AGEISM | The Aging In Every Generation

AGEISM is the discrimination of people based on their age. Gerontologist Robert N. Butler coined "ageism" in the late '60s (Science Direct, 2012). Butler believed ageism was a problem that dismissed resources and support toward the aging population. Butler's observation of unfair institutional policies and practices toward the aging population made him a pioneer in advocating resources and co-founding the National Institute of Aging.

Though the "term" ageism was created in the late '60s, the concept has always existed. While some cultures honor the aging generation, others stop seeing the value of those who went before them.

Most people born will eventually age. So, most people, from a "cultural collective" standpoint, will experience ageism. However, this depends on that culture's influencing ideas or values. This collective cultural belief stems first from family and then from society. While ageism was constructed in the late 1960s to advocate for the aging population, its concept reveals a greater light.

An aging population can bring wisdom and experience to the next generation and reveal what to do to better—individually and collectively.

Ageism, then, serves not only to advocate for the mistreatment of an aging population but also to help build the next one.

AGEISM | The "NEW" Does Not Mean To Forget The "OLD"

A new year always brings in something new!

2025 marked the year of a new generation—Generation Beta. Individuals born between 2025 and 2039 have been established as Generation Beta. Generation Beta will be the digital and artificial intelligence generation (Generation Beta...2025).

Although digital platforms and artificial intelligence did not start with Generation Beta, they will be more in sync with these technological advances. Forbes explains that Generation Beta will perceive artificial intelligence as a natural extension of everyday life (Generation Beta...2025). Forbes also mentions that Generation Beta was born at a time when artificial intelligence would be more acceptable (Generation Beta...2025). 

Like Generation Beta, every previous generation has experienced a "new thing" that shifted its trajectory of living. This new thing could have been a law created to break systemic barriers or subliminally exclude others, a new philosophical thought or belief that created unity or division, or a new medical discovery.

Every generation has its reign of significance and defiance. However, as a new generation comes, it's imperative not to forget the aging. Specifically, it's essential to maintain an awareness of the previous generation's patterns, behaviors, thoughts, and beliefs as a collective to improve.

As most people will become the "aging generation," a consistent collective cultural teaching to care for the aging and prepare the next generation is imperative.

AGEISM | Out With The Old, In With the New

There is a boiling point of generations living today, expanding from the Greatest Generation (1901-1927) to the newest Beta Generation (2025-2039). Traditions, occupations, and beliefs that existed centuries ago are still practiced today. However, there has also been an implementation of new ways of thinking and executing things that have advanced the world.

The saying, "Out with the old, in with the new," is literal and a figure of speech. Some things become "old" and may not keep up with the current times, and a "new" thing must be set in order. Nonetheless, all things evolve from something that was established first.

However, when observing an aging population (PEOPLE), they need assistance and support to stay updated with the current times. This becomes the "collective".

A thing's newness does not necessarily mean getting rid of the old but shifting with the current times or age. Ageism, which is "considered" old, becomes the guiding light for a new thing.

AGEISM | One of The Guiding Lights

Everything ages in time – people, places, and things. Specifically focusing on the "aging" population, as we are all once young, we will eventually grow old (most). Ageism becomes something most people observe or experience.

A consistent teaching and value "must" be exchanged between the aging population and the "current" younger generation to evolve. This exchange between generations should be resources and support to continue to develop from what has been established and what will be advanced. First in kinship then within society.

Change is inevitable.

Ageism becomes one of the guiding lights to advance – COLLECTIVELY.

Picture from Reader's Digest

1 Corinthians 3:6-9