AMONG the best things about growing up 50 years ago were playing outside until it gets dark and knowing all your neighbours – that is the view of over 60s in Malvern, a new survey has found.
Next was having respect for elders, making dens, sweets costing a penny, playing marbles and reading Enid Blyton books.
Making up the top ten were listening to vinyl records on record players, collecting shells on the beach and trips to the sweet shop.
In total 80 per cent of older people said they felt it was better being a child than it is now.
Nine out of ten said they felt children were much better at making their own entertainment and 98 per cent added they learnt more practical skills ‘back in the day’.
The poll was conducted by retirement property builder McCarthy and Stone to mark its 40th anniversary and its partnership with the Royal Voluntary Service.
It also found more than two thirds of Malvern’s over 60s felt they should instill what they had learned into their grandchildren.
Among the most popular skills, past times and knowledge older people felt it important to pass down were good table manners, how to put together jigsaw puzzles, how to play card games, how to plant seeds and how to ride a bike.
The rest of the top ten included identifying plants and flowers, playing dominoes, identifying birds, the proper way to lay a table and putting up a tent.
A quarter of all Malvern grandparents have taught their children’s children how to make a perfect pot of tea and build a fire.
Robert Monkman, McCarthy and Stone’s regional sales and marketing director, said: “These findings illustrate how things have changed in the last 50 years and how grandparents are shaping their grandchildren’s childhoods by sharing their own experiences of growing up.
“They also show that practical skills are being passed down through the generations such as baiting a fishing hook and cooking a traditional Sunday roast.
“By passing on these talents the older generation are ensuring valuable and practical skills won’t die out.”
For more on McCarthy and Stone in Bromsgrove, including plans for its 40th anniversary celebrations, visit www.mccarthyandstone.co.uk or call 0800 201 4811.
