1. Walking Everywhere
In the 1960s, walking wasn’t considered “exercise”—it was simply how people got around. Kids walked to school, parents walked to the corner store, and families strolled after dinner. It kept people moving without needing a gym membership.
Doctors today still recommend walking as one of the best low-impact exercises. It supports heart health, boosts mood, and requires no equipment. The ’60s way of life built healthy habits without anyone even realizing it.
2. Eating Oatmeal for Breakfast
A bowl of oatmeal was a common start to the day in the ’60s. It was hearty, inexpensive, and filled kids up before school. Many families dressed it up with fruit, honey, or cinnamon.
Today, we know oatmeal is packed with fiber that lowers cholesterol and keeps energy steady. Doctors encourage it as a heart-healthy breakfast. The humble oats of the past were right on target.
3. Drinking Plenty of Water
Before sodas and flavored drinks took over, water was the main drink at meals and throughout the day. Pitchers of water sat on the dinner table, and kids filled glasses straight from the tap. Staying hydrated wasn’t trendy—it was just normal.
Doctors now emphasize hydration for energy, digestion, and overall health. Water remains the best choice over sugary alternatives. The ’60s got this one perfectly right.
4. Eating Home-Cooked Meals
Most families in the ’60s ate dinner at home, often made from scratch. Meals included vegetables, lean proteins, and smaller portions compared to today’s restaurant fare. Sitting down together was as much about health as family connection.
Doctors now highlight home cooking as a way to control ingredients and portion sizes. Preparing meals at home reduces processed food intake. What was everyday routine then is a wellness trend now.
5. Gardening for Fresh Produce
Backyard gardens were common, with tomatoes, cucumbers, and green beans sprouting in many yards. Families enjoyed the taste of fresh-picked vegetables at the dinner table. Kids often helped with watering and harvesting.
Doctors today point to gardening as both physical activity and a way to eat more fruits and vegetables. It builds healthier diets and keeps people active outdoors. The garden-to-table lifestyle was ahead of its time.
6. Eating Nuts as Snacks
Peanuts, walnuts, and almonds were typical snacks in the ’60s, often served in little bowls at parties or family gatherings. They provided protein and healthy fats without the added sugar found in modern snacks. It was a natural, satisfying choice.
Now, doctors recommend nuts as heart-healthy foods that support brain function and keep hunger at bay. The portion sizes of the past were smart too—small handfuls instead of endless snacking. This old habit holds up well.
7. Getting Fresh Air Daily
Whether hanging laundry, mowing lawns, or sitting on the porch, people in the ’60s spent more time outside. Even chores brought plenty of sunlight and fresh air. It was part of daily life, not something to schedule.
Doctors now link fresh air and natural light with better sleep, improved mood, and stronger immunity. Simply stepping outside each day makes a difference. The ’60s lifestyle built that into the routine.
8. Portion Control at Meals
Plates in the ’60s were smaller, and portions followed suit. Families served reasonable amounts, with fewer oversized entrees or super-sized drinks. Dessert was a treat, not a daily habit.
Doctors today stress portion control as a key to maintaining a healthy weight. The balance of moderation and variety in ’60s meals matched what nutritionists recommend now. Sometimes less really is more.
9. Drinking Milk with Meals
Milk was a staple at the dinner table, especially for kids. It was considered essential for strong bones and teeth, and most households kept it stocked. Children often had at least one glass a day.
Doctors still recommend dairy or calcium-rich alternatives for bone health. While options have expanded to plant-based milks, the core idea remains. The ’60s practice of making milk routine had long-term benefits.
10. Sleeping with the Windows Open
In many households, air conditioning wasn’t common, so windows were left open at night. Fresh breezes cooled the house and kept air circulating. Families believed it was healthier than stuffy, closed rooms.
Modern doctors agree that good ventilation helps improve sleep and air quality. Exposure to cooler temperatures at night can also support better rest. The habit of letting in fresh air was a natural health booster.
11. Eating Fruit for Dessert
Instead of cake or candy every night, many families served fruit as dessert. A bowl of sliced peaches, apple wedges, or berries was a simple, refreshing end to the meal. It was a healthier sweet treat without anyone calling it that.
Doctors today encourage fruit for its vitamins, fiber, and antioxidants. It satisfies sugar cravings without the downsides of processed desserts. The ’60s way of ending meals was both delicious and nutritious.
12. Taking Evening Walks After Dinner
Evening walks were a common family ritual in the ’60s. Parents strolled around the block while kids rode bikes or roller skates alongside. It was a way to digest dinner and spend time together.
Doctors now recommend light activity after meals to aid digestion and regulate blood sugar. It also doubles as quality family time. That simple tradition deserves a comeback.