From ironing to balancing checkbooks, these ten “basic” skills boomers swear by feel painfully outdated to Gen Z — but they all share one thing in common: independence.
Every generation defines “useful skills” differently.
For boomers, life skills were about survival, practicality, and independence.
For Gen Z, they are more about efficiency, creativity, and technology.
But that gap has created funny moments where boomers can’t believe how foreign simple tasks seem today.
What one generation calls boring, the other calls outdated.
And what one generation calls basic, the other calls unnecessary.
Here are ten skills that boomers see as essential life knowledge — and Gen Z often see as a tedious waste of time.
1. Balancing a checkbook
For boomers, balancing a checkbook was a monthly ritual.
It was how you kept track of your money and avoided overdraft fees.
They learned to write neatly in those tiny lines and double-check every transaction.
For Gen Z, this is pure torture.
They track their money through apps, not pen and paper.
The idea of manually recording every purchase feels ancient.
To boomers, it’s called responsibility.
To Gen Z, it’s called unnecessary admin work.
2. Writing a formal letter
Boomers were taught the structure of a proper letter: date, address, greeting, and closing.
It was part of school, part of work, and part of courtesy.
They believe writing a good letter shows respect.
Gen Z, on the other hand, grew up with texts, DMs, and emails.
Formality feels like wasted effort.
Why write “Dear Sir” when you can send an emoji?
Boomers see it as etiquette.
Gen Z sees it as overcomplication.
3. Sewing and mending clothes
Boomers learned to sew on buttons, hem pants, and patch holes.
They fixed things instead of replacing them.
For them, sewing was a life skill — not a hobby.
Gen Z sees it as something people do for fun on TikTok.
Why sew when fast fashion exists?
Boomers call it being resourceful.
Gen Z calls it time-consuming.
But deep down, even Gen Z loves a good thrift flip.
4. Reading a physical map
Boomers could unfold a map and find their way anywhere.
They learned to navigate highways, landmarks, and routes without help.
For them, maps meant independence and confidence.
Gen Z has never needed one.
They trust GPS completely.
The idea of navigating without a blue dot feels like chaos.
Boomers call it awareness.
Gen Z calls it anxiety.
5. Cooking from scratch
Boomers cooked most meals at home, often from basic ingredients.
They learned recipes from parents or cookbooks, not the internet.
For them, cooking was part of life — not a hobby.
Gen Z prefers pre-made sauces, meal kits, or takeout.
They love convenience and time-saving tools.
Boomers say home cooking teaches patience and care.
Gen Z says it takes too long.
But nothing beats a homemade meal with real effort behind it.
6. Ironing clothes
For boomers, ironing was a symbol of neatness and pride.
Wrinkled shirts meant laziness.
They were taught to press collars, sleeves, and seams until everything was perfect.
Gen Z rarely irons anything.
They buy wrinkle-resistant fabrics or use steamers.
Some just let the dryer handle it.
Boomers see ironing as self-respect.
Gen Z sees it as obsolete.
7. Writing in cursive
Boomers learned cursive as a basic part of education.
It was elegant, consistent, and considered proper.
They still sign documents in beautiful loops and swirls.
Gen Z, raised on keyboards and touchscreens, sees cursive as ancient.
Many can’t even read it easily.
To boomers, cursive equals class.
To Gen Z, it equals confusion.
And the only handwriting they practice now is their digital signature.
8. Repairing household items
Boomers learned to fix what they owned.
They had toolboxes, manuals, and patience.
Changing light fixtures, tightening pipes, or repairing furniture was normal.
For Gen Z, calling a professional or buying new feels simpler.
They prefer tutorials over trial and error.
Boomers see this as wasteful.
Gen Z sees it as realistic.
They fix things digitally — not physically.
9. Proper table manners
Boomers grew up with dinner tables as daily rituals.
They learned to sit up straight, use utensils correctly, and wait before eating.
They associate manners with respect and upbringing.
Gen Z often eats on couches, in cars, or while scrolling.
Formality feels out of place in their world.
Boomers see manners as dignity.
Gen Z sees them as performance.
But even Gen Z appreciates politeness — as long as it feels natural, not staged.
10. Writing thank-you notes
Boomers consider a handwritten thank-you note a sign of good character.
They believe gratitude should be personal and tangible.
Gen Z sends a quick text, voice note, or emoji.
They still express appreciation, just in faster, digital ways.
To boomers, that seems impersonal.
To Gen Z, it feels efficient.
The intention is the same — the format just evolved.
But boomers still argue: some things mean more when written by hand.
Final thoughts: different skills, same values
Boomers and Gen Z live in different worlds, but their goals are surprisingly similar.
Both generations want self-sufficiency, comfort, and connection.
They just express it in different languages.
What boomers call “basic life skills,” Gen Z often replaces with technology.
Neither is wrong — they are just adapting to their time.
The methods change, but the meaning remains.
Knowing how to do something yourself still feels empowering — even if you learn it through a YouTube tutorial instead of your parents.
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