10 skills people over 40 once learned, but are now forgotten

According to research from the Pew Research Center, only about 1 in 3 U.S. adults say they’re very confident fixing things around the house anymore, a sharp drop from older generations who once learned many of these 10 now‑forgotten skills.

As technology advances and society changes, many once commonplace skills have slowly faded into the background. People over 40 often recall a time when certain practical skills were essential parts of daily life, learned out of necessity, passed down through generations, or taught in schools. However, with modern conveniences and technology, these skills have become less relevant in today’s fast-paced world.

While it’s not too late to restore these forgotten abilities, the loss of these skills has led to a shift in how we approach everyday tasks. Here are 10 skills that people over 40 once learned but are now largely forgotten.

Basic Car Maintenance

Data from FinanceBuzz’s 2025 Auto Knowledge Report shows that only about 48% of U.S. drivers say they can change a tire, and just 36% can perform an oil change, confirming that many people now rely on professionals for basic maintenance.

While modern vehicles have become more efficient and easier to maintain, knowing the basics of car maintenance can save time and money. Basic car care can also help extend your vehicle’s life and reduce the number of unexpected repairs.

Handwriting Letters

In the age of email and text messaging, the art of writing a heartfelt letter by hand has become a forgotten skill. Years ago, writing letters was an essential way to communicate, both personally and professionally. People would take the time to craft thoughtful messages and share updates with friends and family.

Now, we rely on quicker, more impersonal methods of communication, and the personal touch of a handwritten letter is lost. However, writing by hand can still be a meaningful way to connect with loved ones, and it’s also shown to have cognitive benefits, including improved memory and creativity.

Memorizing Phone Numbers

Before smartphones, people had to memorize phone numbers. It was common to know the phone numbers of family members, friends, and even local businesses without a contact list. Now, with the convenience of smartphones and cloud storage, most of us have long forgotten how to memorize phone numbers, relying instead on digital devices to store them.

While memorizing phone numbers might not seem essential in today’s world, it can be a good brain exercise, helping with memory retention and cognitive function. Plus, it’s always a good idea to memorize important numbers in case your phone runs out of battery or gets lost.

Using a Map and Navigating Without GPS

Before GPS technology became ubiquitous, people over 40 learned how to use physical maps and navigate by landmarks, street signs, and directions from others.
Understanding how to read a map was essential for traveling by car, bus, or on foot. Now, smartphones and GPS devices do the work for us, and many people no longer know how to navigate without a screen to guide them.

Being able to navigate using a paper map or by recognizing key landmarks can be a helpful skill if you’re in an area with no signal or if GPS is unavailable. Plus, it encourages spatial awareness and helps develop a better sense of direction.

Cooking from Scratch

In the past, people learned to cook from scratch, using basic ingredients and traditional cooking methods. Baking bread, making soups, or preparing fresh pasta, cooking from scratch was a necessary skill for feeding a family. Today, pre-packaged, processed foods and meal kits have made it easier to put a meal on the table without the effort of cooking from scratch.

Learning to cook from scratch gives you more control over what you eat and is a rewarding, creative skill. It’s also healthier and more cost-effective than relying on processed foods or takeout. Plus, cooking at home allows you to experiment with flavors and ingredients, leading to a more personalized and enjoyable dining experience.

Also on MSN: 15 In-Demand Skills If the Economy Collapses

Sewing and Mending Clothes

In earlier generations, knowing how to sew or mend clothes was an essential life skill. Today, however, many people opt to replace worn-out clothes rather than repair them, thanks to the fast-fashion industry and the convenience of online shopping.

Learning basic sewing and mending skills can save money and extend the life of your wardrobe. It can also be a creative outlet, allowing you to personalize or repurpose old clothes into something new.

Reading Analog Clocks

With digital clocks being so prevalent in phones, microwaves, and other devices, the skill of reading analog clocks has become less important. Many children today don’t learn to read analog clocks as easily, relying instead on the digital displays they encounter more frequently. For people over 40, reading an analog clock was once a basic skill learned in school.

Knowing how to read an analog clock remains a practical skill, particularly in settings such as public transit or older homes where digital clocks may not be available. Plus, learning to read both types of clocks can help improve overall time management.

Gardening and Growing Food

In earlier decades, many people grew their own food, in backyard gardens, on farms, or even in small urban spaces. Growing your own food was a valuable skill. Gardening skills were essential for self-sufficiency, and people learned how to grow vegetables, fruits, and herbs to feed their families. Today, many people rely on grocery stores for their produce and have lost touch with the process of growing food.

Growing your own food can be a rewarding and sustainable way to take control of what you eat. It saves money while providing fresh, healthy produce right at your doorstep. Plus, gardening offers stress relief and can be a great way to spend time outdoors.

Maintaining a Budget by Hand

Before personal finance apps and digital banking, people over 40 learned to manage their finances by manually tracking income, expenses, and savings. Today, many people rely on apps or automated systems, leaving this old-school skill behind.

Knowing how to budget manually helps you become more mindful of your spending habits and provides a clearer picture of your financial situation. It’s a skill that encourages financial discipline and can help you better control your finances, even in a world full of digital conveniences.

Basic First Aid

Data from an American Heart Association survey shows that only about one-third of U.S. adults feel confident performing CPR if needed, underscoring how many people have taken a class at some point but let their first aid skills fade.

Having a basic understanding of first aid can save lives in emergencies and give you confidence in handling minor injuries or situations before help arrives. Consider taking a first aid and CPR course to refresh these vital skills and be prepared for any situation.

Key Takeaway

As society continues to evolve with technology and convenience, many important skills that people over 40 once learned have been lost. While some of these skills may seem outdated, they offer practical benefits that can improve your daily life and help you become more self-sufficient.

Disclaimer – This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information. It is not intended to be professional advice.

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