone call or an in-person chat.
Showing Respect Where It’s Due
While society these days encourages questioning authority, people in their later years still hold onto the belief that respect can coexist with accountability. They value manners and civility, which they see as part of creating a harmonious community.
Holding Onto Those Black-and-White Memories
Black and white images capture history in a way that feels profound, including family weddings and wartime moments. There’s a depth to monochrome pictures that doesn’t rely on filters or editing, while modern generations might prefer the immediacy of selfies or vibrant social media posts.
Popping to the Local Shops Instead of the Supermarket
Boomers are likely to remember a time when shopping wasn’t a rushed chore but a community experience, preferring the charm and personal touch of local shops. They shouldn’t have to apologise for supporting local businesses and choosing a slower, more meaningful way of shopping.
Dressing for Practicality, Not Trends
Fashion for older individuals has always been about quality over quantity, thanks to growing up investing in clothes that lasted—tailored suits, sturdy shoes, and classic cuts that never really went out of style. Unlike fast fashion, which is built to be disposable, their wardrobes were curated with care.
Loving the Music That Defined Their Era
Whether it was The Beatles or Led Zeppelin, Baby Boomers set the standard for music that was raw, heartfelt, and performed live. For them, a great song is about lyrics that move you and talent that shines without studio magic, rather than auto-tuned hits.
Taking the Scenic Route, Every Time
A Sunday drive was once a key British pastime, and while modern drivers prioritise efficiency, older drivers value the experience and memories tied to these slower, more picturesque routes. Baby Boomers are more likely to plan longer, more scenic routes to enjoy the journey.
Picking the UK for a Good Old Staycation
People in their later years know how to appreciate the beauty of the UK, and know that a caravan holiday by the sea or a walk in the Scottish Highlands offers them the same sense of escape as any trip abroad. It’s not about being unwilling to travel abroad but about knowing the value of what’s close to home.
Navigating with Maps, Not Satnavs
We know that satnavs and GPS apps are undeniably convenient, but they can’t replicate the sense of self-reliance that comes from navigating with a map. Paper maps remind those from the boomer generation that the journey itself is important, rather than simply rejecting technology.
Staying Loyal to Public Libraries
Lastly, libraries have always been a sanctuary for older individuals, a place to lose themselves in a book, access knowledge for free, or simply enjoy the quiet. While eBooks and digital apps are convenient, they don’t carry the same atmosphere or sense of community as a local library.