Some life skills that were once common are now lost – at least for people under 40. As many things become automated, others have fallen out of style. Most of our tasks are handled by apps, services and devices now. This is convenient, but without life skills, many young people would lose out on the confidence and autonomy gained by doing things themselves. These lost skills remind us how life has changed and show the gap between generations.
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Basic Car Maintenance
It was common knowledge to change a tire, check oil or change a headlight. These days, with modern complex cars and roadside assistance, most people under 40 do not need to learn. But those little techniques can save your life if you get stranded on the road with no help in sight. Being able to do basic auto maintenance will also make you more confident and save you time waiting around when something goes wrong.
Cooking from Scratch
For older generations, it was a daily ritual to prepare fresh food. Today, thanks to busy schedules, meal kits, takeout and ready to eat foods, young people don’t have to cook much of anything at home. But they might not get the advantages of cooking – such as knowing exactly what is in your food and saving money. Also, making food from scratch can be a fun way to reconnect with family traditions and cooking recipes.
Sewing and Mending Clothes
Before fast fashion era, clothes were made rather than purchased. Most people are no longer able to sew a button, a hem or a hole. That’s why more clothes are tossed away instead of being restored. Even a little sewing knowledge can cut costs and waste. There’s also something rewarding about mending something yourself rather than getting it done from a store or tailor.
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Reading a Map
Many young people can struggle to find their way if they lose their phone or there’s no signal. Reading a map educates a person to navigate through direction, distance and landmarks. It is a skill that can be very useful, specially when hiking or traveling in an isolated region.
Writing Letters by Hand
Handwritten letters are now in short supply as email and text messages have taken over as the dominant communication media. Handwritten letters are more deliberate, intimate and meaningful. A handwritten letter can make a lasting impression, whether it’s a thank you, birthday wish, or just simply a reminder.
Balancing a Checkbook
Online banking made hand-balancing a checkbook essentially obsolete, but it was this technique that taught people how to keep track of every penny. Manually balancing a checkbook also gave people a sense of just how much they were spending and saving. Without it, many people will find it difficult to track their money and overspend or miss out on payments.
Starting a Fire Without Matches
Setting fire without matches is an important survival trait. People used to know this for camping or emergency situations, but these days this life skill is hard to find. Previously, it was used for camping or emergencies, but no one seems to know it anymore. The ability to light a fire by gathering dry wood, dragging or burning a flint will come in handy if you ever get lost out in the wilderness. It can keep you warm, heat your food, even bolster morale in a situation of crisis.
Handwriting in Cursive
Computer- and phone-typing has replaced cursive writing for most people. It’s not even taught anymore in most schools, and fewer children are capable of writing or reading cursive. Cursive writing used to be necessary knowledge in reading ancient documents, not to mention signing your name in a unique way.
Basic Home Repairs
Older generations would tend to small household chores such as replacing a broken tap or painting a wall. These are the sorts of things people now tend to hire a handyman to do. Simple home improvements save time and money, and they also give a sense of pride in maintaining your own space. Being able to handle some repairs can also make people more dependent.
Gardening and Growing Food
Gardening used to be more common, at least in the countryside. Planting food in the backyard saves you money and allows you to have control over what you eat. Because people are no longer gardening, they’re a lot less informed about how to plant, water and harvest. Gardening links people to the environment and can be a very restful, rewarding pastime.
Using Basic Tools
Hammers, screwdrivers and wrenches are all household tools that are not so commonly known to young people. DIY and repair work can be cheap, but without any basic tool knowledge, young adults turn to experts for the simplest tasks. With the basic tools you can learn how to handle little housework projects with more confidence.
Reading an Analog Clock
Clocks now run on digital technology, leaving analog clocks unrecognizable to younger generations. But analog clocks teach us the hour by means of minute and hour hands. It might still be helpful to be able to read them since some clocks don’t have digital displays.
Memorizing Phone Numbers
There was a time when people memorized phone numbers because they had to. Remembering phone numbers is now handled by contact lists. Though convenient, having only digital contact lists is bad if one misplaces or cannot access their phone. Learning a few essential numbers is useful in case of emergency.
Mental Math Skills
Calculators and apps have made mental math redundant. But being able to do some simple calculations in your head is handy when you need to divide up a bill or take advantage of a discount. Mental math sharpens the mind and is an aide to performing short, instantaneous computations.
Writing a Resume from Scratch
Templates and AI resources have now made resumes easier to put together. But resume writing from scratch can make people unique and original. When people can write and format a resume on their own, it will stand out to prospective employers.
Handwashing Clothes
Washing machines are the go-to for laundry, but hand washing used to be more common, especially for delicate clothes. Learning to wash clothes yourself will make clothes last longer and can come in handy if you don’t have access to a washing machine.
Navigating Public Transportation Systems
Transport is made convenient by ride-sharing apps, but younger people might be overwhelmed by public transportation (for example, buses or trains). Knowing how to use public transportation can save you money and minimize dependency on cars or costly ride shares.
Looking up Information in Books
Search engines now instantly deliver information, but the ability to consult a book was once a valuable skill. Reading an encyclopedia or reference book trains patience and the ability to conduct research for further study.
Tying Various Knots
Knot-tying was a simple skill to learn for camping, boating or hanging objects. Some don’t know to tie even simple knots anymore — handy for camping or transporting heavy loads. It’s a functional skill that makes some things easier and safer.
Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.
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