When comparing wellness in the 1960s & now it gives us a clearer picture on how our changing society has impacted our health. In the 1960s, the general health of the population was better, with fewer problems associated with obesity and lifestyle-related diseases. In contrast, today’s society has witnessed a significant rise in conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, and cancer. These health challenges have emerged as major public health issues, deeply affecting our society’s overall health and quality of life.

The key point to consider is that the culture we inhabit significantly impacts our individual well-being. This affects not only a person’s ability to maintain a healthy weight but also their capacity to move freely without discomfort (such as back and joint pain) and to possess the energy needed to fully enjoy life.

Obesity: Then and Now

Back in the 1960s, obesity was relatively rare. According to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the obesity rate among adults was around 13.4% (source). Take a look at today; the statistics are alarming. Now over 40% of American adults are classified as obese. This sharp increase is a clear indication that our dietary habits and physical activity levels have changed significantly.

In the past, the average adult female weighed approximately 140 pounds, while the current average is about 165 pounds. Additionally, the average waist size was around 29-30 inches, contrasting with today’s average of 34 inches. It’s crucial to understand that this shift isn’t solely due to increased laziness; there are broader factors influencing this trend.

Lifestyle Diseases: A Modern Plague

At present, lifestyle diseases like type 2 diabetes, heart disease, stroke, obesity, and certain types of cancer rank among the primary causes of death and disease. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) attributes this increase to factors such as sedentary lifestyles and unhealthy dietary choices. Furthermore, these diseases are linked to a rise in a combination of symptoms known as metabolic syndrome.

A lifestyle disease is a health problem that is primarily caused by one’s daily habits and behaviors. These diseases stem from an unhealthy lifestyle, which includes poor nutrition, a lack of physical activity, excessive alcohol consumption, and smoking. What you do each moment (your style of living) impacts your health.

The Modern Diet

One of the primary culprits affecting our health today is the modern diet. In the 1960s, people often enjoyed home-cooked meals made with fresh whole food ingredients. Fast forward to the present, and our eating habits have drastically changed. The convenience of fast food and processed items has become the norm. This shift has led to a significant rise in obesity, a well-known risk factor for many lifestyle diseases.

In the 1960s, meals were often prepared at home using whole ingredients. Fast food and convenience foods were not as ubiquitous. Today, convenience usually takes precedence over nutrition. We have easy access to high-calorie, low-nutrient foods that significantly impact our waistlines and overall health. Additionally, the increase in sedentary lifestyles has compounded the issue, creating a perfect storm for increasing obesity rates.

Our diets have shifted significantly. The surge of ultra-processed foods (UPFs)—those high in sugars, unhealthy fats, and chemical additives—has become a staple in many households. These foods are designed to be convenient and tasty but often lack essential nutrients.

Studies have shown that a diet high in UPFs is linked to a higher risk of (death) lifestyle diseases such as obesity, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. For instance, research published in the British Medical Journal found that a 10% increase in the proportion of ultra-processed foods in the diet was associated with a 12% increase in the risk of cancer.

As these foods become increasingly popular worldwide, we can expect certain health outcomes associated with their rise. This suggests that the global spread of UPFs may also introduce more lifestyle diseases—essentially counteracting life.

The S.A.D Diet

The acronym for the American diet is S.A.D. This stands for the standard American diet (what we are actually eating now not what is best). And it is indeed sad. Today, 60% (often much more) of our diet comprises what we call ultra-processed foods (UPFs), a dramatic increase compared to the 1960s when this percentage was much lower.

This notable change in our eating patterns has led to various consequences: it has caused nutritional deficiencies and changed our eating behaviors, as these foods are specifically engineered to stimulate cravings. While offering very little quality nutrition.

While these processed foods definitely existed in the 1960s they were not nearly as nearly as common as they are today. During that era, the average consumer had a different relationship with food, which was often more focused on home cooking and fresh ingredients.

The following points illustrate this shift over time:

Advertising and Marketing: The 1960s saw the beginning of aggressive marketing for convenience foods. However, these advertisements were often met with skepticism from consumers who valued homemade meals over pre-packaged options.

Home Cooking: In the 1960s, families typically spent more time cooking meals from scratch. Recipes were often passed down through generations, emphasizing traditional methods and fresh produce.

Grocery Shopping Habits: Most people frequented local markets and grocery stores that offered whole foods. The concept of convenience foods was just beginning to take off, with items like frozen dinners and canned goods starting to appear, but they were not the staples they are now.

Cultural Influences: The food culture of the 1960s was heavily influenced by regional cuisines and seasonal ingredients. People were more attuned to what was available locally, leading to a more diverse, yet less processed, diet.

Health Awareness: Nutritional awareness was on the rise, but many individuals were still unaware of the long-term health impacts of additives and preservatives. The focus was more on the taste and tradition rather than the potential consequences of consuming processed foods.

As time progressed into the following decades, the landscape of food consumption began to change dramatically, influenced by various factors such as technological advancements, globalization, and evolving lifestyles. This shift raised questions about the nutritional value of the food we consume and the implications for public health, setting the stage for the ongoing discussions about processed foods today.

Here are some processed foods from the 1960’s

• Coffee: Coffee Rich, Cremora, Coffee-Mate, Maxim, and Taster’s Choice instant coffee 
• Frozen foods: Green Giant frozen foods and frozen bread dough 
• Soups: Chunky soup and Cup a Soup instant soup 
• Breakfast drinks: Carnation Instant Breakfast drink 
• Other: Kraft Mac & Cheese, Pet Ritz Pie crusts, Wundra Instant Flour, Shake ‘n Bake, and Spaghetti O’s 
• Drinks: Sprite, Gatorade, and Tang

Sedentary Lifestyles: From Active to Inactive

In the 1960s, the concept of fitness was relatively straightforward. Physical activity was often a natural part of daily life, whether for work or leisure. Many people engaged in manual labor, and household chores weren’t as automated as they are now. Today, the convenience of technology has made life easier but also more sedentary. Many jobs require long hours of sitting, and leisure time is often spent in front of screens.

A 2015 review in the Annals of Internal Medicine linked prolonged sitting, to negative health outcomes like heart disease, Type 2 diabetes, and cancer. Sedentary behavior also raises the risk of death from heart disease and other health issues.

A study conducted by the American Journal of Preventive Medicine found that individuals who spent more than six hours a day sitting were significantly more likely to experience adverse health effects such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and musculoskeletal disorders (source).

Furthermore, the research indicated that prolonged sedentary behavior was strongly associated with decreased core muscle strength and poor posture. This decline in core stability can lead to compromised breathing efficiency and compression of internal organs, ultimately affecting overall health and well-being. This study underscores the importance of incorporating regular movement and exercise into daily routines to counteract the negative effects of prolonged sitting.

Incorporating regular physical activity into our daily routines is increasingly essential for preserving both physical and mental well-being. This entails moving every hour to avoid sitting still for extended periods.

The Choice: Taking Charge of Your Health

Examining the past reveals that certain lifestyle changes have negatively impacted our current quality of life, but we shouldn’t blame ourselves; these issues arise from societal influences. By recognizing the external factors contributing to obesity and various health issues, we can take proactive steps towards improved health, such as making healthier food choices and incorporating exercise into our daily routines.

While we are not to blame for this, we do have the power to take control of our lives and effectively break the societal spell on our individual well-being. Our awareness of this is powerful. As is our focus of how each small action contributes to the life we desire. This mindset leads us to the state of being we seek.

While we are not responsible for these issues, we do have the power to take charge of our lives and effectively break the societal spell on our individual well-being.

Though changing habits may seem overwhelming, many discover a renewed sense of energy and enthusiasm through positive transformations. Embracing healthy habits can elevate our lifestyle and motivate those around us, as well-being tends to be contagious.

Despite the obstacles, reaching health goals is absolutely achievable through gradual, sustainable changes. The emphasis should be on holistic improvement rather than quick fixes, paving the way for substantial, long-lasting benefits.