If you have ever spent time with elders, you will likely hear a familiar refrain: “In our time, we didn’t use fertiliser. Pregnant women didn’t take pills for their babies to develop. And yet, we were strong.”
In earlier times, farming was slower and more natural. People relied on manure, practised crop rotation, and allowed land to rest by leaving it fallow. Food was sourced from nearby farms and gardens, and diets were largely seasonal—yams, beans, millet, and fresh vegetables formed the staple meals. Children grew up eating what their families cultivated, with little exposure to processed or imported foods.
Pregnancy and childbirth were also approached differently. There were no routine prenatal supplements like folic acid or iron tablets. Instead, women depended on traditional herbs, rest, daily activity, and the guidance of older women in the community. Many had multiple children and continued with their routines.
Today, however, circumstances have changed. With a growing population and declining soil fertility, fertilisers have become essential to boost food production. Likewise, modern medicine provides prenatal supplements because we now understand the risks of deficiencies—conditions such as anaemia, low birth weight, and other complications that can be life-threatening. These interventions have saved countless lives.
So, does this mean people today are weaker? Not entirely. Infant mortality rates have significantly declined, and medical advancements have improved survival and health outcomes. On average, people are taller, and many diseases that once claimed lives early can now be prevented or treated.
However, lifestyles have shifted. Physical activity has reduced, processed foods are more common, and reliance on healthcare systems and supplements has increased. In contrast, older generations engaged in daily physical labour, which naturally built strength, endurance, and resilience.
It is also important to recognise survival bias—we mostly hear from those who lived long enough to tell their stories, while many others in that era died young from illnesses that are now preventable.
Even so, their experiences offer valuable lessons. Their strength was not just physical; it was rooted in simplicity, consistent activity, and a close connection to nature.
Perhaps the answer is not choosing between the old ways and the new, but finding a balance. Use modern tools like fertilisers and supplements where necessary, but also prioritise natural foods, regular movement, and sustainable practices. In doing so, we can preserve the strength of the past while embracing the benefits of today.