Old School Boomer Skills That Gen Z Just Doesn’t Have

Generational debates are as old as time—and so are the complaints. Boomers say “kids these days” wouldn’t last a week in their day. Gen Z says Boomers wouldn’t survive an afternoon without tech support. Now, a discussion on Reddit is adding fuel to that fire, laying out some basic skills Boomers think younger people are clueless about.

Here are the highlights—and why each one hits a nerve.

Reading a Map Without GPS

Boomers learned to fold maps like origami and navigate using street signs. Gen Z needs Google Maps and hopes it doesn’t lead them into a lake.

Addressing an Envelope

Postage, return address, and recipient info—in the right places, please. To some Gen Z’ers, mailing something is like decoding ancient scrolls.

Using a Plunger

Toilet clogged? There’s a special tool for that, but apparently not everyone under 30 knows what to do with it. (Hint: If you’re holding it by the rubber end, you’re doing it wrong.)

Telling Time on an Analog Clock

If it doesn’t have digital numbers, some younger folks have to pause and think—or just check their phone instead.

Counting Out Correct Change

With digital wallets and tap-to-pay, mental math is becoming a lost art. Some Boomers are stunned by the pause when handing over cash.

Typing on a Real Keyboard

Gen Z is fast on a phone screen—but put them in front of a desktop keyboard and it’s not always pretty.

Mending Clothes and Sewing on Buttons

Sewing kits used to be household staples. Today? Many would sooner toss that shirt and hit Amazon for a new one.

Cooking from Scratch

Microwaves and meal delivery apps have replaced recipe books and measuring cups in many homes, much to the dismay of older generations.

Doing Basic Handyman Tasks

Changing a light fixture, installing a shelf, or swapping out an outlet used to be weekend chores. Now, it’s “call someone.”

Writing a Check

You mean with an actual pen and paper?? Younger adults are more likely to use apps like Venmo or Zelle.

Writing in Cursive

Once a staple of elementary school, cursive has been dropped from many curriculums. For some Gen Zers, it may as well be hieroglyphics.

Driving Stick Shift

Manual transmissions are rare in the U.S. now, so it shouldn’t surprise anyone that this skill has more or less disappeared.

Reading Roman Numerals

Outside of Super Bowl logos or old clocks, Roman numerals just don’t come up much anymore. To be fair, they weren’t even using them very much L years ago.

Whether these missing skills signal a crisis or just a shift in how we live is up for debate. But one thing’s certain: every generation thinks the next one is doing it all wrong—and that’s nothing new.