Here & Now's Wendy Robbins: "Wherever they go, they take the forties with them"

However, a couple in Sheffield go through life with a ration book rather than a credit card in their hands, and say the modern world is a confusing place they do their best to avoid.

And Glenn and Melanie Sanderson cannot even give the excuse of looking back to their youth since they are only in their 30s.

A psychologist says they may live longer because of their obsession.

Jumble sale jacket

Melanie Sanderson discovered the 1940s when buying a green jacket from a jumble sale 15 years ago.

The happy couple at home in period dress....

She likes the fashions and fabrics of the era, and adds: "Everything had a quality about it."

Husband Glenn points to the resourcefulness of those who lived then, something which he says people would not manage now.

And Melanie is also dismissive of the 1990s, believing there was more respect and comradeship 50 years ago.

Supermarket nightmare

The pair do visit modern innovations like the supermarket, but would clearly be more at home in their own corner shop.

...although they do not change for the modern world

"We find the whole experience a nightmare, not only with the size of the place but the choice on offer. There's too much packaging - most of it isn't required", says Melanie.

But the Sandersons, whose story was highlighted by BBC1's Here and Now programme, brush off criticism - even from their parents.

Glenn says: "They still think it's a phase after 15 years, because that's how long I've been into the 40s. They're hoping it's going to pass and I get back to normal, but I can't see it".

And their parents are unlikely to see any grandchildren either.

They will not allow modern technology in the house and believe children would suffer, not least because they compare themselves to other youngsters with video games and computers.

"We would want to inflict our obsession upon them too much and I don't think that would be fair on them," added Melanie.

'Banging' music

They prefer to socialise in the correct atmosphere

It is usually older people who complain about noisy modern pubs, but Glenn says he also turns down invitations from friends at work.

"I know I wouldn't like it because of the music and modern surroundings."

Melanie says they are more at home at special dances - where the clientele is often older - and "we have friends round where we can sit in our environment and talk 1940s".

Psychologist David Weeks says this is a healthy obsession

According to an expert in the field, Glenn and Melanie may be reliving the decade for many years to come - longer than the rest of us look back fondly at the 1990s.

And that is not because it was a better era.

Psychologist Dr David Weeks says people who wish to live in another era are healthier.

"They tend to live longer because they cut out the stress that comes from having to comform to other people's expectations."

However, he warns: "If it becomes a compulsion that takes control of them, they might lose friends or have a more restricted lifestyle than they would have wanted."

The couple also collect objects from the era

But Melanie says there is nothing wrong.

"We're escaping modern society to enter our own little world which we are more comfortable with."

And Glenn sees himself almost in the role of museum curator.

"If it wasn't for people like us, living the way we are, and trying to show people what it is all about, it will be forgotten."