There’s a fascinating shift happening, and it’s all about going back to the basics.

We often think of progress as moving forward, but sometimes, the most impactful changes come from looking back and re-adopting time-tested traditions.

According to psychologists, this is precisely what’s happening in 2025.

Certain values held by the boomer generation are making a significant comeback.

It’s not about being old-fashioned; instead, it’s about recognizing the wisdom in these principles and understanding how they can contribute to our lives today.

In this article, we’ll dive into seven of these boomer values that are regaining popularity.

While we’re not suggesting you chuck your smartphone out the window and start writing letters again, there’s definitely something to be said for slowing down and appreciating the simplicity of the ‘good old days’.

Sit back, grab a cup of coffee, and let’s journey together into a world where old-school meets new-age:

1) Embrace of simplicity

Let’s take a step back and think about the boomers’ way of life.

The simplicity they embraced seems to be a growing trend among the younger generations in 2025.

In our complex and fast-paced world, sometimes less is more.

The boomers knew this well, living lives focused more on experiences and relationships than material possessions.

It’s an idea that has been widely studied in psychology.

As psychologist Abraham Maslow famously said, “A first-rate soup is more creative than a second-rate painting.”

This quote encapsulates the shift we’re seeing towards embracing simpler pleasures in life rather than always striving for the next big thing.

By prioritizing quality over quantity and focusing on personal growth and relationships, we’re seeing a resurgence of this boomer value.

2) Work-life balance

Now, this is a value that has struck a chord with me personally.

I remember watching my grandparents, classic boomers, as they effortlessly balanced their professional and personal lives.

They worked hard, no doubt about it, but they also knew when to let their hair down and enjoy life.

In 2025, this boomer value is making a surprising comeback.

As we navigate the hustle and bustle of modern life, we’re realizing the importance of this balance.

It’s not just about climbing the career ladder; it’s about savoring the journey along the way.

This implies that it’s not about choosing work over life or vice versa.

It’s about finding that sweet spot in between where you can fulfill your professional goals without sacrificing your personal happiness.

3) The value of face-to-face connection

Are we losing touch with the human element in our digitally dominated world?

This question has been on my mind lately.

Boomers grew up in an era where face-to-face interactions were the norm, not the exception.

They valued personal connection, heartfelt conversations, and the simple joy of being in the presence of others.

People are starting to crave more authentic, real-life connections.

Sure, social media and technology have their place, but they can’t replace the raw honesty of a face-to-face chat.

Famous psychologist, Albert Bandura once said, “In order to succeed, people need a sense of self-efficacy, to struggle together with resilience to meet the inevitable obstacles and inequities of life.”

Here’s to putting down our screens every now and then and embracing the beauty of genuine human interaction—it might not always be comfortable or convenient, but it’s undeniably real!

4) Importance of community

Boomers grew up with a strong sense of community.

Neighbors knew each other, people helped out when someone was in need, and there was a shared sense of responsibility for the well-being of the whole community.

Fast forward to 2025, and it seems that this value is making a significant comeback.

As we navigate through the complexities of modern life, there’s a growing realization that we’re not meant to go it alone.

This shift is supported by a study by psychologists Roy Baumeister and Mark Leary, which posited that humans have an inherent need to belong and form social connections.

This “need to belong” theory suggests that we are hardwired for connection and community.

In essence, we’re seeing a return to the idea that ‘it takes a village’.

This boomer value reminds us of the power of coming together and fostering a sense of community in our increasingly disconnected world.

5) Value of patience

I’ll be the first to admit, patience doesn’t come naturally to me as I’m a part of the ‘instant gratification’ generation.

But if there’s one thing I’ve learned from the boomers, it’s the value of patience—we’re seeing a resurgence of this boomer virtue.

As our lives become more fast-paced, there’s a growing appreciation for taking our time and not rushing through life.

Psychologist Carl Rogers said it best: “The good life is a process, not a state of being. It is a direction not a destination.”

It’s about enjoying the journey, not just rushing towards the destination.

Embracing patience allows us to savor each moment and cultivate a deeper appreciation for the here and now.

6) Embracing failure

Now, this might seem counterintuitive.

After all, who wants to fail? But the boomers understood something essential—failure is often the stepping stone to success.

We’re starting to view failure not as a setback, but as an opportunity for growth and learning.

Embracing failure is about persistence, resilience, and the courage to keep going even when things don’t go as planned.

It’s not the easiest path, but it’s often the most rewarding one.

7) Power of gratitude

Finally, let’s talk about gratitude.

Boomers knew the importance of appreciating what they had, and in 2025, this value is more relevant than ever.

As psychologist William James put it, “The deepest principle in human nature is the craving to be appreciated.”

Gratitude fulfills this need and helps foster happiness and contentment.

Let’s take a leaf out of the boomer’s book and make time to appreciate what we have.

Final reflections

As we reflect on these boomer values making a comeback in 2025, it’s evident that there’s a lot we can learn from the past.

These principles are not about romanticizing the ‘good old days’ or resisting progress, but about recognizing the wisdom inherent in these values.

They serve as powerful reminders of what truly matters and provide us with a compass to navigate through our complex world.

From embracing simplicity and patience to valuing community and face-to-face connections, these values teach us to slow down, appreciate what we have, and foster deeper connections with those around us.

As we move forward, let’s also look back and carry these timeless lessons into our modern lives.

After all, the past has a lot to teach us about living well in the present!