This seems related to the general decline in fitness of the American population, assuming OP is American. Grip strength has declined massively since the 1980s.
A short walk with bags shouldn't be hard or even unpleasant for the typical adult.
Fair point, I think most families of four might have moved out of my neighbourhood. There are a lot of families of three, but I think they move elsewhere once there is a fourth.
This seems related to the general decline in fitness of the American population, assuming OP is American. Grip strength has declined massively since the 1980s.
A short walk with bags shouldn't be hard or even unpleasant for the typical adult.