Times sure have changed, and so have the things we consider luxuries. Here’s a look back at every day things we take for granted that Baby Boomers once considered rare or extravagant. From breezy air-conditioned rooms to streaming the latest shows on demand, it’s fascinating to see the shift.
1. A Phone You Can Use on the Go
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Once upon a time, the idea of having your own personal phone that you carried with you would’ve seemed like something out of a futuristic movie. Boomers grew up with landlines, and even then, you might have to share one phone with the whole family. Now, cell phones are essential items that everyone has, and they keep us connected all day long. What was once an unimaginable luxury is now absolutely indispensable.
2. A Cool Home
For Boomers, air conditioning at home was a rare luxury—something you’d only feel in a department store or theater. Most folks relied on fans or just opened windows, sweating it out through summer. These days, though, A/C is a given in most homes. Staying cool with the flip of a switch? Standard, not special. But for Boomers, having air conditioning at home would’ve felt like the ultimate comfort and convenience.
3. Zapping Your Meals
When microwaves became mainstream in the ‘70s, they felt like science fiction, giving people a way to “cook” at warp speed. For Baby Boomers, this device was a true luxury, something that meant cooking wasn’t such a chore. Today, every kitchen has one, and we hardly give it a second thought. What was once a modern marvel for speeding up dinner is now a background player we completely take for granted.
4. Color TVs (and More than One)
The idea of having more than one TV in the house? Practically unheard of for Boomers. Families would gather around a single set, catching the latest show or news together. Now, it’s not unusual to have multiple TVs, with each person able to watch whatever they want in their own room. Privacy and choice were a luxury back then, but now it’s practically standard to have screens wherever you turn.
5. A Machine that Does the Dishes
Boomers remember when dishwashers were the kind of appliance only the luckiest people owned, turning the monotonous task of washing dishes by hand into a distant memory. Washing up after dinner used to mean rolling up your sleeves and getting to work. Today, dishwashers are a kitchen basic, even in modest apartments. What was once a luxury time-saver is now a daily convenience we don’t think twice about using.
6. Personal Computers
Personal computers were something only large companies or wealthy individuals could afford when they first appeared. For Baby Boomers, the concept of having a computer in the home, let alone one per family member, was hard to imagine. Fast forward, and computers are absolutely everywhere, whether for work, school, or play. What was once a high-tech wonder for Boomers has transformed into a basic, indispensable part of everyday life.
7. Unlimited Long-Distance Calls
Back then, calling someone out of town meant being super careful about how long you talked because those bills could add up fast. Long-distance calls were planned events, something families budgeted for. These days, chatting with friends across the world costs practically nothing, thanks to cell phones and internet calls. Boomers could have only dreamed of staying connected without the worry of racking up huge fees just to talk to loved ones.
8. Jumping on a Plane
Air travel used to be reserved for big occasions or important business trips, and even then, it was only for those who could afford the steep price. Boomers remember a time when the idea of flying regularly was practically unthinkable. But today, budget airlines and competitive fares make frequent flying much more accessible. What was once a rare, costly experience is now an everyday convenience for many people with weekend getaways.
9. Dining Out on a Whim
For Boomers, dining out was a special treat, something you’d reserve for birthdays or anniversaries. Going to a restaurant made the night feel memorable. But now, with fast food, delivery apps, and casual dining around every corner, eating out is a normal part of life for most people. We can grab a meal whenever we want without thinking about it. What used to feel like a mini luxury is just part of our routine.
10. Instant Communication
Before cell phones, communication was all about waiting for a landline call or mailing a letter. Instant replies were the stuff of sci-fi. Boomers could have never imagined the ability to stay in touch instantly, wherever you are. Now, texting is one of the primary ways we communicate, and messaging apps keep us constantly connected. What was once a futuristic luxury is now part of everyday life—and most of us can’t imagine life without it.
11. On-Demand Entertainment
Growing up, Boomers had to stick to scheduled TV programming or go to the movies for entertainment. You couldn’t just watch what you wanted, whenever you wanted. Now, streaming services offer limitless content at our fingertips, with no need to wait or stick to a schedule. What was once a luxury that could only be imagined is now how we consume most of our entertainment, all from the comfort of our own homes.
12. Coffee Shops on Every Corner
In the past, coffee was something you made at home, not something you bought at a café. Paying several dollars for a latte would have seemed absurd to Boomers, but today, coffee shops are everywhere, and specialty drinks are part of daily routines. This everyday indulgence turns coffee from a basic kitchen staple into a little social ritual, elevating it from a simple cup of joe to a small luxury people enjoy daily.
13. Home Fitness Equipment
Back in the day, if you wanted to work out, you went to a gym—that was where you’d find exercise equipment. Home fitness setups were a true luxury, something that only a few people could have. Now, home gyms are more accessible, and a lot of people have everything from basic yoga mats to high-tech exercise machines at home. Fitness has gone from being a luxury to something you can enjoy right in your living room.
14. High Tech Car Features
Features like power windows, airbags, and advanced safety technology were once reserved for high-end cars. Baby Boomers remember when these features were exclusive, a perk for those who could afford the luxury models. Now, they’re standard in most vehicles, keeping us safe and comfortable on the road. What was once a high-end add-on is now a regular part of car ownership, with safety and convenience built right into the driving experience.