> I can't speak for 1926, but compared to 1980s or 1960s, this is so patently not true. The US population is much sicker and more obese, as one example.

If you're a woman, would you rather live in the 1960s or 2020s? If you were black or any other minority, in the 1960s or 2020s? If you're gay, would you rather live in the 1960/80s or in the 2020s?

Average US life expectancy was in about 70 in the 1960s, and mid-70s in the 1980s, and approaching 80 until COVID hit. Cancer survivorships has improved (not only because better screen and treatment, but also because of less cigarette smoking). The infant mortality rate now is a fifth of what it was in the 1960s.

Of course for all these numbers non-US developed countries are much better.

Generally, to say that life is better now is not to say it's perfect or to deny that improvements can still be made.

> People are not starving, but at the cost of eating "manufactured" foods that will make them sick in 20 - 40 yrs.

Groceries have gone from being 14% of household spending in the 1960s to being less 6% (takeout from 4% to 6%). In 1900 food was 40%:

* https://archive.is/https://www.theatlantic.com/business/arch...

Being able to cook healthy meals for yourself has probably never been easier and less expensive than it is now.