Every generation looks back and thinks things were better in their day, but boomers are especially vocal about what they believe is missing from modern British life.
Everything from small everyday habits to traditional values and even things that simply made life feel simpler — they wonder where it all went wrong. While some changes are for the better, others have left people nostalgic for the way things used to be. Here are just some of the things people from this generation often miss.
1. Proper customer service
Many boomers feel that customer service has taken a serious dive in recent years. Once upon a time, shop assistants and call centre workers seemed to take pride in helping people, whereas now, it often feels like a battle just to get a simple answer. Whether it’s self-checkouts replacing human interaction or endless automated phone menus, getting decent service feels harder than ever. While efficiency has definitely improved in some ways, boomers argue that the personal touch is gone. A friendly conversation at the till or someone actually knowing their stuff in a shop made all the difference — and they miss it.
2. Cash being widely used and accepted
Boomers remember a time when you could pay for anything with cash, no questions asked. Now, many shops, cafes, and even pubs are going card-only, leaving cash users struggling. Contactless payments might be convenient, but for those who prefer physical money, it feels like they’re being pushed out. There’s also a general concern about how dependent society has become on digital payments. For those who grew up with coins and notes as the norm, the idea of a cashless world feels both inconvenient and slightly worrying.
3. Neighbours actually knowing each other
Once upon a time, people knew everyone on their street, popped in for tea, and helped each other out. Now, many people barely know their neighbours’ names. The sense of local community that once defined British life has faded, making neighbourhoods feel more disconnected. Boomers miss the days when borrowing a cup of sugar or keeping an eye on each other’s houses was normal. It wasn’t just about being polite—it created a sense of belonging that feels much rarer now.
4. Kids playing outside instead of being glued to screens
Growing up, most boomers spent their childhoods riding bikes, climbing trees, and playing outside until it got dark. Now, they see kids spending most of their time indoors, glued to tablets and gaming consoles. The idea of making your own fun without technology feels like a lost art. While times have changed, many boomers believe children are missing out on the independence and creativity that came from outdoor play. Seeing empty parks and quiet streets makes them wonder what happened.
5. Properly made cups of tea
It might sound trivial, but for boomers, the art of making a good cup of tea is something younger generations don’t always get right. Weak, rushed, or poorly brewed tea is practically offensive to those who grew up in homes where tea-making was taken seriously. Adding milk too soon, using the wrong type of teabag, or rushing the process are all common mistakes. For many boomers, tea isn’t just a drink — it’s a ritual. When they’re handed a disappointing brew, they can’t help but feel standards have slipped.
6. People dressing smartly for occasions
There was a time when going out for dinner, heading to church, or even travelling by plane meant dressing up. Now, casual clothing has taken over, and boomers feel like people don’t make the same effort anymore. Seeing ripped jeans and hoodies in places that once required proper attire makes them shake their heads. While comfort is important, they believe there’s something to be said for taking pride in how you present yourself. Smart dress was a sign of respect for the occasion — something they feel has been lost.
7. Affordable homes for young people
Boomers grew up in a time when buying a home was a realistic goal, even on a modest salary. Now, they watch younger generations struggle with sky-high house prices and impossible mortgage requirements. What was once a normal life milestone now feels like a distant dream for many. Many boomers acknowledge that the housing market has changed drastically, but they still find it shocking how unaffordable things have become. The idea that renting indefinitely is the new norm doesn’t sit well with them.
8. Newspapers being widely read
Boomers remember a time when everyone read the newspaper, whether at the breakfast table or on the train. Now, with news available at the click of a button, physical newspapers are disappearing, and fewer people take the time to sit and read properly. The ritual of flipping through the pages with a morning coffee is something they truly miss. While online news is convenient, many boomers feel it lacks the depth and credibility of traditional newspapers. They worry that attention spans are getting shorter, and people are less informed as a result.
9. Proper high street shopping
Once, the high street was the heart of a town, full of bustling shops, independent businesses, and places to meet friends. Now, thanks to online shopping and rising rent costs, many of those beloved shops have disappeared. Walking down the high street today often means seeing more empty units than thriving stores. Boomers feel that something special has been lost. Shopping used to be an experience, not just a transaction, and they miss the social aspect of it.
10. People having basic DIY skills
Fixing a leaky tap, sewing a button back on, or even changing a tyre were once seen as basic life skills. Now, many younger people rely on professionals for things that boomers learned to do themselves. The idea of paying someone to assemble flat-pack furniture or hang a picture seems absurd to them. They believe knowing how to handle small repairs is part of being self-sufficient. Seeing people struggle with things they see as simple makes them wonder what happened to practical skills.
11. Less reliance on technology for everything
Boomers remember a time when people memorised phone numbers, used paper maps, and made plans without needing constant texts. Now, everything revolves around technology, and they worry that basic problem-solving skills are being lost. Watching people panic when their phone dies or an app goes down only confirms their suspicions. They don’t deny that technology has its benefits, but they do feel that younger generations have become too dependent on it. Sometimes, a little old-school resourcefulness wouldn’t hurt.
12. Sunday roasts as a family tradition
For many boomers, Sunday roasts were a sacred part of the week. Families gathered around the table, enjoyed a home-cooked meal, and caught up on life. Now, busy schedules, takeaways, and casual eating habits have made this tradition less common. They miss the sense of togetherness that came with sitting down for a proper meal. To them, it wasn’t just about the food — it was about family time.
13. People actually answering their phones
Back in the day, if the phone rang, you answered it — simple as that. Now, many people screen calls, let them go to voicemail, or prefer texting instead. Boomers find it frustrating when they can’t just pick up the phone and have a quick conversation. They understand that not everyone wants to talk all the time, but to them, some things are just easier said than typed. Ignoring calls feels rude, no matter how normal it’s become.
14. Manners and common courtesy
One of the biggest things boomers say is missing from modern life is simple politeness. Please, thank you, holding doors open, and basic respect for other people seem less common than they used to be. They notice it everywhere, from public transport to customer service. While not everyone agrees, they feel that a little more kindness and consideration would go a long way. To them, good manners never go out of style.
