I think we can all agree that a few decades ago, the world was an entirely different place that would feel alien to many of us. In fact, many practices that were considered normal and even encouraged will now be met with incredulity. So we spoke to a few people and compiled a list of things people did back then that would be considered quite shocking in this day and age.

Pen pals

Back then, newspapers prominently featured “Pen Pal” corners with details of prospect pen pals from all over the world. People shared their home addresses without thinking twice, communicating with random strangers through letters. If there were cases that ended badly, it certainly didn't receive any publicity. Now, however, this would be considered creepy, and with the easy access that has been enabled with technology, we inadvertently make “friends” online.

Smoking in aeroplanes

You get into any plane these days and you will definitely see signs disallowing smoking. This was not always the case because as recently as 50 or 60 years ago, smoking wasn’t regarded as that bad a habit. So unsurprisingly, smoking on planes was an acceptable practice and no one batted an eyelid when anyone did. Now you'll probably get deplaned.

Women marrying young 

People will decry paedophilia now, but back in the day, it was considered normal for females around 15 years of age to get married. Surprisingly, however, to this day, even in developed countries such as America, girls aged 13 can get married with parental consent (certain states - like California - still allow marriage at any age with parental consent!!!). 

Cough medicine

Around 100 years ago, cough medicine had a surprising number of ingredients that would leave you shocked. Many of these cough medicines, including those for infants, often contained morphine and marijuana and parents claimed they didn't think twice about the ingredients when consuming it or giving it to their children.

Disregard for car safety

Car safety was never really considered at the time. No one wore seatbelts, including children. It was common to see young children seated on the laps of their fathers and steering the wheel. In case they had to stop short, the parents would simply fling their arms in front of the children. There was no such thing as car seats either, so children were kept in the front seat next to their mother or father, or on someone's lap.

Smoking and Drinking when Pregnant

You mother may have unknowingly been decreasing your oxygen and brewing fetal alcohol conditions while you were still in the womb. Because the effects of alcohol and smoking on the fetus were not known back then, mothers smoked and consumed alcohol without thinking twice. Unsurprisingly, most kids also grew up exposed to secondhand smoke.

No Childproofing

Parents nowadays go to extremes to ensure their house is child proofed, and will meticulously ensure every part of their home is made safe for their child. This meant that once the child begins crawling and then walking, everything's fair game - there was no such thing as child proof medicine bottle lids, or special latches for every cabinet, drawer, and door. Electrical outlets were there for stabbing with a fork, and small choking hazards abounded.

Children Playing Outside Unsupervised

Unlike today, kids then always spent their days outside so their mothers could continue their chores in peace or entertain at home. Kids would often venture quite a distance away from their homes to play for long stretches of times without their parents going into panic.
 
Uncensored Jokes

Jokes, many reminisced, were made without much forethought since no one took any offense. Now, however, they add, political correctness and people easily taking offense means that you have to think and rethink before you make a joke that may offend someone.