This summer, I had the unique opportunity to spend time with some of the most well-known and sometimes, outspoken, thought leaders in the age space who offered two entirely different learning structures for their events. I gained a new perspective on collaboration and learning.
As we age, we need to create new traditions and new meanings for our changing lives in order to feel fulfilled and relevant. The get-togethers of friends can be as simple as meeting to play cards, or discussing books or politics, but such gatherings are essential to us, especially in later life.
Today’s workforce comprises up to five generations. In the 1950s no more than three generations worked together. The current reality presents untold opportunities to combine the thinking, resources, expertise, and experience of people from ages 15 to 100.
The 100-year life isn’t a vision of the future. It is already here. There are almost 10,000 Canadian centenarians according to the last census. Eighty-five-year-olds are the fastest-growing age group and there are now more people aged 65 or older than there are children.
While attending a professional conference recently, I had the opportunity to catch up with colleagues whom I haven’t seen in a long time. Since I only see many of these colleagues at this annual event, chatter about work, family, and health is at the forefront. At this particular conference, my ear was especially tuned in to what I call #AgeSpeak. I define it as any phrase or comment that makes a reference to a person’s age that perpetuates ageism.
Age equity is a social justice issue. It’s more relevant than ever, especially in a world that is ageing rapidly. Ageing adults deserve to be respected and accorded the same rights as others. It’s going to take a movement to set the record straight.
When the retirement age of 65 was first conceived, the average lifespan was 62, the current average is 82 and it’s growing longer all the time. Ask yourself, does it make sense, for reasons of age alone, to discard or disregard, the knowledge, expertise, and wisdom of our olders?
I’ve heard the expression, the ‘messy middle’, to describe the stage of life that those born between 1945-1964, or earlier, are living through today. The last of the Boomer generation will turn 65 in 2030 which means a large majority are experiencing a period of transition that can be both frightening, and exciting.
Choosing the image of the vintage Underwood typewriter and searching for an appropriate font for the ‘In This Issue’ section of our newsletter brought back rich memories of sights and sounds.
We don’t all need to be heroes. But as human beings on this planet, we all need purpose. And, increasingly, older people are choosing a different kind of retirement, one that focuses on fulfilling some purpose.