As time moves forward, so do trends. While some traditions remain timeless, many Boomer-era habits are gradually disappearing, replaced by modern preferences, evolving lifestyles, and advancing technology.
From everyday routines to social norms, the way we live, work, and connect has changed drastically. Here are 17 once-common practices that are now becoming a thing of the past.
The ‘I hate my spouse’ humor
In the past, stand-up comedians and sitcoms often relied on stereotypes and cliches about marriage to get laughs. Jokes about nagging spouses, inattentive husbands, and bickering couples were common. This ‘I hate my spouse’ brand of humor is losing its grip in contemporary culture.
Ironing
For Boomers, ironing clothes wasn’t just a chore but an art form – a ritual of meticulous care and attention to detail. But with wrinkle-free fabrics and casual styles taking over, the iron might soon become a relic of the past, its nostalgic sound a fading memory of a bygone era.
Voting
In the past, the baby boomer generation exhibited high voter turnout and actively participated in elections. However, recent decades have seen fluctuations, with younger generations showing much lesser interest in politics and voting. Unfortunately, this is not a good sign for democracy.
Physical Remotes
Younger generations, raised on smartphones and voice assistants, are ditching the clunky buttons of physical remotes for seamless control through apps and voice commands. Smart TVs and assistants like Alexa are rendering the physical remote obsolete, a trend likely to accelerate as even boomers adapt to the convenience of a tap or a spoken word.
Travel Agencies
The brick-and-mortar travel agencies from the boomer generation have given way to online platforms like Expedia and Airbnb. With a wealth of information, user reviews, and the ability to book flights, hotels, and experiences instantly from their devices, the convenience of online travel booking has eclipsed the need for physical agencies.
Workplace Loyalty
Forget the days of spending decades at one company. Millennials are driving a shift in the workforce, prioritizing flexibility and new experiences over unwavering loyalty to a single employer. This trend of frequent job changes will likely continue as younger generations enter the workforce, making job hopping the new normal.
Holiday Cards
Remember those overflowing refrigerators adorned with holiday cards? A cherished tradition of boomers, it symbolized staying connected with loved ones. Today, the rise of social media has largely replaced physical cards. This once-cherished tradition may soon be relegated to the past as digital greetings increasingly replace the personal touch of handwritten well-wishes.
Memorizing Phone Numbers
Before smartphones and contact lists, people memorized phone numbers of friends, family, and even emergency services. Most of them had a notebook where all the information was written. Now, most rely on their devices to store and dial numbers.
Taking Film Photos and Waiting for Development
The excitement of dropping off film rolls and waiting days for printed photos has been replaced by instant digital photography and smartphone cameras. There was a certain thrill in not knowing how the pictures would turn out until you held the glossy prints in your hands.
Today, digital photography and smartphone cameras have made capturing and reviewing photos instantaneous. With the ability to take unlimited shots, apply filters, and edit images on the go, the anticipation that once came with film development has all but disappeared.
Taking Road Trips Without GPS
Before Google Maps and GPS devices, travelers relied on road atlases, printed directions, and stopping to ask for directions. Travelers relied on bulky road atlases or fold-out paper maps, often struggling to refold them neatly after use. For longer trips, many people printed turn-by-turn directions from MapQuest or similar services, hoping they wouldn’t miss an important turn. If they got lost, the only options were pulling over to read the map again, stopping at a gas station to ask for directions, or relying on a passenger to navigate.
Renting Movies from Video Stores
The era of Blockbuster and local video rental shops has ended with the rise of streaming platforms.
Browsing the aisles, picking out a VHS or DVD, and hoping your favorite movie wasn’t already rented out was an experience in itself. Late fees were a common frustration, and rewinding tapes before returning them was a must. Today, services like Netflix, Hulu, and Disney+ offer instant access to thousands of movies and TV shows at the click of a button, making physical rentals obsolete
