Was life really easier for the Baby Boomers?

I HAD to smile at Dominic Lawson telling us today’s young want what Baby Boomers had, while Tony Levy pointed out the realities of playing on bomb sites (Letters). Growing up, we had an outside toilet and no central heating. It’s true I could buy a flat for £16,000. But my salary was a mere £4,500 and the interest was 15 per cent. I’d love the snowflake generation to have what we had, but I’m not sure they could cope.

P. A. JOHNSON, Littlehampton, W. Sussex. I DoN’T agree with Tony Levy that things are better today. When I grew up I could walk anywhere I liked, but I wouldn’t do so today. I don’t like being spied on by CCTV and there are too many foolish drivers. The first half of my life was far superior.

BERNARD BOWLEY, Somerset. I DON’T think today’s children are as carefree as my brothers and I were growing up. Children now have the latest phones and hairstyles, but where are the caring neighbours who’d keep an eye on them, even if they were able, as we were, to play in the streets? We respected our parents, knowing we all depended on each other; children today will give lip to anyone. I doubt Tony Levy’s father would prefer growing up today with all the pressures that children suffer. I certainly would not.

M. A. NORCROSS, St Helens, Merseyside. THIs day and age is infinitely easier, but I couldn’t say it is happier. so much has changed socially that manners and respect are non-existent.

DON DOWNES, Brighstone, Isle of Wight. TONY LEVY says life is better today, but only if, like him, your views are materialistic. In all else that matters, things are worse and declining. There are more people than ever with mental health problems, more drug addicts and alcoholics, plus more violence. Mrs S. G. SANDY, St Austell, Cornwall.