I sat down with Grandma, and she shared with me some things that might not last forever, especially those cherished by her generation. As times change, certain traditions, habits, and items they loved might fade away. These things have been a big part of their lives, but younger generations may not continue them.
From social customs to favorite activities, these elements could disappear over time. Here are 12 things that will likely die off once baby boomers are gone. Seeing these changes helps us appreciate how the boomer generation lives and understand how our world is evolving.
Featured Image Credit: alen44 /Depositphotos.com.
TV Guides
Once upon a time, people relied on weekly TV guides to see what shows were coming on. You had to look up the channel and time for your favorite programs. Now, with streaming services and on-demand options, the idea of needing a TV guide seems almost laughable. My Grandma has a whole collection of TV guides from the 90s that she refuses to part with. To her, it’s not just show schedules – the articles and photo features trigger memories that she cherishes.
Formal Dining Rooms
Many homes had a formal dining room that was only used for special occasions. It was perfectly set but mostly untouched. Modern homes are more open and casual, and formal dining rooms are becoming rare.
Paper Maps
Before GPS and smartphones, people used these giant paper maps to find their way around. Unfolding them was like a wrestling match; refolding them was an impossible puzzle. Nowadays, you just punch an address into your phone, and it tells you exactly where to go.
Landline Phones
Grandma still has an old phone that’s attached to the wall with a long, curly cord. She doesn’t ever use it but refuses to get rid of it. Today, it’s hard to imagine not having a cell phone that fits in your pocket and goes wherever you go. The idea of being tied to a landline seems pretty outdated now.
Checkbooks
Writing checks for everything used to be a normal part of life. But today, it feels like something from a different century. You had to write out each check, tear it off, and balance your checkbook by hand. Now, most people use debit cards, online banking, or mobile payment apps. That doesn’t stop her from having a bunch of custom checkbooks that she uses as often as someone will accept a check.
Fax Machines
Do you remember the screeching sound of a fax machine connecting and the anticipation of waiting for your document to come through? With email and digital document sharing, fax machines are becoming a thing of the past. It’s funny to think about how important they once were. Funnily enough, my grandma still faxes her tax documents to her accountant.
Encyclopedias
There was a time when every home had a set of heavy encyclopedias for doing research. Grandma has a whole shelf dedicated to these. Today, you can just search online and find the information instantly. Encyclopedias are more of a nostalgic memory now, but Grandma still finds use for them now and then to school me.
Yellow Pages
Those thick yellow directories were once essential for finding businesses and phone numbers. You’d flip through the pages, find what you needed, and call. Now, a quick online search gives you everything you need instantly. The Yellow Pages are practically extinct. Grandma has a bunch of old ones collecting dust in the basement or being used as makeshift risers to create shelves in the garage.
Disclaimer – This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.
Like our content? Be sure to follow us.
Read More From Million Dollar Sense
- Here Are 7 Things White People Say That Show Their Privilege
- 15 Everyday Things Baby Boomers Had 40 Years Ago That Are Luxuries Now
- 10 Subtle Signs of a Wealthy Person
- 10 Questions You Should Never Answer If Police Pull You Over, As Per Lawyers