Bobbies on the beat and cheap petrol... life really was best in the good old days

WE can chat with friends around the world at the touch of a button, jet off across Europe for a few quid or hunt down a favourite film without getting off the couch.

But despite all this, life really was better in the old days according to a study of over-50s.

Half of adults over this age agree living in the past was preferable to today, compared to just 19 per cent who think the present day is best.

Seven in ten think the past was better as there was not as much traffic on the roads, while 68 per cent say things used to be built to last. Having the freedom to go out to play at an early age and the fact people had more respect for each other also feature highly on a list of things that were ‘better’ years ago.

Additionally 53 per cent of the older generation liked the fact there were more bobbies on the beat.

A similar number said they were happier when everything was not on the internet. Four in ten miss classic TV shows such as Morecambe and Wise, while 36 per cent think music was better in the old days.

Animal charity SPANA carried out the research for International Working Animal Day to raise awareness about the role of working animals in Britain’s past – a role they continue to play in many developing countries.

Geoffrey Dennis, of the charity, said: ‘It’s clear that many people in the UK are nostalgic about the past – and, whether it’s for proper music stars like Bowie or a lost sense of community spirit, some people wish they could turn back the clock.’

The study shows many over-50s consider the old days to be better because there was a slower pace of life. However, one in five say the modern day should be celebrated – even though some may feel that the PC brigade and nanny state have taken over.

When asked about the best decade they have lived through, most people chose the 1970s.

‘Turn back the clock’