OK, I’ll grant that boomers are slowly losing it when it comes to the most current technology, but we still have the edge when it comes to some old-school skills.
Like what you ask? Or I’ll do the asking, thank you.
Bear in mind that younger generations could most likely master some of these skills (if they so desired) and some are just not going to happen – ever. And some are useless amid today’s technology, so why would they care?
Basic plumbing fixes. Call a boomer when the float valve doesn’t work any longer because we don’t mind sticking our hands in there. Replacing the float and drain flap are elementary skills but Gen Zers have neither the time nor inclination.
I know I’ve jump started a car many times in my 20’s, but no one has a standard transmission anymore, so the skill is useless. Still (and this is a long, long shot) if the occasion presented itself, look for a boomer to get the car running again.
Cooking full meals from scratch is something most boomers can do thanks to not growing up with a ton of convenience foods or a raft of food delivery services. There was no Dominoes, DoorDash, Uber Eats, so we ate homecooked meals at home. The whole family going out to dinner was a very big deal. Granted, we had more time and less pressure. And just maybe – more motivation.
Growing our own food was really all the rage when we were in full-blown hippy mode. Some of us had greener thumbs than others, but there was a back-to-the-land movement that put food gardening front and center. Younger generations are starting to pick it up now and CSA’s are supported by many generations, so that’s hopeful.
Apple Maps and Google Maps are great tools and we have come to depend on them – with our lives sometimes. However, boomers may be the only generation left to navigate somewhere with only a paper map. Will it matter in the grand scheme of things? Probably not, but if your hiking group is lost, you could do worse than ask the oldest guy for directions.
Is there any other way to get information besides going online? The corollary question is will we need libraries any longer? We are so reliant on “Google it” for every question, even boomers are forgetting some of the skills required to use reference books. And does anyone think ChatGPT will make the loss any better?
Just remember, there’s no point in lording these skills over the youngsters, because they and the robots will likely have to change our underwear. Enough said.
Jay Harrison is a writer and creative consultant for DesignConcept. His newest mystery novel, Rio Puerco Demise is available on Amazon. His first mystery novel, Head Above Water, is also available on Amazon. But that’s not all. You can also purchase the Best of BoomSpeak on Amazon.
