Mustn’t grumble! But, naturally, we do – with increasing regularity.
And yet, just occasionally, it’s worth considering those things in modern life that have improved. Some times, it pays to look on the bright side of life.
Home delivery
The weekly trek to a supermarket with no architectural merit never lifts the spirits. There’s the parking; the trolley with dodgy wheels; the queueing at checkout or wrestling with the self-service machine. Not any more. Instead, you wait for a knock on the door and a usually friendly delivery person is standing there, laden with all the goodies you’ve ordered.
Decent coffee
Not so long ago, a sought-after coffee meant unscrewing a jar of instant Gold Blend and dispatching a scoop or two into a mug. It was watery, tasteless and smelt of nothing in particular. You had to travel to the continent to get an enjoyable espresso or cappuccino. Today, even a motorway service stationoffers a proper caffeine hit.
Cars that start
Many of us can remember those freezing winter mornings when you (or your mother or father) turned on the ignition and prayed the engine would fire up before the battery died. Often, it didn’t. Seldom, whatever the weather, in 2025 does a car not start.
The smile that gets you noticed
We’re not talking about the overly perfect Hollywood smile, but there’s no question that dentistry and toothpaste have come a long way in dealing with years of red wine, coffee and Marlboro Lights. White, composite fillings have replaced hideous metal-grey. Crooked teeth can be straightened by lightweight mouth guards rather than painful heavy braces. And local anaesthetic in the dentist’s chair is a godsend.
Thy Kindle come
Technology can be nightmare. But being able to store books on a Kindle is a joy. They come in especially handy when you’re travelling or on holiday, not least when flying with an airline that charges you for bags according to how much they weigh. Kindle screens now make it possible to read properly even in blazing sunshine.
Drive through and drive on
Yes, it’s an American import and not a particularly attractive one, as cars line up behind a speaker linked to an anonymous voice. But it is convenient. Just wind down the window, place your order and pick it up round the corner from a cheerful young person earning a crust before going to college.
A more stylish dip
Swimming pools used to be garish, chlorine affairs. Some big hotels on the Costas still have them, but the new trend is for pools to blend in rather than stand out. Natural pools that rely on plants and micro-organisms to keep the water clean are a further improvement – and they tap into the freshwater swimming fad.
Fancy paint colours
Magnolia had its moment in the 1980s – but the colour chart now is off the wall. Farrow & Ball may have the silliest names (Elephant’s Breath, Broccoli Brown) but there are all kinds of other companies offering restful, restorative and revitalising colours. Even good old Dulux has gone down the creative route.
Birding made easy
We’re meant to be a nation of birdwatchers but it’s easy to feel like you’re a dunce. Help is at hand. The Merlin Bird ID app is outlandishly clever. Just hoist your mobile phone into the air, press the sound button and you’ll be told what bird is singing.
Trainers at the ready
There’s no question that trainers (plimsolls in old money) are more comfortable than stiff leatherbrogues. But it’s only in the last five or six years or so that trainers have been regarded as legitimate footwear – whatever the occasion. Sir Stephen Fry even wore a pair of black trainers (pictured) to go with his morning suit when receiving his knighthood from the King at Buckingham Palace.
Literary festivals
They’re happening all over the country and they come in big and small sizes. Everyone loves them. Authors sell a few copies of their books and get to sign their names, punters have a chance to ask questions and the atmosphere is always resolutely convivial. Some take place abroad. The Jaipur Literature Festival is hugely popular.
It’s OK to be gay
Homosexuality was still illegal until 1967 – and, even then, was allowed only between two consenting men over the age of 21. It’s all got a bit complicated and let’s not get into the torturous debate about gender recognition. But it’s surely right that people of the same sex should be allowed to love each other, both physically and emotionally.
Duvet days
Long gone are nylon sheets and yellow cellular blankets (add a couple extra in winter). Duvets come in various togs and sizes – and just need to be plumped up in the morning. Farewell hospital corners and backbreaking bed-making.
Disability access
Getting out and about for the elderly and frail has never been easier – once you’ve gone through the various hoops to receive a prized Blue Badge, that is. Almost all venues have disabled parking. Life is still not easy for wheelchair-users on public transport, but it’s considerably better than a few decades ago.
Attractively warm
Let’s face it, radiators are seldom pretty and the heat they give off is often localised. People didn’t trust underfloor heating until a few years ago – but they do now. What’s more, it frees up much-needed space for furniture.
You can nail it!
Manicures and pedicures have never been easier.No more trying to paint your right-hand fingernails with your left hand – or vice versa. Just take a seat and it’s all done for you. Nail bars are a big growth area on the high street – and are ideal for those with busy lives.
Funny old game gets serious
You didn’t have to be footie fan to doff your hat at the England women’s team for winning the Euros in July. It surely did a lot for women’s sport – and it was also a reminder of how overpaid and overindulged many male professional footballers are, with uncouth manners and inflated egos.
Feel the power
No one is suggesting you should experience guilt when taking a leisurely soak in the bath – but the power shower is a wonderful development. It’s quick, efficient and eco-friendly. Cheaper, too, now that water companies insist on installing meters.
Bread of Heaven
It used to be sliced white or nothing.Then along came Hovis… and now we can devour sourdough, rye, focaccia and all manner of other exotic artisan breads (at absurd prices, of course). What’s more, they can be good for you. The same can never be said for Sunblest.
Popping down to the boozer
Traditional pubs with swirly whirly carpets and pickled eggs are closing at an alarming rate – but many have been rescued and transformed, serving decent grub and offering attractive rooms for overnight stays. All hail the gastro pub.
In vino veritas
Mateus Rosé was once regarded as the height of sophistication. No one drinks it any more, because there is so much decent plonk out there. We’re spoilt forchoice when it comes to wine. All budgets are catered for. And English wine has deservedly entered the market, with the sparkling stuff championed by our dear late Queen.
What a good yarn
With the Bayeux Tapestry coming to the British Museum next year, stand by for a renewed interest in embroidery and knitting. Gone are the days of single and double knitting wool in dreary colours: you can buy cashmere, alpaca, silk, pure cotton in an array of cheerful colours. Knitting is meant to be good for your mental health, too.
Mark Palmer was Travel Editor of the Daily Mail.
