Ever noticed how some people can fix just about anything with duct tape and a bit of determination? Take my neighbor, for example. In her seventies, she recently brought her old toaster back to life with just a paperclip and some aluminum foil. When I asked her why she didn’t buy a new one, she said, “This one still works fine. It just needed a little help.” She’s had that toaster since 1972!
Growing up with parents from that same era, I saw their “make do and mend” spirit every day. My mom would darn socks until they were more patch than fabric, while my dad took pride in tools that are still in use decades later. At the time, I thought they were just being stubborn. Now, I see it differently. They had a resilience that can seem rare today.
People from that generation knew how to get every last drop of value from their possessions. They faced oil crises, economic downturns, and social upheavals without losing their footing. What can we learn from them? A lot more than we might think.
Creative Problem-Solving
Ever watched someone from that generation attempt to fix a broken appliance? Instead of immediately buying a replacement, they’ll tinker and explore, maybe consult an old repair manual. This mindset isn’t just about physical repairs; it spills into their daily lives. For instance, during the financial crisis of 2008, older colleagues in my workplace adjusted their strategies calmly, leveraging decades of experience. The lesson? Before declaring something unfixable, consider how someone resourceful would tackle the challenge.
Patience and Longevity
In our world of instant everything, patience feels radical. But those who grew up making things last know that good things take time. They’ll spend hours mending a jacket rather than tossing it. I’ve started saving seeds for my garden instead of buying new plants each season. It takes longer, but that harvest is all the sweeter.
Skills Over Stuff
When you ask someone from this generation about what they value most, it’s often not physical possessions. They treasure skills instead—how to sew, repair engines, or cook from scratch. This self-sufficiency shines in challenging times. Knowing how to fix something or create a meal from basic ingredients becomes invaluable, especially during economic downturns.
Understanding True Value
There’s a real difference between cheap and valuable. People who make things last comprehend this on a deep level. They’re willing to invest in quality items that last for decades, yet they also recognize when something simple suffices. Helping my parents downsize, I was struck by their solid, beautiful furniture from their early years. Compare that to my flimsy college dresser!
Cultivating Appreciation
Using something for decades fosters a special relationship with it. That cast iron pan has seen countless meals; the patches on a jacket tell stories of their own. This appreciation extends to experiences and relationships. Studies show that practicing gratitude can significantly boost mental health, confirming that a simple life leads to deep connections.
Building Community Connections
Before YouTube, neighbors were the go-to for help. Need a repair? Ask your neighbor. This interdependence formed strong community ties, with people sharing skills and resources. At my local farmers market, I see this spirit alive in older vendors who help each other with tips and trades. Their understanding is that resilience is best when shared.
Accepting Imperfection
Most importantly, they know perfection is overrated. A patched pair of jeans or oddly shaped garden veggies are still functional and valuable. This acceptance of imperfection adds resilience. When you drop the pressure for everything to be perfect, life feels more authentic.
The “make do and mend” generation isn’t just nostalgic; they offer valuable lessons. They remind us to prioritize resourcefulness, community, and appreciation for what we have. While we don’t need to hoard supplies, we can benefit from considering repair over replacement or learning a new skill.
In our uncertain world, these old perspectives might just be the wisdom we need. Next time something breaks, think about what someone from the past would do. You might surprise yourself with your own ingenuity!
