What is better?

Ready meals, CBA to cook.
Medicine.
There must be something else?

Reliable cars.
Washing machines.
Internet shopping.
Gransnet!

Well, I did struggle a bit Alima because many aspects of apparent progress seem to have environmental / health implications! But I thought I had better try to work on being positive.

I do think there is a definite sense of '50' not being 'old' anymore - at least, not to the over 50s ha ha!

I'm sorry, can think of so many things better years ago and not much now. Shysal has struck gold with washing machines but cars were so much more friendly years ago. Have very fond memories of Dad struggling with the starting handle thingy on the old Ford Popular!

when I switched from twin tub to my first washing machine, I remember sitting in front of it in wonder and watching it do its work! double terry -nappy load in about half an hour - miracle!

Body scans
Text messaging
Recycling

dishwashers - i hate washing dishes!
hoovers - wouldn't like to take up my fitted carpet, hang it on my whirly line and beat it.
washing machines and tumble driers - makes washing so much easier.
skype and all the other communication apps you can get.
computers - when they work!
knee replacements - got one and need another one soon.
smartphones - you don't need to carry a separate camera, radio/cd player or a computer.
motability scooters - so handy when you can't walk far and, if you get a small one, you can keep it in the boot of the car.
must be more things that make life a lot easier but i can't think of one right now - my brain needs a reboot.

Ladies ...sanitary belts - remember those?! That's one department that has improved big time!

No panty girdles or roll ons

Pens and biros write better these days. (pity my handwriting has deteriorated)

Computers rather than typewriters.

Even bicycles are less clumsy and awkward - and they've invented unpuncturable tyres. (Not that they work very well, but it's a start).

Prams and pushchairs are much more manoeuvrable nowadays, but they're starting to get bigger again, so that's a step backwards.

Central heating. I remember ice on the insides of windows and one open fire to heat the whole house!

Double glazing - to keep noise out and heat in.

Supermarkets selling everything, much as the demise of the High Street and independent shops is a shame. I have tried to support them and still use our local butcher, but goods cost more and going from shop to shop with heavy bags becomes harder the older I get.

The internet and wi-fi. How many of us had sets of encyclopaedias? Just think how quickly that information became outdated. I love surfing and researching on line, checking goods, buying things, booking holidays and keeping in touch via email, Skype etc. Being able to contact people from almost anywhere. (A double edged sword, that one!) It's incredible.

Modern cars with comfortable seats and power assisted steering.

Planes and airports expanding. Flights to everywhere. The world is our oyster.

I know a lot of the above aren't good for our green credentials. With progress there are often downsides. However, life has become so different in the last 60 years. The rate of change has been incredible.

I hate tights but I remember having no choice - it was stockings and suspenders as a teenager. Not terribly comfortable so tights were better (although I rarely wear tights. )

Jeans and trousers. I suspect most of us are wearing trousers/jeans/joggers/leggings today, and not skirts? My mother never wore trousers nor did we as young girls. Much more practical.

I can book into a hotel with my man friend and not have to pretend we are married, like I had to in the sixties!

Tumble dryers
Efficient double glazing
Comfortable, efficient cars with decent heaters - no more having travel rugs to wrap around for winter journeys
The internet
24 hour broadcasting - if I can't sleep, there's radio to listen to in the small hours
Constant hot water 24/7

Good one Eglantine ( also known as Mrs John Smith!).
Those were very narrow minded days.
Best things for me in present times - all labour saving equipment, my tablet, modern medicine and the fact that 70 year olds aren't little old ladies any more.

'Unmarried mothers' not having their babies taken away.
Lots of medical advances, too many to list.
Not having signs in boarding house windows telling certain groups they were not welcome.

GPS ( No need for arguments in cars, though I still keep a road map)
Fuel saving boilers
Air bags

Low floor buses and trains

Central heating
Google
washing machines, tumble driers, dishwashers
cheap flights
anti discrimination laws
safe, warm, fuel efficient cars
clean air act

These are in no particular order of importance, and with acknowledgement of environmental impact of some.

En-suite bathrooms in hotels.

Google - to answer all my questions

Titanium wheelchairs - so light I'm told

Wet rooms - can't get in a bath these days

Gel nail varnish - dry in an instant

Generally, the health of everyone's teeth is so much better now. Dentists can concentrate on preventative treatment.
I can also go on the top deck of a bus, or in a pub, without being choked by tobacco fumes.
Children are no longer just " seen and not heard."

Medicine
MRI Scans
CAT scans
Ultrasound scans
Allowing parents to stay with their children whilst they are in hospital
Children's car seats.
Recognising dyslexia, autism etc and that children are not just dunces, thick or plain lazy.

Oh and on a purely selfish level
Coffee machine

Having your hair done is far nicer - less eye-watering chemicals. I have streaks and you used to have to wear a tight-fitting cap like a swimming cap (glad those have gone, too!) and locks of your hair were pulled out by a crochet hook. A very painful procedure! Nowadays she just dabs the colour on with a brush. The result is far more natural, the colourant is far more gentle and if they get any on your face it doesn't have to be rubbed off with more chemicals and vigorous scrubbing.