12 Things Boomers See as Luxuries that Younger People Think Are Necessities
Generational differences often shape how people view comfort and convenience. What one generation considers a luxury, another may treat as a basic need. This is especially true between boomers and younger generations.
Cable TV subscriptions
Cable TV used to be a luxury for many Boomers. Having dozens of channels at your fingertips was seen as something special.
Today, you might view cable as more of a necessity. Streaming services and on-demand content have changed how you expect to access entertainment.
For many younger people, cutting the cord is common, but a base subscription to cable or similar service is often still essential. It’s about convenience and access to live news or sports, not just luxury.
Landline phones
For many Boomers, a landline phone is seen as a luxury—something reliable but not necessary for everyday life. They grew up with one phone per household and view it as a backup rather than a must-have.
You, on the other hand, might find it odd not to have your phone with you all the time. Smartphones make it easy to stay connected wherever you go, so landlines feel less important.
Still, Boomers appreciate the sound quality and stability landlines offer, especially during power outages or emergencies. Your cell phone might do the job, but a landline is often seen as a nice extra, not a basic need.
Owning a car
For many Boomers, owning a car was seen as a luxury and a sign of financial success. You might remember a time when public transportation or walking was the normal way to get around.
Today, you likely consider having your own car essential for daily life. It’s not just about convenience but sometimes a necessity for work, errands, and social activities.
Younger generations grew up with different city layouts and job markets. That means you might rely on your vehicle more than Boomers did at your age.
Home landline phone directories
You might take for granted that you can quickly look up any number on your phone. But boomers often remember when finding a phone number meant flipping through a thick paper directory.
For them, having a clean, updated phone book at home was a real convenience—a luxury they appreciated. Today, you expect instant access to contact info online, making the landline directory feel outdated or unnecessary.
Still, if your internet goes out, you might notice how handy those physical books once were. Boomers tend to see that reliance on digital lookups as a new necessity, not just a simple tool.
Payphones
You might not remember a time when payphones were everywhere. For Boomers, a payphone was a reliable luxury if you needed to make a call away from home.
Today, you probably expect your phone to be with you all the time. Having constant access to a mobile device means payphones feel outdated or unnecessary.
If your phone battery dies, finding a payphone might seem like a rare emergency solution rather than a standard option. Boomers saw them as valuable tools, but you see your phone as essential.
Physical newspapers
You might see physical newspapers as something you can’t live without. For boomers, these papers were once a key source of daily news.
They often viewed them as a luxury, something enjoyable but not strictly necessary. With the rise of digital news, many younger people now expect instant access to information on their phones.
This shift means that physical newspapers, once common, feel like a special treat or a break from screens. You may appreciate the tactile experience, but many of your peers rely on digital versions for convenience.
Daily cash allowances
Boomers often see daily cash allowances as a luxury, something you might get only on special occasions. Carrying a set amount of spending money was once treated like a treat.
For younger people, having a daily cash allowance feels more like a necessity. It helps you manage your personal budget and feel independent.
You might use cash for quick buys, coffee, or public transit, making it a small but essential part of your routine. This difference shows how spending habits have shifted over generations.
Formal dining sets
Boomers often see formal dining sets as a sign of a well-kept home and a luxury worth investing in. For them, having matching chairs and a large wooden table reserved for special occasions is important.
Younger people tend to view formal dining sets as less necessary. Many prefer flexible spaces that adapt to different activities rather than a designated formal dining area.
If you grew up with a formal dining set, you might appreciate the tradition. But you might also find that your lifestyle calls for casual, multifunctional furniture instead.
Handwritten letters
For many Boomers, handwritten letters are a special luxury, a rare way to connect deeply with someone. They remember waiting days or weeks to receive personal notes in the mail.
You, however, likely see messaging apps and emails as the standard for quick and constant communication. Handwriting a letter might feel slow or unnecessary.
Still, taking the time to write by hand can show extra effort and care. It’s a way to pause and reflect, something often lost in today’s fast conversations.
Vinyl record players
For boomers, vinyl record players are often seen as a luxury item. They associate them with nostalgia and a time when music was experienced differently.
You might see vinyl as more than a luxury. To you, the sound quality and the ritual of playing records can feel essential. It’s about enjoying music in a tactile, physical way.
While boomers may view them as a special treat, you might consider a record player a must-have for your music collection or personal style.
Home cooked meals every night
For boomers, sitting down to a home cooked meal every night was often a special treat. It wasn’t always expected, but when it happened, it felt like a luxury.
Younger people today often see home cooked dinners as a basic necessity for health and lifestyle. It’s common to prioritize cooking at home to save money or eat better.
Many boomers remember a time when eating out or grabbing takeout was more frequent and accepted. You might find that for you, cooking every night is less about luxury and more about daily routine or even self-care.
Sunday newspaper delivery
For many Boomers, getting the Sunday newspaper on the doorstep felt like a special treat. It was a quiet ritual to unfold the paper and dive into stories at your own pace.
Today, you might see it as an outdated luxury. Most people read news instantly online, so waiting for the paper seems unnecessary.
Still, if you enjoy the tactile experience of flipping pages or the habit of a focused Sunday read, you’re keeping a tradition alive that many appreciate.
