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The Baby Boomer generation is one of the most influential, successful generations that has ever existed in history.
They have been responsible for pioneering numerous positive and revolutionary changes integral to our modern culture.
As this generation starts to fade away, so too will some of their unique values and practices begin to disappear.
In this article, we’ll explore 12 disappearing components of the classic Baby Boomer lifestyle that may be gone entirely within a few decades if not revived by younger generations soon.
Join us as we look at what could be lost forever in a matter of years due to declining interest within subsequent generations!
#1. Humor Surrounding Not Liking Your Spouse
There’s generally a particular type of humor associated with each generation, and one type of humor commonly associated with boomers is the “I hate my wife” type.
Even young people today are likely familiar with these kinds of jokes, and it’s not something that they tend to enjoy.
Once the boomers are gone, so too will this type of humor.
#2. Hooters
Have you seen any Hooters around lately?
This restaurant used to be wildly popular, primarily because of the waitresses they would hire.
Today, not so much.
Hooters generally has a more negative reputation among the younger demographics, and it’s something that shows that their food isn’t the best either.
Will it change in the future?
Maybe, but I don’t think anyone is necessarily hoping for a major Hooters comeback.
#3. Fine China and Silverware
Fine china and expensive silverware, once a staple at family gatherings and holidays, may soon become a relic of the past.
As baby boomers age and downsize, the younger generations show less interest in inheriting these delicate and often expensive pieces.
With a move toward more casual entertaining and a preference for durable and convenient dishware, these items may soon be relegated to antique shops rather than dining room tables.
The passing of this tradition is bittersweet, but it also reflects our society’s changing tastes and lifestyles.
#4. Smoking
Vaping might still seem relatively cool to some people, but one thing that seems to be going out with the boomers is smoking cigarettes.
The tobacco industry has taken a massive hit over recent years, and most people have wizened up to the adverse health effects of regularly smoking cigarettes as well as the addictive properties of nicotine.
As such, with the exception of communities specifically targeted by cigarette companies, it’s mostly on its way out.
#5. Writing Checks
The modern world is digital.
It wouldn’t be unwise to assume that most younger people don’t know how to write a check, let alone have them somewhere in the house.
The reality is that writing a check is time-consuming and potentially dangerous if it isn’t sent or someone finds a way to manipulate it.
Most people are more accustomed to digital transactions as it’s instant and easier.
While there may be some limited uses for checks, we likely won’t see them around much longer.
#6. Suits in the Workplace
Many people are stressed out about what they will wear to work.
After all, you should wear a nice suit to impress everyone, right?
Not necessarily.
While this may have been customary for boomers, it turns out that the new generations are more focused on comfortable casual wear in the workplace.
You still won’t show up to work in sweats, but you probably won’t see many people wearing suits.
#7. Cable TV
The advent of Netflix paved the way for the downfall of cable TV.
Nowadays, most popular TV shows are no longer on cable but on various streaming services.
Better yet, you could easily get similar channels for less via streaming and spend less overall by getting out of your cable package.
Plus, the added benefit is not having to deal with five minutes of ads or more during every commercial break.
Once the boomers are gone, cable TV might be gone, too.
#8. Hands-On Customer Service
This one isn’t necessarily great, but it could be realistic.
Baby boomers grew up during a time when there was always someone to support them if they were in a store and looking for help.
There was always someone catering to them, which they became accustomed to.
However, this was long before they were introduced to the internet or bots.
The introduction of the internet and bots made it so that more companies could field questions without having to make direct human contact with prospective or current customers.
Hands-on customer service won’t go away entirely, but we might not see the same level of interaction close to what boomers anticipated.
#9. Long-Term Care Insurance Policies
Insurance has all gone downhill, and almost any younger generation will agree with that sentiment.
What was once designed to offer buyers legitimate protection and care is now primarily designed to extract the most wealth while offering the least benefits, so buyers have to invest more.
One type of insurance that will probably disappear entirely is long-term care insurance policies.
This form of insurance covers the type of care expenses that aren’t covered by regular health insurance or social programs later in life.
Unfortunately, many of them have been butchered over the years, and it’s doubtful that anyone after the baby boomers will see much value in buying this type of insurance.
#10. Bridge
Bridge is a card game that some have heard of but few have played.
It’s apparently more common among baby boomers, and it turns out that they don’t even know that many people still play Bridge.
It might be dying out completely!
#11. Strip Clubs
Strip clubs have always been a well-known part of society, but are they still as big as they once were?
It turns out, no.
With the internet in our pockets, the adult entertainment industry doesn’t need as many in-person venues for such entertainment.
They may still be around in big cities, but they won’t be found as easily anymore or in the future.
#12. Random Phone Calls
Have you ever picked up the phone and called someone?
If you’re not a boomer, probably not.
The days of random phone calls are over.
Younger individuals would much rather text, and it’s to the degree that some even jokingly say voicemails might make a disappearance, too!
#13. Fax Machines
Fax machines have been a staple in offices for decades, but their days are numbered.
As baby boomers retire, the demand for fax machines will likely plummet.
With new technology emerging every day, it’s no surprise that fax machines are becoming obsolete.
While it may be sad to see them go, it’s exciting to see what the future holds.
Goodbye, fax machines, it was nice knowing you.
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This thread inspired this article.
I have over 15 years experience in the financial services industry and 20 years investing in the stock market. I have both my undergrad and graduate degrees in Finance, and am FINRA Series 65 licensed and have a Certificate in Financial Planning.
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