10 Ways Boomers Had It Easier

The people born between the years 1946 and 1964 are the generation labeled boomers.” They had a unique set of circumstances that created advantages other generations have never been able to replicate. From the lack of social media to stable long-term employment and even lower divorce rates, Boomers had some advantages that trickled into all avenues of life. Get ready to be jealous as we unwrap ten ways Boomers just had it easier in life. 

1. Lower Cost of Living

Boomers were establishing their lives in a post-war economy, which meant they had lower inflation rates and therefore a lower cost of living. Houses cost less, and boomers were actually more commonly able to purchase real estate. Education costs were significantly lower, and people were able to attend college without going into mountains of debt from student loans. 

Examples of lower cost of living advantages:

• A typical boomer would turn 30 years of age around 1985. At this time, the average family home in the United States was $82,800. The average millennial turned 30 in 2019, and the average cost of a home then was $313,000.
• Boomers had smaller mortgages, which made it easier to pay off and own their homes.
• Healthcare costs were lower for Boomers.
• Prescription drugs were cheaper.

2. Affordable Higher Education

Boomers had access to postsecondary education that was affordable. The average cost of a public 4-year university has grown more than 3.70% between 1964 and 2015. Boomers who entered college at 18 years old in 1992 paid an average tuition of $1031 for public school and $4639 for private school. When the oldest boomers were in college in 1964, tuition was only $243 for public school and $1081 for private. Compared to now, these price differences are staggering. Now, on average, yearly tuition for in-state college students is $9,970, and out-of-state is $25,620. 

Benefits of having affordable higher education:

• Boomers felt a reduced financial burden.
• They had an easier time getting into the housing market because they had less debt.
• The lower tuition and lower debt load meant that boomer students were able to focus on their education instead of stressing out about money.

3. Fewer Student Loans

With lower tuition for post-secondary education, boomers had to take on fewer student loans. This is a major advantage that they have that no other generation can replicate. Student loan debt is a major stressor for many, and not having to worry about it meant that boomers faced reduced financial burden and were able to explore better-paying careers as they didn’t have to be worried about the tuition for it.

4. No Social Media

Boomers grew up and entered adulthood without the impact of social media. This is a major advantage that no other generation faces. Because of this, boomers typically had stronger interpersonal relationships because their interactions took place face-to-face. Boomers experienced less FOMO (fear of missing out) and were more content with their lives. Boomers also had improved focus and faced less cyberbullying. Without the effects of social media, boomers had better mental health with much less stress and anxiety than later generations faced.

5. Fewer Distractions

Boomers faced far fewer distractions than any other generation. With limited technology, fewer television channels, and no internet, boomers were able to form more meaningful connections and were able to explore life and the things that brought them joy with intention.

Examples of boomers having fewer distractions:

• Boomers did not have smartphones or camera phones.
• There weren’t gaming consoles like there are now.

6. Stable Employment

Boomers faced a postwar economy and had access to better employment opportunities with stability and longevity. Boomers were loyal to their companies, which allowed them to secure longer-term employment and enjoy whatever perks that came with it. 

7. Lower Divorce Rate

Boomers had more stable families and a lower divorce rate. It was common for couples to commit to working through their issues together and remaining a family unit. With less financial burden, lower tuition, fewer distractions, and no social media, the boomers’ divorce rate is significantly lower than other generations. 

8. More Leisure Time

There are enormous benefits to enjoying leisure time, and because boomers faced fewer career pressures, fewer financial burdens, and more stable family units, they also had more leisure time to do whatever brought them joy. Leisure time helps to lower stress and increase energy levels. It also helps with ensuring you have a good sleep and enhances your mood. Leisure time can improve creativity and boost self-esteem. Boomers had more time available and were able to indulge themselves in more personal activities.

9. Simpler Technology

Boomers did not have the world at their fingertips, and that served them well in many ways. From increased privacy to living with fewer distractions and building more meaningful face-to-face relationships, boomers lived in a time with limited technology. 

Examples of simpler technology:

• Instead of cell phones, boomers had just landline phones and payphones. This meant you could only reach someone who was at home.
• Boomers had cassette tapes and were more limited in being able to listen to what they wanted.
• Instead of Googling everything, boomers had to look through encyclopedias and books to find the information.
• Typing took place on typewriters instead of computers.
• Boomers used film cameras instead of fancy camera phones.

10. More face-to-face interactions

Because of the limited technology, boomers faced more face-to-face interactions. This allowed them to form stronger relationships with deeper connections. They were able to become more empathetic and better problem solvers. Boomers were able to develop great communication skills, which benefited them in many ways throughout life. 

Final Thoughts

It’s easy to see how boomers had it easier. They had a unique set of advantages that set them up differently than younger generations. Most of these advantages haven’t been able to replicate again. From boomers facing lower costs of living, affordable and accessible higher education, a world without social media, simpler technology, and more face-to-face interactions combined to create advantages for the generation that would bring positives to them for their entire lives. So, when a boomer is telling you “back in their day,”  you can be quietly reminded that their day was entirely different and there’s literally no way to replicate it.