I grew up watching Boomers handle all kinds of little life skills like it was no big deal. They just knew stuff — stuff a lot of us today have to whip out our phones and Google. Some of these things sound simple, but when you’re actually stuck needing to do them, it’s a different story. [And no, it’s not just about nostalgia—it’s real things people still need today.]
Here’s a list of 15 real-life skills Boomers just knew — and ones Gen Z usually have to Google when they run into them today.
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How to Properly Fold a Fitted Sheet
It’s not witchcraft—Boomers had a trick for it—tuck one corner into another until all four are stacked, lay it flat, tidy up the edges, and fold it into a neat rectangle. Way easier than it looks once you try it. Gen Z usually just Googles it, then gives up & shoves the sheet in the closet anyway.
How to Change a Tire
Back then, a flat tire wasn’t a full-blown crisis. You grabbed the jack & spare and got it done. Now? First instinct is to Google “how to change a tire” and hope YouTube saves the day.
What Time It Is Without a Phone
You could tell the general time based on the sun [morning = east, evening = west]. Boomers were good at that. Gen Z? If their phone dies, they’re cooked unless they remember how shadows work.
How to Write a Check
Boomers could fill out a check without blinking. (Payee, amount in numbers, amount in words, signature—done.) A lot of Gen Z [who barely ever touch paper money] have to Google it when they’re stuck paying rent or fees the old-school way.
How to Address an Envelope
Boomers just knew where everything went—sender at the top left, recipient in the center. Gen Z? Plenty of people still pull out their phones to double-check “Where do I put the address on an envelope.”
Basic Mental Math
Making change, figuring out a discount—Boomers could do it in their heads. Gen Z? It’s normal to reach for the calculator app [even for stuff like 20% of $15].
How to Sew on a Button
Boomers would have a missing button sewn back on before you even finished complaining about it. Today? It’s usually “how to sew on a button fast” while low-key panicking before work.
How to Set Up a Router or Wi-Fi Without Calling Tech Support
Boomers were used to setting up electronics with just a manual & a little patience. These days, a lot of Gen Z will Google “how to set up the router without help” because it’s somehow still not as simple as “plug it in.”
How to Iron Clothes
They knew the settings by heart—[linen = high heat, synthetics = low]. Today, you’ll hear people searching “how to iron pants without burning them” right before a job interview.
How to Cook Basic Meals Without a Recipe
Boomers knew how to throw together casseroles, pasta sauces, & stews with whatever was lying around. Gen Z? It’s more like “easy 5-ingredient recipes” on Pinterest because guessing feels risky.
How to Spot a Scam Call or Email Without Help
Boomers grew up skeptical [and not in a bad way]. They could sniff out a shady message a mile away. Gen Z? Scammers are slick now—you pretty much have to Google “how to know if this is a scam.”
How to Make a Collect Call
If you were stranded somewhere without change for a payphone, you knew how to do a collect call. Gen Z might pass a payphone today & Google “How do you even use this thing?”
How to Check the Oil in a Car
Pop the hood, pull the dipstick, wipe it, reinsert, and check the level. (Simple when you know how.) Now? You’ll see a lot of “how to check my car’s oil” searches when that little dashboard light comes on.
How to Unclog a Drain Without Chemicals
Boomers knew you didn’t need fancy stuff—a plunger, boiling water, or baking soda & vinegar usually did the trick. Now, it’s “how to fix a clogged drain without a plumber” after pouring half a bottle of Drano to no effect.
How to Set a Table the Right Way
Forks on the left, knives & spoons on the right, glass above the knife—Boomers learned it like brushing their teeth. Gen Z often scrambles to Google “how to set a formal table” five minutes before hosting Friendsgiving.
Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.
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