Boomers grew up without smartphones or instant Google answers, among other things. They’ve lived through stuff that would make most of us sweat just thinking about it, and that’s one of the reasons they’re so tough. Here are 18 reasons why this generation is one of the strongest around and the lessons we can learn from them.
Life Before Wi-Fi
Boomers had to solve math without a calculator and plan road trips without GPS, as technology wasn’t as big as it is now. They had to rely on their brains and intuition to do practically everything. This talent for solving problems the old-school way usually gives Boomers an edge in thinking outside the box.
No Modern Medicine
Most of the medicine and medical technology we take for granted didn’t exist back then. Boomers had to use simpler treatments and more home remedies to get through their illnesses. And sometimes, they had to just grin and bear it, which made them tougher when dealing with medical problems.
Tough Times, Tough People
They were also raised during difficult historical times like the 1970s oil crisis, which helped them learn that nothing comes easy. Tight budgets and job instability just became part of their everyday lives and taught them to work hard and stay tough. While these weren’t fun experiences, they certainly helped to build some character.
Drafted and Disciplined
Unlike today, many Boomer guys were forced to protect the country thanks to the draft. Some of them served at home, while some of them served overseas, but they all understood the importance of discipline and resilience. This helped to make them into the tough guys they are today.
Do It Yourself
Back then, if something broke, you had no choice but to fix it. Government handouts weren’t as common as they are today, so Boomers had to figure things out on their own or with some help from their neighbors. They understood how to “do it yourself” like no other generation, which taught them to stand on their own two feet with practically everything in life.
The Great Outdoors
There were no PlayStations back then, just plain old stations like tree forts and bike ramps. When they were kids, Boomers spent a lot of time outdoors climbing real trees, not virtual ones. This real experience taught them all about risk and reward in a way you just can’t get from an online game or anything digital.
Born to Be Responsible
In the past, parents trusted their kids with far more responsibility than the younger generations get today. Lots of them would watch their little siblings or even help run the house before they could drive. It gave them a sense of responsibility that made them wise beyond their years and ready to take on the world when they grew up.
Complete Freedom
Likewise, during their childhood, parents were far more hands-off than they are today. This independence taught them to make decisions from a young age and gave them the confidence to deal with life head-on. They learned how to deal with risks and face the consequences of their actions, no matter how bad they were.
Learning the Old Way
Without technology, school was somewhere you actually had to listen and take notes. You had to memorize everything you learned because there was no Google to rely on for the answers. As boring as it might sound, it taught Boomers to be focused and helped them sharpen their memory, which was way more useful a skill when there wasn’t so much technology around.
Super Tough Schools
Speaking of schools, Boomers didn’t have it easy in school. They were expected to meet or even exceed high standards but with fewer resources than kids today. Right from kindergarten, they were under a lot of pressure, and this prepared them for life’s challenges. It made them tougher and ready to face anything.
Hard Work Is Normal
When they grew up, lots of Boomers worked in factories or on the land, as there were no robots to do manual work for them. It was a daily grind unlike anything today, as it was more physically demanding and far more challenging. But this gave Boomers a sense of determination and an understanding that you should take pride in doing a job well.
Strict Parents
Boomers aren’t lying when they talk about how harsh their parents were. Back then, adults weren’t afraid to lay down the law by forcing their kids to respect them, which sometimes included physical punishment. Of course, we know now that that’s wrong, but Boomers learned early that life wasn’t going to hand them anything, so they had to work for everything.
Constant Change
With all the social changes of the time, like civil rights and women’s lib, it’s no surprise that Boomers had to learn to adapt to sudden changes. They had to have inner strength and determination to keep pushing forward, no matter what happened. Boomers had to be resilient and stand up for what they believed in, as they had no other choice.
Cold War Kids
Growing up with the constant threat of nuclear war gave stress a whole new meaning for Boomers. The idea of all-out nuclear destruction was a daily reality that made them grateful for each day and taught them the value of being prepared. This lesson in toughness has stuck with many boomers today.
Creativity Over Channels
Since entertainment was so limited back then, Boomers used their imagination to do things. Instead of just sitting around, they had their own adventures and made games that involved using their own creativity. In doing so, many boomers developed critical thinking and problem-solving skills that are always useful.
Harsher Environment
Boomers faced the elements without the conveniences we have today, and this taught them to endure the pain. All those boiling hot summers and freezing winters made them resourceful because the only other option was to give up. Even today, you might find that many of them can deal with any kind of challenge with a can-do attitude.
Straight Talker
Communication was more direct back then because Boomers had face-to-face conversations, not digital ones. Being honest and clear was the most important of all, and it developed their interpersonal skills. They’re not afraid to have tough conversations because they had to do this without a screen.
Economically Self-Sufficient
It was pretty rare to have a dual-income household back then, which meant that Boomers learned to be economically self-sufficient. They had to manage with less and balance their budget by making more sacrifices. Without being so tough, they’d never be able to make it to the future.
19 Grim Realities of Dating After 50 That Are Often Overlooked
19 Grim Realities of Dating After 50 That Are Often Overlooked
26 Things That Will Be Extinct Because Millennials Refuse to Buy Them
26 Things That Will Be Extinct Because Millennials Refuse to Buy Them
24 Outdated Slang Terms You Absolutely Shouldn’t Be Using Anymore
24 Outdated Slang Terms You Absolutely Shouldn’t Be Using Anymore
25 Hardest Parts About Getting Older That No One Ever Talks About
25 Hardest Parts About Getting Older That No One Ever Talks About
