Living in a world where technology and innovation lead the way, it can be easy to overlook the wisdom of older generations. But Baby Boomers have a wealth of experience that younger generations can learn from. The Boomers are a generation known for their hard work, dedication, and resilience. Much of which is needed today. We take a look at 21 habits Baby Boomers have mastered that can teach us a thing or two:
Living Within Your Means
Boomers experienced hardship when growing up as their parents exited the war era. This meant that families lived within their means and avoided unnecessary debt. Prioritizing saving is a cornerstone of financial stability. Over 35% of Americans interviewed by Northwestern Mutual and Harris Poll said that they live most of their lives in debt, so taking advice from Boomers to save before spending would be wise.
Investing Wisely
When Boomers reached the point of feeling financially secure, they turned their eyes to investing. Understanding the power of long-term investments can set you up for a secure future, even if you can only save small amounts when you start.
Planning for Retirement
When we start a career, the first thing on our minds is not how much money we will need when we retire. But, as older generations have shown, being proactive about planning for your retirement gives you the confidence that you can enjoy a comfortable life once you stop working.
Dedication and Hard Work
Saving money for the future takes dedication and hard work, a life that Boomers have prided themselves on. Work can get us all down occasionally, but giving our all as much as possible will lead to the success and satisfaction most of us crave.
Mastering Communication
Effective communication, both in person and digitally, strengthens relationships and builds trust. Younger generations tend to prefer emails and texts, so they can often take longer to get things done, whereas a Boomer would simply pick up the phone and talk to get the job done.
Cooking at Home
Preparing meals at home is often healthier than eating out or ordering food. Investing time in learning a few recipes from your parents can improve your wellbeing and save you money.
Maintaining Relationships
Investing in relationships with friends and family creates a supportive and good support network, but it is not always easy to manage. With busy working days and long commutes, it is easy to cancel plans we make with friends so we can get some rest. Putting off meeting people can, however, leave us feeling isolated, so we should make time when we can.
Hosting Potluck Dinners
One way older generations stayed connected to people was to host “potluck” dinners. One household took to hosting a dinner at home in which everyone brought a pot of food to share. Sharing food kept costs down and made for a fun evening to try tasty food and great conversation.
Writing in Journals for Self-Reflection
Journaling was a common practice among older generations who wanted to preserve memories and keep a log of their experiences. Various studies have shown that journaling can benefit mental health and help relieve stress in busy lives.
Regular Reading
Reading exposes you to new ideas, expands your knowledge, and keeps your mind active, which is perhaps why Boomers have their fingers in so many pies. If you find yourself too tired or distracted to read a physical book, you can choose an audiobook or stream from popular platforms so you can listen on the go.
Giving Back Through Volunteering
Research has found that participation in voluntary services can offer mental and physical health benefits. For these reasons, older generations have historically given their time to others, whether helping local community organizations, joining clean-up programs, or fundraising for charity. Giving back can make you feel great.
Basic DIY Knowledge
Go into your parents’ garage, and you will likely find various tools for every eventuality. While you don’t need expensive equipment, having a few basics to fix simple problems in your home can save you money. Learning simple DIY will also help you build self-reliance and feel accomplished.
Investing in Quality
It is easy to be swayed by a bargain, but there is a saying that if you “buy cheap, you buy twice.” Sometimes, prioritizing well-made items that last can be more cost-effective in the long run, as older generations are savvy about this.
Embracing Gratitude
There is a perception that younger generations are perhaps less grateful than previous generations. This will not be true for everyone, but studies by UCLA Health have shown that appreciating the good things in life can improve our happiness and wellbeing, so the more we can do it, the better.
Preserving Food
For many Baby Boomers, home canning was necessary to preserve food and reduce waste. Today, this tradition is experiencing a resurgence as people look to reduce food waste to help the environment. Learning to preserve food at home reduces waste, saves money, and limits our consumption of processed foods.
Joining a Book Club
Book clubs have always been more than just a gathering of readers. They’re a social hub for discussion and analysis among like-minded people. Finding the time to attend a book club is a great way to take time out of your busy life and meet new people. With an estimated 5 million book club members in the U.S., you are sure to find one that suits you.
Unplugging and Disconnecting
Taking breaks from technology allows you to recharge and reconnect with yourself and the world. Older generations didn’t rely as heavily on technology, so they would read a book or a newspaper to unwind or perhaps listen to music on a record player.
Gardening
Baby Boomers have a reputation for being passionate about gardening. In an increasingly digital world, gardening offers a chance to reconnect with nature and appreciate the natural world. Whether you have a sprawling backyard or a tiny windowsill, there’s a way to embrace the joys of gardening.
Biking
Biking wasn’t just a childhood pastime but a popular and eco-friendly way to get around. The trend is gaining momentum again as we aim to reduce the number of cars on the roads. Biking is also great for physical fitness, strengthening your heart, improving endurance, and toning your muscles.
Playing Physical Outdoor Games
Remember frisbee battles in the park or afternoons spent mastering bocce ball? These outdoor games weren’t just fun but a fantastic way to stay active and social. In today’s world of screen-dominated fitness routines, these classic activities offer a refreshing alternative.
Setting Goals
To achieve everything they wanted, Boomers set themselves goals, so they had a clear vision of where they wanted to be. Setting goals helps you identify what you truly want to achieve and channel your efforts toward accomplishing them. It provides a roadmap for your life, preventing you from feeling lost or unmotivated.
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