Let’s face it: in a society that’s constantly pushing for faster, newer, and bigger, it’s easy to forget that a slower, more deliberate approach to life can serve us well.
I’ve been around long enough to see everything from typewriters to tablets, and all the change in between has led me to reflect on certain “old-school” values that seemed so common when I was growing up. Now, as a sixty-something retiree, I realize these values are more relevant than ever.
What follows are seven of those time-tested principles that I believe today’s world could benefit from. Some you may recognize from your own life or from that wise grandparent who always had a little bit of advice. Either way, I hope you find these reminders as grounding as I do.
1. Respecting elders
As a former high school English teacher, I’ve seen teens wrestle with what it means to show respect—particularly to those who’ve come before them. It’s not that younger generations don’t want to learn from older folks; it’s just that we live in a culture that sometimes overvalues novelty over history.
When I was growing up, if an older neighbor needed help, you’d show up on their doorstep without question. That was just what you did. This tradition of respecting elders often included listening attentively to their experiences.
I remember sitting with my grandmother at the kitchen table, enthralled by stories of her childhood during the Depression. Even though her world felt far removed from mine, it taught me that wisdom comes in many forms and from many eras.
In today’s context—when people of all ages are more connected than ever through social media—it’s crucial not to discount the life experiences of those who’ve lived longer. Often, our biggest lessons come not from textbooks but from the human library right in front of us.
2. Practicing patience
Have you ever felt the urge to refresh your email over and over just because you expect an instant reply? Or maybe you’ve streamed an entire season of a show in one weekend, simply because you could.
As baby boomers, we didn’t have everything on demand. If you missed your favorite TV program, you’d have to wait until it was rerun—if it ever aired again. If you ordered something by mail, you might wait weeks for it to show up.
Patience, therefore, wasn’t just a virtue—it was a necessity. We had to learn to be comfortable in the waiting, and I firmly believe there’s a lot of peace in that. Patience teaches us resilience. It also reminds us that some of the best things in life can’t be rushed.
I talked about this in a previous post on DMNews, emphasizing how slowing down often reveals overlooked opportunities. These days, practicing patience might mean resisting the urge to scroll social media at every lull in the day.
It might look like giving yourself space to mull over a big decision before jumping in. Patience is a gift we can give ourselves—and one that offers immense returns.
3. Prioritizing family time
I come from a big, Irish-Italian family, so gatherings were frequent and rowdy. My mother made sure we ate dinner together at least a few nights a week. What did that look like?
Well, it was more than just a quick meal. We’d talk about our days. We’d debate current events (politely, most of the time). By the end of dinner, we felt more connected—not just as relatives but as real participants in each other’s lives.
Today’s culture sometimes encourages us to chase individual success at all costs, which can leave our relationships on the back burner. But think back on your happiest memories—chances are, many of them involve people you love.
I’ve noticed that my happiest moments in retirement revolve around spending quality time with my grandchildren, reading stories with them or just watching them discover the world. This family focus needn’t be limited to blood relatives.
Close friends, “found family,” and other cherished relationships also deserve intentional investment. It’s the sense of connection that truly enriches our lives.
4. Embracing hard work
When I was a teenager, my summer jobs included babysitting, cleaning neighbors’ backyards, and even scrubbing floors at the local ice cream shop.
I didn’t necessarily love hauling trash to the curb in the blazing heat, but I always found a sense of pride in doing the job well. Growing up, I was taught that hard work is an essential part of character development.
That doesn’t mean we should glorify burnout. It means finding joy and purpose in the tasks at hand—whether you’re writing a novel or sorting through tax paperwork. Winston Churchill once said, “Continuous effort—not strength or intelligence—is the key to unlocking our potential.”
I’ve seen this ring true both in my days as a teacher (when I’d watch a determined student finally master an essay) and now in retirement (when tackling new cooking challenges or volunteering in my community). There’s a certain fulfillment that comes from persistence, and that sense of accomplishment is worth its weight in gold.
5. Living within your means
For many baby boomers, credit cards weren’t always an option, and flashy gadgets were limited to the occasional luxury purchase. If we couldn’t afford something, we saved until we could. This habit wasn’t just about financial prudence; it was about valuing long-term security over short-term indulgence.
Even now, I’ve noticed how a well-balanced budget can contribute to peace of mind. My husband and I spent years living on a teacher’s salary (with a growing family) and found creative ways to stretch a dollar. I’m not saying everyone needs to adopt a “ramen noodles only” mindset.
But maybe, if you’ve been eyeing the latest smartphone while your current one still works just fine, consider whether that purchase aligns with your bigger life goals. Bill Gates famously said, “Don’t compare yourself with anyone in this world…if you do so, you are insulting yourself.”
That’s a reminder that keeping up with the neighbors often leads us to overspend or take on unnecessary debt. Sometimes, the smartest financial move is to appreciate what we have and keep our eyes on the bigger picture.
6. Building community and looking out for neighbors
I grew up in a neighborhood where we all knew each other by first name. If someone was sick, a homemade casserole would appear on their doorstep. If kids were playing outside, everyone on the block collectively kept an eye on them. That sense of community shaped how I see the world.
We’ve got social media that helps us connect across distances, but how often do we really reach out to our actual neighbors? There’s something powerful about face-to-face connections—the ability to chat over the fence or share a cup of tea.
I’ve learned that volunteering at local literacy programs has given me a new perspective on how communities thrive when people pull together. Brene Brown often talks about the power of vulnerability, and part of vulnerability is letting yourself be known by your community, as well as showing up for them in return.
In an era where it’s easy to remain behind screens, old-school neighborly values can help us rediscover a sense of belonging.
7. Holding on to humility
Finally—and I like to think of this as the capstone of these values—there’s humility. We baby boomers were often taught not to brag or “put on airs,” as my mother used to say. But the root of humility isn’t just about modesty; it’s about remembering that we’re all learning every day, no matter our age.
Humility invites us to stay curious and open. It allows us to say, “I don’t have all the answers,” and mean it. I recall a time back in my teaching years when I assigned a reading list that turned out to be too challenging for a group of sophomores.
I had to own that mistake, apologize, and adjust the curriculum on the fly. Not exactly a shining moment for me, but it was a real lesson in how accepting responsibility can build credibility and respect.
Albert Einstein is often quoted as saying, “The more I learn, the more I realize how much I don’t know.” That’s the spirit of humility right there—recognizing that growth and wisdom are lifelong pursuits.
Wrapping up
These seven values aren’t relics from a bygone era; they’re building blocks for a life rooted in meaning and connection. And let’s be honest: none of us has fully mastered them. They’re ideals, reminders to pause and think about what really matters.
So, how can you bring a bit of old-school wisdom into your own day-to-day routine? Maybe it’s as simple as calling an older relative you haven’t spoken to in a while or resisting the urge to impulse-buy something just because it’s on sale.
Ask yourself: Which of these values resonate with me, and how might my life improve if I practiced them more often?
I’d love to hear your thoughts—because no matter how many years pass, there’s always something new to learn from each other. After all, isn’t that what staying open-minded is all about? Feel free to share your experiences, and remember: embracing a bit of “old-school” could be exactly what today’s fast-paced world needs.
