TV with Rabbit Ears vs Streaming Everything
Remember when we had three channels—and if the President was on, that was your whole night? You’d fiddle with the rabbit ears, sometimes using aluminum foil to get better reception. Now? A smart TV offers 500+ channels… and we still say “there’s nothing on.”
And yes, we still know how to rewind a cassette with a pencil.
Rotary Phones vs Smartphones
We didn’t scroll—we spun. That rotary dial had a rhythm to it, and God forbid you messed up the last number. Want privacy? You stretched the cord into the pantry and hoped your brother didn’t pick up the other line. Now phones fit in your pocket and talk back to you.
Vinyl Records vs Streaming Playlists
Dropping the needle on a vinyl album was a ritual. You studied the cover art, knew every lyric, and flipped it over halfway. Today, music is on-demand—but nothing beats the crackle of a good record and the feeling of owning your favorite LP.
Bench Seats & No Seatbelts vs GPS & Back-up Cameras
Car rides were wild. You slid across the front bench seat on sharp turns, waved at truckers for a honk, and navigated with a folded map the size of a tablecloth. Now the car tells you when you’re too close to a mailbox.
Playing Outside vs Screen Time
We didn’t “do cardio”—we played kickball until the streetlights came on. Bikes had banana seats, and water came from the garden hose. Nowadays? Kids need an app to count steps. We called that going outside.
Allowance in Quarters vs Digital Wallets
You felt rich with a $5 bill. That could get you a movie ticket, popcorn, and a soda—with change. Today, kids use Apple Pay, and $5 barely covers a latte. But back then, every penny had power (especially when searching couch cushions!).
Vicks & Chicken Soup vs Google & Telehealth
Got a cold? Mom rubbed Vicks on your chest, bundled you in blankets, and served hot soup. No internet needed. Now? You Google your symptoms and think you’re dying within five minutes.
Film Cameras vs Instagram
Photos were rare and precious. You didn’t know if a picture was good until it was developed—weeks later. Now we take 100 selfies, delete 95, and still complain. But nothing beats flipping through a real photo album.
Handwritten Notes vs Text Messages
Passing notes in class took skill and bravery. Love letters were kept in shoe-boxes for decades. Now? Romance is a heart emoji. Call us old-fashioned, but there was magic in waiting for the mailman.
We may not have had Wi-Fi or delivery apps, but we had character. Life was slower, louder, messier—and unforgettable. So here’s to the memories, the music, and the magic of growing up Boomer.