By 2050, it is expected that the number of people over 65 will more than double. What does this mean for you? As Paul Iriving, the chair of the Center for the Future of Aging at the Milken Institute, describes it “We need to adjust our overall attitude toward growing old. As a culture, we tend to treat aging as a separate phase, not an extension of the same life.”
In order to reap the benefits of our graying population, society’s view on aging must change. Author Eillie Anzilotti details how society, as it is now, is poorly structured for the aging population. However, she shares empowering stories of individuals and businesses that are working cross-generationally to address these issues. Notably, she stresses the importance of age-friendly housing and transportation, and the value of workplace diversity.
Perhaps the greatest takeaway from this article is the idea that demolishing the barriers between old and young will be the most crucial step in fostering these widespread changes. Multigenerational conversations are mutually beneficial as younger generations can use this opportunity to learn, and for older generations to stay active and engaged. The mutual respect, understanding, and appreciation that emerges from these intergenerational conversations will enable us to work together for a future that works for us.
Link: https://www.fastcompany.com/3068543/our-aging-population-can-be-an-economic-powerhouse-if-we-let-it
