Society has definitely changed over the last 30 to 40 years, many things that were commonplace have now become luxury items. Surprisingly, when we say 40 years ago we are discussing the 80s not the 60s, although some people find that difficult to digest. Nevertheless there is no denying that times have changed, so let’s take a look at what those things are exactly.
Free Range
Some may remember the days when your parents sent you outside for the day, the only rule, be home before the street lights come on.
The craziest part about this is there was no way to be tracked, no cellphones. You were left to your own devices, and simply had to use your imagination to entertain yourself. Man, times sure have changed from the days of being a free-range kid.
Comfortable Seats
Believe it or not comfortable seating wasn’t just for those that purchased first class tickets for their flights.
Everyone was given roomy comfort for their inflight experience, you were also served quality meals with every trip.
Quality Appliances
The quality of appliances just isn’t the same these days, back in the day they were built to last, now we are lucky if we get 5 years out of them.
If you don’t believe me just ask your grandparents.
Quality Furniture
Quality furniture made out of real wood.
Inexpensive Education
This one will come as a shock to most people, but once upon a time you used to be able to attend college and not have it break the bank.
In fact most college students back then were able to afford their education, even pay it in full. Leaving them debt free and with a degree.
Being Punctual
Some say punctuality is a thing of the past. The convenience of being able to shoot a text and say you are running late has created a sense that it’s ok to run late.
Back then you didn’t have that luxury, if you said you were going to be there you would need to be and be there on time.
Clothing
Clothing had a quality that was meant to last, my mom still has jeans from highschool.
Some feel that the clothing today is cheaply made, and has a tendency to fade or fall apart rapidly.
Quality Goods
This is a hot point, especially for Americans. Many goods were made here in U.S. factories, not only creating quality goods, but also providing many jobs that paid well.
Most of this fell apart after open trade policies, globalizations and outsourcing happened.
Cheap Cigarettes
I’m not a smoker but if I were I think I would be a little tweaked about the fact that cigarettes are upwards of ten dollars a pack these days.
Once upon a time you could purchase a pack with the few dimes you had in your pocket. Some may say this is a good thing, I say it just adds to the ever rising cost of living.
Family Vacations
The overall cost of living back then was far more affordable then it is now.
Allowing for families to plan and take luxury trips together annually. With the cost of gas, flights, hotel stays etc. It’s almost impossible for families in today’s world to partake in trips together.
Soda Pop
This one definitely brings on a sense of nostalgia for most.
Soda used to come in a heavy duty glass bottle. Making it feel quality and more luxurious than the soda’s of our era.
Cost Of Buying Homes
When I was a kid in the 90s you could easily purchase a large 3 bedroom home, with a massive backyard for well under two hundred thousand dollars.
Your mortgage was affordable and even feasible for a single parent to manage. Now, you would be lucky to buy an outhouse for that price, making this a definite luxury of the past.
The Quality Of Food
Food used to be locally sourced and farmed with care for the people consuming their product.
Sadly in today’s age a lot of food is outsourced, covered in pesticides and preservatives.
The Price Of Fish
The cost of fish is astronomical now.
In my lifetime, certain types of fish have gone from being a poor man’s meal to the highly sought after item. Making it difficult to even find let alone afford.
Privacy
This one is mind boggling for a lot of people.
There was a time when you could have actual privacy, when you could make a mistake or say the wrong thing and not have it follow you like a shadow for the rest of your days.
Concert Going
Going to a concert used to be a common thing to do on the weekends.
Now the cost of tickets have gone up so much that many people have to save for months if not longer just to attend.
Playing Outside
Kids used to play outside, and they used to play outside with other neighborhood kids.
Now they would rather sit inside on some mind numbing device. Long gone are the days of red rover red rover and freeze tag.
Disney Adventures
Disneyland is a dream for all kids. When I was young going to this amusement park was totally feasible for the whole family.
Sadly the cost of entry and items once you get into the park have skyrocketed. Making this unattainable for many people.
Going To The Movies
Going to the movies was a common outing. It was exciting to go an see the newest comedy or horror movie up on the big screen.
With streaming and the easy accessibility of these movies from the comforts of your couch, less and less people venture out to the theater. This was a whole experience that not many take advantage of anymore.
Finding Toys In Cereal
I will never forget the excitement of being a kid and getting to the end of the cereal box.
It was such a treat to see what toy you got just for eating your favorite cereal. I vote that they definitely need to bring this one back.
Quartz Countertops
Homes were built differently 30 to 40 years ago.
It was pretty common for people to have high quality natural quartz, marble, or wood countertops.
Mental Toys
Toys also used to be made with quality materials.
Like this metal transformer depicted above. Plastic is the more commonly used material for toys nowadays.
Retiring
Retirement used to be built-into your job
Now we retire from one career only to acquire another one.
