People who grew up the 1960s and 70s tend to share these 5 admirable traits

I think it's fair to say there's something distinctive about the generation that came of age during the Vietnam War, Woodstock, and the dawn of personal computing.

Having spent considerable time observing people across different age groups—from photographing subjects for various projects to simply watching how different generations navigate modern challenges—I've noticed some fascinating patterns.

Those who grew up in the 1960s and 70s seem to carry certain qualities that set them apart. These aren't just nostalgic observations, but genuine traits that serve them well today.

Let's explore what I think makes this generation tick.

1. They know how to be genuinely present

Ever notice how someone in their 60s can have an entire conversation without once checking their phone?

This isn't just about being polite. There's a fundamental difference in how they approach human connection.

Growing up before the internet meant developing actual listening skills. When someone was talking to you, that was it—no notifications, no multitasking, just the person in front of you.

I've watched my neighbor, who's 67, spend an hour talking with the mailman about his grandson's baseball season. Not because he had nothing better to do, but because he genuinely values these moments of human connection.

This presence translates into deeper relationships and, probably, better mental health. They learned early that being fully engaged with others isn't just nice—it's essential.

2. They're surprisingly adaptable

Here's where people get it wrong about older generations and technology.

Yes, they might ask for help with their smartphone occasionally. But think about what they've actually adapted to: they went from rotary phones to video calls, from encyclopedias to Google, from vinyl records to streaming music.

That's not just learning new tools—that's completely reimagining how the world works, multiple times.

Las, I watched my friend's 72-year-old father learn to use Zoom, then proceed to organize virtual family reunions that brought together relatives from five different countries. He didn't just adapt; he innovated.

This generation lived through more fundamental technological and social change than any before them. That builds a unique kind of resilience.

3. They understand the value of delayed gratification

Want something? Save up for it. Need to learn something? Study it properly. Planning a trip? Research it for months.

This wasn't a choice for people growing up in the 60s and 70s—it was reality.

Before credit cards were everywhere and Amazon delivered everything overnight, you had to plan. You had to wait. You had to work for things in a very literal sense.

I've mentioned this before, but watching how different generations approach purchasing decisions is fascinating. While younger people (myself included) often impulse-buy based on reviews and next-day delivery, this generation still researches thoroughly and considers purchases carefully.

It's not just about money. They apply this same patience to relationships, career decisions, and personal growth. They understand that good things take time because they've lived it.

4. They're comfortable with uncertainty

Growing up during the Cold War, civil rights movements, and massive social upheaval teaches you something important: the world is unpredictable, and that's okay.

This generation learned early that making plans while staying flexible isn't contradictory—it's necessary.

They don't panic when things don't go according to plan because they've seen enough genuine uncertainty to know the difference between real problems and minor inconveniences.

During the early days of the pandemic, while many of us were doom-scrolling and spiraling, I noticed this generation was more likely to just... adjust. They'd lived through enough actual crises to know how to hunker down and adapt without losing their minds.

There's a calm that comes from having weathered real storms.

5. They prioritize experiences over possessions

Before social media made everything about documenting experiences, this generation was just having them.

They learned that memories last longer than things because they didn't grow up in as much of a consumer culture that promised happiness through acquisition.

Sure, they wanted nice things too. But their formative years were often about music festivals, road trips, and gathering with friends—experiences that couldn't be bought, only lived.

I see this in how they spend their money now. While younger generations often focus on the latest gadgets or fashion trends, people from this era seem more likely to book that trip, take that cooking class, or spend money on family gatherings.

They figured out early what research now confirms: experiences bring more lasting happiness than possessions.

The bottom line

These traits didn't develop by accident. They're the natural result of growing up in a specific time and place.

And while we can't recreate the 1960s and 70s, we can learn from the qualities that era produced.

In our age of instant everything and constant distraction, there's something refreshing about people who know how to be present, patient, and genuinely engaged with the world around them.

Maybe that's the real lesson here—not that any generation is better than another, but that different times create different strengths. And right now, we could use a bit more of what this generation learned along the way.