We all have moments when we reflect on the past and realize our parents’ generation—often referred to as “boomers”—might have known a thing or two about life.
Growing up, I used to roll my eyes when my parents talked about saving money or insisted on proper table manners.
As I’ve entered my forties, though, I’m seeing the wisdom behind their habits and beliefs.
It’s like the value of these lessons has finally become clear—lessons that, as a younger adult, I didn’t fully appreciate. If you’re anything like me, you’ve probably found yourself nodding along as you notice how these “old-fashioned” ideas actually make sense now.
Let’s dive into nine of these gems and see what we can take away for our own lives today.
1. Embracing a strong work ethic
My parents, like many of their generation, swore by the principle of “roll up your sleeves and get it done.”
Admittedly, I used to think this was just their way of telling me to tidy my room without complaining.
Now I get it: having a solid work ethic isn’t just about being busy—it’s about taking pride in what you do and showing up for yourself consistently.
I spent a chunk of my career in digital communications, and in that field, hard work often gets overshadowed by flashy new ideas.
But the truth is, the folks who consistently produce quality work—no matter how mundane or behind-the-scenes it may seem—tend to earn more respect and trust.
Hard work also fosters resilience. When challenges pop up, as they inevitably do, the habit of “stick-to-it-iveness” can carry you through. In a time where shortcuts are so tempting (hey, sometimes I want them, too), it’s worth remembering that not everything needs to be quick and easy.
Sometimes, the long way around is exactly what we need for growth.
2. The significance of face-to-face conversation
Have you ever noticed how much time we spend staring at screens instead of truly connecting with each other?
Boomers grew up in a world without smartphones, social media, or Zoom calls. If they wanted to catch up, it meant walking over to someone’s house or dialing a rotary phone (and likely praying you didn’t misdial).
I distinctly remember how my mom could turn an everyday coffee meetup into a genuine heart-to-heart.
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At the time, I thought, “Why can’t we just text?” But now, I see how in-person exchanges can deepen relationships and minimize misunderstandings. It’s hard to misread tone or body language when you’re looking right at someone’s face.
If you ever doubt the power of direct interaction, consider this: a study from the University of Oxford found that face-to-face socializing releases endorphins in ways online communication can’t replicate.
There’s just something irreplaceable about being physically present, whether it’s sharing a laugh or picking up subtle emotional cues. It’s a lesson many of us (myself included) didn’t realize we’d been ignoring until we got older.
3. The art of delayed gratification
When I was younger, waiting felt torturous. I wanted everything instantly—a new gadget, the latest fashion, that fun vacation. The boomer mindset, however, leaned more toward saving up before buying.
They understood the importance of putting off momentary pleasure for something more significant down the line.
I used to roll my eyes when my dad said, “All good things take time.” Now, I realize how right he was.
Delayed gratification teaches discipline. And that discipline becomes a cornerstone for other aspects of life: saving for a mortgage, building a business, or even sticking to a fitness routine.
Stephen Covey once put it bluntly: “We are free to choose our actions, but we are not free to choose the consequences of these actions.”
Delaying gratification might seem like a sacrifice at first, but the reward—a new home, a stronger career, or even just better financial stability—often speaks for itself in the long run.
4. Respect for neighbors and community
When I was a kid, it seemed like my parents knew everyone within a two-mile radius. If Mr. Johnson’s fence needed repair, they’d pitch in.
If Mrs. Evans was sick, they’d bring her soup. At the time, it felt old-fashioned or overly nosy, but looking back, I see how community support served as a safety net.
Now that I’m a single mom, I realize the value of having neighbors you trust and rely on. It might be as simple as someone grabbing your mail while you’re on vacation or lending a hand with a last-minute school pickup.
In adulthood, forging community connections can mean the difference between feeling isolated and feeling like part of something bigger.
5. Paying yourself first
“Save, save, save.” If there was a boomer chorus, this might have been its refrain.
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When I got my first paycheck, my dad told me to “pay myself first.” I brushed it off, assuming I had my whole life to save.
Then real adulthood hit—rent, bills, and a kid of my own—and I realized that setting money aside isn’t optional if you want financial peace.
Boomers usually had fewer tools for budgeting compared to the fancy apps we have now. Yet, many managed to stretch their paychecks and even build a nest egg.
They understood that financial security starts with taking a portion of your income and putting it away—no excuses, no “I’ll do it next month.”
This is backed by experts like Helen Tupper, co-author of “The Squiggly Career,” who has noted that having a financial cushion can reduce stress and open up more career choices.
It’s much easier to pivot or take a risk if you’re not constantly worried about making ends meet.
6. The power of handwritten notes
I remember my grandmother sending me letters when I was at university.
Her elegant cursive filled each line with warmth and care. Admittedly, I would often text back or call her instead of writing a letter in return. Who had time for stamps and envelopes?
But there’s something magical about receiving a handwritten note.
You can see the small imperfections, sense the time and effort it took to write it, and feel a personal touch that digital messages can’t always replicate.
You might have read my post on authentic connections, where I touched on the power of heartfelt communication—it’s one of those “small effort, big impact” gestures.
Even now, I occasionally send out “thank you” notes or birthday cards. In a world dominated by instant messaging, a letter stands out. It’s a simple act that can deepen relationships and shows you genuinely care.
7. Sitting down for dinner as a family
Growing up, my parents insisted on a strict dinner time: no TV, no distractions, just conversation.
Back then, it felt like a chore. I wanted to watch my favorite show or chat with friends on the phone. But let me tell you, as a parent today, I see the value in those moments.
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Sitting down at the dinner table nurtures real conversations.
It’s a chance to share your day, ask questions, and maybe even resolve small conflicts before they blow up. The older I get, the more I realize how rare and precious these uninterrupted moments are.
A study published in the journal New Directions for Child and Adolescent Development highlights that regular family meals can boost kids’ academic performance and emotional well-being.
I now try to make at least a couple of nights a week a “no-distraction dinner.” It’s one of those boomer traditions I’m more than happy to carry forward.
8. The importance of unplugging
Boomers grew up doing a lot of things by hand—cooking from scratch, writing with pen and paper, actually walking into a bank to pay bills.
While technology has streamlined our lives, it’s also made it easier to stay plugged in 24/7. The boomer generation often warns us about letting technology run our lives, and honestly, they’re on to something.
I used to sleep next to my phone, scrolling until I could barely keep my eyes open.
These days, I’m more mindful. There’s a reason many boomers take “digital detox” vacations where they put the phone away and actually look at nature instead of Instagram pictures of it.
Taking short breaks from technology helps reduce stress and re-engage our senses with the offline world.
According to studies, excessive smartphone use is linked to increased stress, sleep disorders, and depressive symptoms. Sometimes, unplugging is exactly what we need to recharge, ironically.
9. Perhaps most crucially, owning up to mistakes
Finally, there’s the boomer lesson of taking responsibility—owning our mistakes instead of dodging them.
Whether it was a spilled glass of milk or a missed mortgage payment, I saw my parents confront their errors head-on. “Yes, I messed up, and here’s what I’m going to do to fix it,” was their approach.
In an era of social media highlights (where we tend to showcase only the best of our lives), admitting mistakes can feel like pulling teeth.
But nothing builds trust more quickly than being honest about where you went wrong. It’s a lesson I’ve applied in my personal life—especially as a mom—when I realize I might have overreacted or messed up the schedule.
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Dale Carnegie famously said, “When we are wrong, we should admit it quickly and emphatically.” It might sting in the moment, but there’s a tremendous sense of relief that follows.
By taking ownership, we learn, we improve, and we show those around us that integrity matters more than saving face.
Wrapping up
Looking back, I wish I had listened more attentively when my parents and their friends shared these life lessons.
But, as with so many things, we often have to live a bit before we really understand.
These nine lessons—hard work, conversation, delayed gratification, community, saving, handwritten notes, family dinners, unplugging, and responsibility—form a foundation for a balanced and meaningful life.
Here at DM News, we’re big on finding wisdom in unexpected places.
The boomer generation might sometimes seem out of touch with the fast-paced world of smartphones and streaming services, but beneath those old-school habits lies a treasure trove of tried-and-true principles.
So which of these resonate with you today? Perhaps you’ll find yourself writing a letter to a friend, planning a family dinner without devices, or finally starting that emergency fund.
Even if it feels like taking a page from the old playbook, these lessons remain more relevant than ever. And if they’ve gotten me through the twists and turns of adulthood, they might just do the same for you.
Here’s to continuing to learn and grow—even if it means admitting the boomers were right.
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