Lisa O
The 1960s were a time of transformation—cultural revolutions, emerging technologies, and shifting societal norms. While it may seem like a simpler time to you, some unique challenges shaped everyday life. The balance between ease and struggle was delicate as people navigated a world very different from today’s fast-paced, digital era. Here are 15 reasons life in the 60s felt simpler but harder.
Fewer Distractions
In the 1960s, people spent more time in the moment, whether it was reading a book or having an uninterrupted conversation. Yet, with no digital means to share photos, updates, or thoughts instantly, maintaining long-distance relationships was a slow, deliberate process. The pace of communication was slower, which made people focus more on their immediate surroundings, but also made it harder to stay connected with the world.
Less Information Overload
The 60s were when news traveled via three major channels: the radio, TV, and newspapers. The media landscape was less cluttered, and news was more curated. People knew exactly where to get their information, but they had much less access to diverse viewpoints. The trade-off for this simpler media environment was a certain lack of awareness about global events or personal issues happening outside of one’s immediate network.
More Face-to-Face Interactions
Socializing in the 60s was an in-person activity. If you wanted to hang out with friends, you had to physically be there. People met in parks, coffee shops, and on street corners, and most importantly, they interacted with the world around them instead of passively consuming it. There was no easy way to text or schedule a quick Zoom call, so people invested more effort into maintaining friendships.
No Instant Gratification
If you wanted to watch a specific movie, you had to wait for it to air on TV. Ordering an item from a catalog could take weeks to arrive. While this slower pace encouraged a deeper appreciation for what you had, it also meant that nothing came quickly. Instant gratification was not just a luxury, it was an unknown concept—making people feel more satisfied with waiting, but also testing their patience in the process.
More Physical Work
People spent much of their time engaging in physical tasks in a world without modern-day appliances. Cooking meals involved more hands-on work, from chopping vegetables to kneading dough. Similarly, homes were cleaned without the help of any smart gadgets. While people today rely on dishwashers and robotic vacuums, the 60s gave people a good workout just by going through their daily routines.
Limited Technology
The technological revolution that we enjoy today was just beginning in the 60s. The first computers were huge, expensive, and not yet part of everyday life. Telephones were landlines, and calling someone long-distance required a special operator to connect the call. There was a certain charm in living without constant notifications or updates, but there was also a struggle to keep up with business or personal tasks without the digital tools.
Family-Centered Lifestyle
Family life in the 60s was the center of most people’s worlds. Meals were shared around the dinner table, and parents stayed home while the father worked (such a typical patriarchal scene). This family-centric lifestyle provided a strong support network and pressured individuals to stick to society’s expectations. For example, women were expected to be homemakers, and those who didn’t follow this path faced judgment from the so called society.
Simpler Fashion Trends
While today’s fashion is diverse and ever-changing, people in the 60s could generally choose from fewer classic styles. However, there was huge pressure to dress according to the trends of the day. The desire to be fashionable often meant copying what was seen on TV or in magazines. This created a paradox: simplicity in the range of choices but a complex social pressure to conform to the ever-changing fashion of the time.
Less Financial Support
During the 1960s, people had fewer financial tools at their disposal. Credit cards were relatively new, and many households lived paycheck to paycheck without the cushion of financial aid or emergency funds. The cost of living was lower in some ways, but the lack of economic support meant many families had to work harder to make ends meet. Saving for the future was a luxury few could afford, and borrowing money was difficult or inaccessible.
No Instant Entertainment
If you wanted entertainment, it wasn’t available at the touch of a button like it is today. People had to plan their TV watching around fixed schedules. And with only a few channels, you either watched what was on or made your own fun. Whether it was gathering around the radio for the latest episode of a hyped drama or attending local events, there was less spontaneous entertainment but more communal experiences.
More Personal Responsibility
The 1960s were all about personal responsibility. Once you hit adulthood, there was no waiting around—you were expected to have a career, a family, and your finances sorted. Unlike today, when many ease into adult life, back then, it came fast and with serious urgency. Personal dreams often took a backseat to meet societal norms. Sure, it made life more predictable, but it left little room for freedom.
Limited Medical Advancements
Medicine in the 60s had come a long way, but many life-saving treatments we take for granted today just didn’t exist. Healthcare wasn’t as accessible, and some illnesses that are now easily treated were serious threats back then. People often leaned on home remedies or alternative cures, keeping things simple but limiting their options. It felt more natural, sure—but dealing with major health problems was a much tougher battle.
Fewer Career Opportunities
The job market in the 60s was steady for some, but it came with far fewer opportunities—especially for women and minorities. Discrimination based on race and gender was very common, making it harder to climb the career ladder. On the flip side, fewer options meant people often stuck to specific roles, which brought stability but little room for growth. It was a simple path, but not exactly one for chasing big dreams or making bold career moves.
Less Information on Mental Health
Mental health wasn’t really a topic of conversation in the 60s. People dealing with anxiety, depression, or other issues didn’t have much support—therapy was considered a luxury or even something to be ashamed of. Unlike today, where mental health awareness is everywhere, back then, many suffered quietly without knowing how to ask for help.
Less Convenience in Transportation
Cars were less advanced in the 60s. People used bicycles or walked for everyday tasks, and road trips meant long hours behind the wheel. However, this slower pace of travel allowed for more reflection and meaningful experiences on the journey. People weren’t in a rush to get from point A to point B, and trips were often an adventure. But that also meant that it took longer to get anywhere.