Things your boomer parents keep holding on to that might be causing harm.
You’ve probably noticed that your boomer parents tend to keep everything—old gadgets, clothes, or trinkets. While it might seem harmless at first, these items can sometimes create unnecessary clutter, stress, and even health risks. The tendency to hoard isn’t just about sentimentality; it’s tied to habits developed over a lifetime, often rooted in practicality or nostalgia.
But as they age, keeping certain things around can lead to more harm than good. In some cases, these well-meaning collections are simply out of place or unsafe in today’s living environment. The good news is that recognizing what to hold on to and what to let go of can improve their quality of life and make their home safer.
Let’s look at some everyday items that your boomer parents might be hoarding and how they can impact their well-being.
1. Old prescription medications.
Many boomers hold onto unused or expired prescription medications, believing they might need them later, as reported by Chris Malore at Study Finds. But holding onto these can create unnecessary health risks. Not only can these medications lose their effectiveness over time, but they can also interact with other treatments in harmful ways.
When older medications are mixed with current prescriptions, they can lead to dangerous side effects. Plus, expired medications can cause severe allergic reactions or even poison the body. It’s essential to encourage your parents to dispose of medications safely and only keep the ones that are currently prescribed.
2. Excessive amounts of paperwork.
If your parents’ home is bursting with stacks of old papers, it might be time to rethink their storage habits. It’s common for boomers to keep paper records, receipts, or old financial statements for “just in case.” However, this excess can be a fire hazard or even a tripping risk if the papers are left in piles around the house, according to Neal Frankle at Get Rich Slowly.
Additionally, some documents, like outdated tax forms or old bills, are no longer necessary and can take up unnecessary space. Encourage your parents to go digital and shred documents that are no longer needed. This will reduce clutter and make their home more organized and safe.
3. Unused kitchen gadgets.
Boomer parents often have a collection of kitchen gadgets that are rarely used but take up valuable space, as stated by Emily Stewart at Yahoo. Items like bread machines, ice cream makers, or juicers, though once loved, often sit idle. Not only do they clutter the kitchen, but they can also become a tripping hazard when left out or stored in hard-to-reach places.
As your parents age, their kitchen needs change. Simple tools like a sharp knife, a pot, or a cutting board might serve them better. Decluttering the kitchen and keeping only the essentials can create a more functional and safer space for them to cook or gather.
4. Old furniture.
Furniture from previous decades, whether inherited or purchased years ago, often holds sentimental value for boomers. But as functional as these pieces may seem, they might not be suitable for aging parents. Old chairs, sofas, or tables can be uncomfortable and even dangerous if they don’t provide proper support.
Worn-out furniture could also lead to falls or strained muscles, especially if it’s too low or difficult to get in and out of. A simple upgrade to more comfortable, ergonomically designed pieces can make a significant difference in your parents’ safety and well-being.
5. Piles of clothes they no longer wear.
Boomer parents often keep clothes they no longer wear because of nostalgia or because they think they might need them someday. But these unworn clothes take up space and make it harder for them to find the items they actually wear. Plus, items that no longer fit properly could lead to falls or difficulty moving.
Encourage your parents to declutter their closets and donate clothing they no longer use. Not only will this free up valuable space, but it will also make it easier for them to navigate their wardrobe and maintain a neat, organized home.
6. Too many shoes.
Just like clothes, shoes can pile up over the years. For boomer parents, it’s easy to hold onto shoes that were once trendy or comfortable, even if they’re no longer practical. Having too many pairs of shoes cluttering the entryway or closet can pose a tripping risk, especially if the shoes aren’t stored properly.
Encourage your parents to assess their footwear collection and keep only the shoes they actually wear. Investing in a pair of sturdy, slip-resistant shoes can help prevent falls and make daily activities safer and more comfortable.
7. Old electronics.
Boomer parents often hold onto outdated electronics like bulky televisions, old radios, or broken appliances, even though they don’t work anymore. Not only does this take up valuable space, but older electronics can also be unsafe, especially if they’re faulty or have damaged wires.
These outdated gadgets are often energy-draining as well. Replacing them with modern, energy-efficient versions can save on electricity bills while reducing clutter. It might be time to help your parents part with these items, making their home both safer and more efficient.
8. Tattered books and magazines.
For many boomers, books and magazines represent a lifetime of collecting, but over time, this can become a safety concern. Piles of old magazines or brittle books can collect dust, making the home look messy and even triggering allergies. Furthermore, they can become a tripping hazard when left around the house.
It’s best to help your parents go through their collection and keep only their most meaningful books or publications. Donating or recycling the rest can help reduce clutter and improve the overall cleanliness of their living space.
9. Decorative knick-knacks.
Many boomers accumulate decorative items like figurines, vases, or photo frames. While these objects hold sentimental value, they can often gather dust and create clutter. In some cases, these fragile items can be dangerous if they’re knocked over or broken.
Encouraging your parents to downsize their collection of knick-knacks can reduce clutter and make their home safer. Plus, it can provide more space for functional items that are more useful in daily life.
10. Old cookware.
Some boomer parents hold on to heavy pots and pans that are either worn out or no longer suit their needs. Cast iron skillets, large stockpots, and other cookware can be difficult to lift and pose a risk to their safety. They may also take up valuable cabinet space that could be better used for more accessible and lighter alternatives.
Swapping out older cookware for more practical and lighter items will reduce strain and risk while still allowing your parents to enjoy cooking. Donating or selling unused items is a great way to declutter the kitchen while still maintaining essential tools.
11. Unused exercise equipment.
Boomer parents may hold onto exercise equipment that they no longer use, like stationary bikes, treadmills, or resistance bands. These items take up a significant amount of space and may even become a tripping hazard, especially if they’re left in high-traffic areas.
It’s a good idea to encourage your parents to either donate or sell exercise equipment they don’t use. For maintaining fitness, it’s often better to find simple, low-impact exercises that don’t require bulky equipment. Reclaiming the space can make their home safer and more functional.
12. Broken household items.
Many boomers tend to hold onto broken items, thinking they might fix them one day or that they still have some use left in them. Whether it’s a broken vacuum cleaner, lamp, or a damaged chair, these items clutter up the home and often become trip hazards if not stored properly.
It’s important to address these broken items promptly. Either repair them or dispose of them to avoid the risks associated with keeping unusable things around. This clears up space and keeps the living environment safer for your parents.
13. Old holiday decorations.
Holiday decorations often carry sentimental value, but some boomers hold on to old decorations well beyond their prime. These can take up valuable storage space and, over time, may become damaged or unsafe. Outdated Christmas lights or frayed ribbons can be fire hazards, while large, bulky decorations can be difficult to handle.
Encouraging your parents to go through their decorations and keep only the items they truly love and use can reduce clutter. It’s a simple way to ensure that holiday traditions stay enjoyable and safe.
14. Old cell phones.
Many boomer parents have a collection of old cell phones, either kept for sentimental reasons or out of habit. These devices are not only obsolete but may also harbor personal information that could be a security risk if not disposed of properly.
Encourage your parents to recycle or trade in their old phones. Not only does this help declutter their home, but it also ensures their data is securely erased and that the devices are disposed of in an environmentally responsible way.