What is earlier?
I would say "in living memory" - parents, grandparents etc.
but health wise, I think we are better now. The advancement in medicine and technology keeps more people alive, and grow older.
My question is - is living longer a sign of wellbeing? I am not sure if elderly people are living a better life now. At least observationally from watching my grandfather, then my father, it has degraded. Should saving lives be the goal, or should quality of life factor in? As said, health is complex, which is why I went with obesity, as it is a bit more objective. Perhaps if the average person was less overweight, some of the diseases wouldn't be as bad also.
Convenience is also the likely candidate for a a lot of the problems we face too - definitely in the case of obesity. Then, flights, cars, cellphones, computers, are also empowering economically, but might be degrading our social lives, plus also putting us further into debt.
Interesting things to consider!