I see that huge change too, Dianna. I feel like our communities no longer consist of whose bodies live nearby, but more who we can travel to see and/or reach via technology. I do like the latter–don’t get me wrong–because otherwise I wouldn’t know you and others here that I consider genuine friends! 🙂 But we don’t need to give up the former because true face-to-face contact is still how we best move through this world.

I hope the younger folks in your neighborhood will see more and more what a treasure it is to live beside someone like you with such wisdom and maturity and love. Since I began walking more in my neighborhood this past year, I’ve grown a stronger kinship with people I see here, even if it’s just a casual wave good morning or a quick comment about the weather. It all adds up.

<3

Thanks for this, Donna! I love that you used technology itself to give the reply; so appropriate! I wonder if there has ever been a 60-year time frame with as many changes as this past 60 years (maybe I should ask AI? ha). I know my childhood and my grandparents’ childhoods were also very different, but likely not as different as my childhood compared to my grandchildren’s childhood. And who knows what THEIR grandchildren’s childhood will look like. I can’t even imagine because I couldn’t have imagined the technology we are using as I type this out right now!

“The biggest difference between childhood today and 60 years ago (1965) is the role of technology and digital connectivity.

Then (1965):
Outdoor Play & Independence – Kids spent most of their free time outdoors, playing unsupervised with neighborhood friends, riding bikes, climbing trees, and making up games.
Limited Screen Time – Television was the main form of entertainment, but it had only a few channels and specific viewing times. No internet, video games, or smartphones.
Hands-on Learning & Imagination – More books, board games, and creative play like building forts, crafting, and storytelling.
Stronger Community Ties – Families knew their neighbors, and kids were more likely to roam freely within a trusted community.
Simpler Toys & Fewer Commercials – Toys were basic (blocks, dolls, toy soldiers), and advertising targeted parents more than children.
Now (2025):
Digital Childhood & Screen Time – Kids spend a lot of time on smartphones, tablets, video games, and streaming services. Social media influences childhood experiences.
Less Unstructured Outdoor Play – Safety concerns and structured activities (sports, lessons) mean fewer kids roam freely outside.
Instant Access to Information – The internet provides knowledge instantly, but also introduces new challenges like misinformation and cyber risks.
More Parental Supervision – “Helicopter parenting” is more common, with parents closely monitoring activities, friendships, and schoolwork.
Different Socialization – Online gaming, messaging apps, and video calls shape friendships, reducing in-person social skills for some kids.
More Educational & Entertainment Choices – Kids have a vast selection of learning apps, YouTube, and interactive media, unlike the limited options of the past.
While today’s childhood offers more technology and global access, childhood 60 years ago was more hands-on, independent, and locally focused.”

Much food for thought. And as you say, there is likely no going back.