Things are very different from the 1960s to now. With the world evolving and society moving forward, things seen as lavish back then don’t necessarily hold up today. Whether that’s because of cultural changes or technological advancement, many things that people would’ve been envious of seeing others owning are now typical items that most people will have, becoming part of daily life.
Color Televisions
Nowadays, people expect to see a television whenever they walk into someone’s home, and they know that it will be color. That wasn’t the case in the 1960s, though, as color televisions were brand new, bringing stories to life in entirely new ways. Black-and-white televisions were still seen as normal then, which showcases how much technology has changed.
Dishwashers
Dishwashers are now seen as an item that many homes will have, as they provide a lot of convenience when it comes to cleaning. When new homes are built, having a dishwasher as part of that is expected, but back in the 1960s, it was rare to see one, and they were luxurious items that few were lucky enough to own.
Washing Machines
Washing machines make cleaning clothes much easier than the traditional handheld method that used to be the norm. Nowadays, it’s standard that houses feature a washing machine, with nobody feeling that this is a luxury item, but back in the 1960s, most people would’ve been shocked to see an automatic washing machine in someone’s home.
Microwaves
Microwaves provide a lot of convenience, allowing for speedy cooking and heating of food. Almost every home now features one of these, as they’re a standard kitchen appliance that people often rely upon. But considering they were only created in the 1960s, it’s no surprise that microwaves were initially seen as a luxury for those who owned them.
Compact Cars
Car choices in the 1960s were limited, and the idea of owning multiples was something very few could afford. A compact car would have been seen as a complete luxury, as cars at the time were much bigger. But nowadays, it’s normal for people to own compact cars, with people having a wide variety of different sizes and designs to choose from.
Cassette Tapes
Cassette tapes were a lavish item to own at one point in time. The idea that people could listen to music while being on the go was ahead of its time and undoubtedly rare for people, yet nowadays, not only is the cassette something that people class as a luxury item, but it’s something that is now essentially useless. Given the rise of streaming services such as Spotify, people can use something other than cassettes, making things more challenging.
Credit Cards
Credit cards were created before the 1960s, but at that time, they were still a luxury item that not everybody used. The main reason for that was the unknown situation, but nowadays, it’s common for many adults to end up owning credit cards.
Air Conditioning
Air conditioning depends significantly on where people live, but in the 1960s, only the wealthy had complete air conditioning units around the home. That’s purely due to the expense of running them, but over time, as technology has advanced, it has become more accessible to others, which is favorable.
Fast Food
Fast food started becoming a huge deal in the 1960s, but rather than many different locations for people to choose from, they were few and far between. They were also treated like a luxury treat that people would have occasionally, which is no longer the case. Many people opt for fast food daily, sometimes just having it as a quick break from work, showcasing how it has become the norm.
Instant Cameras
When it comes to technology, few industries have changed more than photography. There have been some incredible strides regarding the quality of cameras that people have access to, which people have been able to tap into to the point where everyone now has a great camera in their pocket due to their phones. Having a brilliant camera in the 1960s was a luxury due to the cost factor, and while high-end cameras are still costly to this day, people can access great ones at a cheaper cost.
Velcro Fasteners
Most people take Velcro for granted today, expecting to see it on specific types of clothing. But that wasn’t always the case, as there was a time when it was seen as high-end fashion, which wasn’t accessible to everyone at that point.
Electric Can Opener
Opening cans is a task many people do with ease now because of electric can openers, which everyone tends to own in their kitchens. But in the 1960s, when tinned food was more popular than it is today, that wasn’t the case. Many people had manual can openers, mainly because they were cheaper.
Travel Abroad
People love to travel, as seeing the world can enrich the mind and create memories that will last a lifetime. But in the 1960s, the idea of going abroad on a plane was a luxury few could afford. While there’s still a high price to travel nowadays, it’s seen as typical.
Visiting the Cinema
In the 1960s, going to the cinema was a significant experience. The buildings were grand, and the details helped make it feel like a special treat for anyone who went. That’s no longer the case, with tons of cinemas popping up worldwide, and offers are constantly being made so that everyone can check out a film if they want to.
Magazines
Magazines were an expense that many people wanted to avoid incurring throughout the 1960s. They didn’t sell to the level they do now, where mass production helps lower costs. While online media is more popular, buying a magazine isn’t luxurious.
A Home Computer
Home computers started to become the norm in the 1970s, and that showcases just how luxurious of an item they were in the decade prior. Very few people got to own one at that time, and anyone who did use one tended to do so for work purposes. The idea that everyone would have one in their homes is something few would’ve expected.
Going for Meals
There are places to go out and eat everywhere now, whether in a bustling city center or a rural location. Restaurants selling all cuisines can be found, which is why it has become common for people to eat out. It’s not the rare treat it used to be in the 1960s when the cost of doing so was much higher.
Skincare Products
Skincare is something that many people spend plenty of time doing daily, and the science behind the products has developed over the years. It has now become accessible to everyone, with most people owning some form of moisturizing cream, whereas in the past, it could have cost so much that it would’ve been a luxury item.
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