I often hear about how amazing the ‘good old days were’. So I decided to find out from a sassy 93-year-old Westbrook resident, Clara Risi, who was born in the 1920’s, what she thinks are some of the major changes from back in the day.
With tons of energy and a bubbly personality Clara told us the five things that will never be the same again.
Fashion
Not a fan of the ‘conventional’ styles of today, Clara said that people had better taste 30 years ago.
According to her, fashion has been going downhill since the 80s.
“Us woman used to wear heels like you can’t believe. I had good legs so my husband use to always remind me to show them off with my heels.
“Mind you, we were a lot more modest. Woman rarely wore pants and our skirts and dresses were always below the knee. It slowly started creeping up and in came the minis. By then I was a married woman so I didn’t dress in those.
“Men were always dashing with their wide bell bottom pants and hats. “
Technology
“I was an amazing artist and singer, this is because all my time was not spent watching TV.
“I remember when the TVs first started coming to South Africa. The Afrikaners did not want them around because they said it would be bad for the children. They were right.
“But I have seen how the TV can be used to educate children.”
Education
Woman getting an education was not a priority back then.
“I had six brothers and my dad was a steam engine driver. He did not see a need to waste money on my education because I was a girl. Most girls would stop schooling at grade 10 and look for a job, which is what I did.
“I got married when I was 19, which was normal at the time and had seven children which was also normal.”
Courting
“Things were simple back then. I dated my husband for a year before we married and during that time, he would visit my home or we would go out to watch a movie.
“My husband and I met at church. I was invited by a friend to a new church and that evening, I sang in the choir.
“He said that when he saw me he knew that I was the one.
“We had a bit of a hassle because I am English and he was Italian and my parents never approved. But that was just too bad. “
Some sage advice
Clara’s secret to looking good and aging with grace is simple – exercise, avoid make-up and sing your heart out.
“I have no major health issues. Once when I went to the doctor for a check up, he asked me if I was lying to him about my age.
“I have always kept active as I have always been good at sports. I was a long jump champion in my time.”
The grandmother of 16 and great grandmother of 22 encourages young people to forgo make-up as it hides your natural beauty and to sing at every opportunity.
WATCH: Clara has always loved to sing opera and she can still hit the high notes.
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