Is life better now than in the past?

When we look at this question superficially, we can conclude that life is much better now than, for example, 50, 200 or even a thousand years ago. However, this judgement is based mainly on advances in various fields such as technology, health, human rights and the ease of life. However, if we subtract these achievements from our consideration, is modern life much better than in the past? We are happier today than people were 50 years ago? Are meaningful life and we living a more fulfilling? Is it possible that our ancestors were also happy with their lives, despite much tougher conditions?