12 Useless Boomer Skills No One Needs Anymore

Baby boomers were raised post-World War II with limited schooling, fewer resources, and scarce jobs. That led to a workaholic, self-assertive, competitive, goal-oriented, and independent generation. While this generation has continued inspiring other generations like Gen X and millennials, specific skills are no longer applicable in the modern age.

Happy senior out driving the old car.Photo byjwblinn/Shutterstock.

Let's talk about these 12 useless boomer skills no one needs anymore.

1. Reading Paper Maps To Find Directions

Reading a map was a convenient way for people to find directions and navigate unfamiliar places. However, to interpret the map correctly, you had to understand the map’s scale and symbols. You also needed to look at the compass to ensure it was correctly positioned. Although reading maps was a reliable way to find directions, it required skill and practice.

More people rely on GPS, Google Maps, and other navigation apps to find directions.

2. Handwriting Letters

Handwritten letters were the only form of communication in the past. However, technology is slowly phasing out letters as more people switch to emails, texts, and social media for communication.

3. Writing in Cursive

Cursive writing was once considered a form of art and a skill used for note-taking in schools. Nonetheless, it has been replaced by typing, emails, and e-signatures. U.S. Schools are no longer required to teach cursive writing as part of their curriculum, although some have chosen to retain it.

4. Balancing a Checkbook

Gone are the days when you had to manually review your monthly bank statement and compare it against your transactions. While this technique can help detect errors and track your spending, the manual process is slowly being replaced by Excel sheets and digital budget planners.

5. Using a Fax Machine

Previously, documents were sent through a fax machine connected to a second line in homes or businesses. All you had to do was place a document on the feeder, dial a number, and the fax machine would copy the document and send it to the other side. Instant messaging, e-mail, and social media have made communication easier and more convenient, so no one no longer needs to use a fax machine.

6. Typewriting Skills

The Boomer generation valued excellent typewriting skills. The typewriter didn’t have a delete or backspace button in case you made a mistake, which meant you had to completely master the machine. However, with technological evolution, you no longer have to worry about edits or auto-corrects. You also enjoy the convenience of digital storage, as typewriters require you to save physical files.

7. Using a Phone Book To Find Contacts

Back in the day, boomers had to use a phonebook that listed contacts in alphabetical order for quick perusal. The phonebook contained every business number or client’s home number. Although phonebooks are still around, most have been replaced by technology, with more people switching to Google and sites like Yelp to find any number they might need.

8. Getting Information From Encyclopedias

Every home back then had an encyclopedia or a set filled with information about everything and anything. You only had to find an encyclopedia if you needed information about science, health, or finance. Search engines like Google have made it easier to find information online, and you no longer need to use an encyclopedia.

9. Use a Library Card Catalogue To Find a Book Number

Remember how we previously mentioned that the boomer generation was hardworking? That was also evident when it came to their search for information. If you didn’t own an encyclopedia and had a school project that needed research, you’d have to visit the library to get books on that topic.

Books in the library were cataloged, and each book had a card. These cards were in a long drawer, and you had to find the right card to get the book number. The card would help you find the book. With the rise of Google and AI tools, you no longer need to go through all that hassle to find information.

10. Shopping On Your TV

Using home shopping channels was the trendiest activity for boomers. Every household had a Sears catalog and home shopping channels. For people who didn’t like going to the stores or lived far from them, you would dial the number on the screen on your landline and place your order. Payment was through a credit card. Today, most people enjoy the convenience of online shopping and doorstep delivery on the same day.

11. Memorizing Phone Numbers

Another boomer skill that was highly sought after was the ability to memorize phone numbers. Going through the phonebook was daunting; most would simply learn the number for convenience. Today, you don’t need to know hundreds of numbers when storing them on your phone or cloud.

12. Rewinding a VHS Tape

Previously, if you wanted to rewatch a TV show or movie, you had to know how the VHS rewinding button worked. Fortunately, technology has introduced remotes and streaming services, which have made things convenient and more accessible.

While some of these boomers' skills were essential back in the day, things like using a landline or writing in cursive may not be applicable in the modern world. Skills like sewing or handwriting letters may still be used as hobbies, but they are not survival skills, as technology has revolutionized many things.

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