AARP Hearing Center
Yes, the world has changed radically over the past five decades. Many of America’s favorites today would have been unimaginable in 1970. But have you considered how much of our cultural landscape was already beloved 50 or more years ago? We have, and we decided to salute these super-survivors, starting with...
AARP, 1958 — Now 61 years old, we're 38 million members strong.
Around the house
Electric drip coffee maker, 1954 — But Mr. Coffee brought them to homes big-time in 1972.
Mr. Potato Head, 1952 — Toy Story has ensured this fave’s longevity.
Color TV, 1950 — Adopted by the three networks in 1965.
Tupperware, 1946 — House parties were epically important to its success.
Ice cooler, 1953 — A landmark moment in chilling out.
Microwave, 1945 — Beeped into homes in the late 1960s; it never left.
Handheld hair dryer, 1920s — The wet head — thankfully — remains dead.
Lego toys, 1949 — From the Danish leg godt, which means “play well.”
UPS, 1953 — Until drones take over, we’ll await the brown truck — nearly every day.
Money
American Express, 1958 — The first boost to our love affair with debt.
Warren Buffett, 1930 — A $10,000 investment in him in 1962 is worth $298 million today.
Getting around
10-Speed Bicycle, 1960 — A paradigm shift from the 3-speed.
Ford Mustang, 1964 — The everyman muscle car persists!
Skateboard, 1959 — You’ve made it when the Olympics come calling (summer 2020, Tokyo).
Harley-Davidson, 1903 — From Brando to... Leno?
Courtesy of Harley-Davidson
Health & Wellness
Sunscreen, 1935 — Slather on and ward off UV rays.
ChapStick, 1880 — Pucker up!
The pill, 1960 — There would have been no sexual revolution without it!
Entertainment
Tony Bennett, 1926 — At 93, he has no plans to retire.
