18 Once-Popular Items That Are Slowly Becoming Obsolete That Older Adults Still Value
It's expected that technology and everyday items evolve to accommodate modern times, but that doesn't mean that the items from "back in the day" aren't just as valuable — or nostalgic. Recently, redditor u/Tall_Mickey asked the older adults of the Reddit community what once-popular item from the past they're glad still exists, and as a Gen Z'er, I totally agree. Here are some items people still appreciate in 2024 that are slowly becoming "obsolete":
1."I love maps. We keep an actual map of the States in all of our vehicles. Yes, we use navigation apps, but you can't always depend on them, so an actual map is great to have on hand. Plus, one of my special talents is folding maps. How would anyone know about this talent if I didn't have maps to fold?"
2."Flip phones. I can always go rogue when I feel like it."
3."Physical books instead of digital books. All my work is on a computer, so I enjoy reading from a physical paper book to escape from digital devices."
4."Printed bills. It just makes it easier to track. I get the bills in the mail when I get home, pay the bills, then throw them away when they're paid. And I know they're paid because, if they weren't, they wouldn't be in the trash. I've established the process of getting the mail and then paying the bills (mostly for credit cards and utilities).
5."To be honest, I'm low-key glad DVDs are still a thing. There's just something about owning a physical copy of a movie or show, you know? Plus, there are bonus features and no buffering issues!"
6."Knobs in cars. I rented a Ford Bronco last week, and while I'd never buy one, I was amazed that it had KNOBS for EVERYTHING. No freakin' touchscreen. It was so much safer, and the tactile response was like a warm hug. Kudos to Ford for the knobs on this model!"
7."Stick shift. I drive twisty roads in my Miata, and I like having control over my car. Paddle shifters are an OK alternative, but I really like the feel of the actual shift."
8."Turntables, even though they are slowly waning now."
9."I love pinball machines. They're so physical and visceral and more interesting and dynamic than a lot of computer games."
10."I keep an atlas book of NYC and Boston, as I go that way often. My boy has always chuckled at them and said his GPS will do. The other day, he realized that the atlas shows work-around routes! There was unexpected construction in Boston, and the GPS didn't know where to go! My poor boy was ready to set the truck on fire and live in the woods. I had a work-around in five minutes. Sometimes, both methods have a place!"
11."Hanging file folders. Every time I buy them, I'm terrified that they won't be there anymore. Sorry to say it, but I love paper itself, and it's also on its way out."
12."Wall calendars. I can't miss seeing them; they're right there, and I don't have to open an app."
13."Apparently, printers are becoming obsolete. Mine isn't going anywhere, though I don't need it as much as I used to."
14."Physical keys. The 'push' start and keypad deadbolt of my car and main house door are nice, but there is something about turning a mechanism with a key that I hope never fully goes away."
15."I recently bought a boombox that plays CDs and cassettes. I was surprised that I found it, but I was very pleased because I have a lot of music I like on both media."
16."Fountain pens. I just really like writing with them."
17."Pencil and paper. If I ever get lucky enough to teach math, that's all I'll allow to be used! No pressing a button to get the answer!"
18.Lastly: "CDs. No matter what, my music is MY music. Of course, I put the music on my computer, phone, and tablet, but it's easy to lose that stuff, so I always have a backup. I can make my playlists on PowerAmp, listen to what I want when I want, and jam to my heart's content with NO ads! I may get verbally stoned for this, but I took advantage of Napster and ensuing iterations of file sharing until my ISP threatened me. I have always been a very poor girl, and though many of my CDs are purchased, I would have nowhere near the collection I do without the 'Wild West era' of file sharing. I wouldn't have access to some of the beautiful long versions of the best classic rock or have been able to expand my music taste. Napster, I miss you! But they can't take away my burned music."
When I was in high school, I burned CDs all the time because my car at the time didn't have Bluetooth or an aux unit. I still have them, and every time I decide to put one in, it's like walking through memory lane! What popular piece of technology — or any item in general — from the past are you glad is still around? Let me know in the comments, or you can submit your story anonymously using this form!
Note: Some submissions have been edited for length and/or clarity.
