Each generation has its own set of values and skills. For example, Gen Zs are tech-savvy. Some of them also make it big time money-wise and are among the richest in their communities. But what happens when there’s no internet service, no smartphones, or no GPS? Or what happens when there’s no food delivery? Certain boomer survival skills remain relevant to this day and can be said to be essential in today’s world.
1. Troubleshooting and Fixing Things
Modern lifestyle is about convenience and instant gratification. Everything seems to come so easily. The ability to troubleshoot problems or fix things seems to be a lost art. Boomers, on the other hand, are said to be the fix it generation. They’re not afraid to get hold of a wrench and fix what needs fixing. This ability is one of the survival skills that young ones can learn from their older counterpart. However, Such boomer survival skills is not just about saving money but having problem-solving skills, self reliance, and a good sense of how things work. For example, in a car care survey that inquired how people are likely to address the warning lights of their car, about 69% of Baby Boomers said they will “as soon as possible” while only 40.7% of Gen Z respondents said the same. But hope is not lost, in the same survey, Millenials and Gen Zs are most likely to change their own oil.
2. Finding Information Offline
Gone are the days when people need to the library or archives, scan pages after pages of books, or read the newspaper to find an information they need. With Google and smartphones in their hands, most youngsters today can instantly find information online. However, online searches are different. Perhaps, one of the most important boomer survival skills kids don’t have today is the ability to make the most of physical resources. The whole process of analysis and synthesizing information develops critical thinking. Of course, there’s that joy of finding what you need after sifting through volumes of books and documents.
3. A World Without GPS Apps: Using Maps and Compass
Another practical skill for kids to have will be going from point A to point B without using GPS guides. Today, when going to an unfamiliar place, you can easily input your destination into a device, and it will guide you turn-by-turn with a million reminders along the way. However, boomer survival skills include knowing how to use maps and compasses. Boomers generally have a better sense of direction while relying on street signs, important landmarks, or even a compass if needed. The art of navigating is not just about finding your way. It’s an essential life skill that may be useful just in case technology suddenly isn’t available. It can help boost your confidence and make travel more fun.
4. Value of Financial Prudence
Boomers have survived periods of economic uncertainties and literal scarcity of resources. During their prime, the ability to budget is a skill that would determine if you’ll have money for food and electricity. You only spend on things that are necessary. Wants can be put on hold, but you can treat yourself occasionally. That is still true today, only budgeting apps, instant access to credit, and buy now pay later schemes come useful. Budgeting skills can help you weave your way through different stages of life. With the proper know-how, you can avoid unnecessary debts, save some money, and remain stress-free financially. Boomers value delayed gratification. Foresight comes hand in hand with financial prudence as you focus on your goals and think long-term.
5. Cooking from Scratch
Want burger? Want steak? There’s an app for that! According to a study, Millennials and Gen Zers prefer prepared meals and are major contributors to the food delivery boom in the United States and other countries. The younger generations are not keen on cooking nourishing meals using the freshest ingredients they need to prepare themselves. On the flipside, the list of boomer survival skills includes the simple pleasure of transforming ingredients into food that can make you smile and your tummy full. Cooking involves a good dose of creativity and resourcefulness that helps achieve sustenance and well-being.
6. Face-to-Face Communication
Boomers lived in a world without video calls and social media. Today’s generation is all about online interaction, and because of this, young ones are missing out on genuine face-to-face interaction. Instead of facial reactions and body language, many people use emojis, and a lot may miss shifts in tone. No one can discount the value of face-to-face communication that fosters true connection. In personal affairs and business transactions, in-person interaction helps build empathy, rapport, and a good sense of reading people. Let’s not forget listening skills so you can properly respond without the benefit of delaying a message or intentionally ignoring one.
7. Basic Home Repairs
There are home repairs you can do on your own, and there are those that need experts. We’re talking about changing the bulb, some plumbing issues, or basic carpentry. Boomer survival skills include having a DIY mentality. While people today will easily call a handyman (or hire via mobile apps), Boomers find joy in doing basic home repairs. It can be an empowering experience to unclog a drain or repair a hole in the wall. Aside from not depending on service providers, you can save money handling such tasks. Knowing how to fix things at home is valuable and can help prevent minor issues from becoming too big to handle.
Boomer Survival Skills Can Help Future-Proof Your Life
Who said boomer survival skills are obsolete? The essential life skills mentioned above will always come in handy. They may, in fact, make your life easier and help you appreciate the simple things of life. They are all about resourcefulness, empowerment, and resiliency. While today’s challenges differ from what the Boomers faced, the older generation’s mindset and life skills can help hurdle any future impediments or uncertainties younger generations might face.