What use are we elders?

Earlier in human history, lives were short and few lived to see their grandchildren arrive and develop into adults. The few survivors, the ‘elders’ in communities, were greatly valued for their knowledge and experience, and consulted on important issues. And this respect for the older generation persists in Australian Aboriginal and New Zealand Maori communities. In all ‘Western ‘ societies, thanks to better nutrition and effective medical services, there has been a remarkable increase in the average lifespan and in the percentage of older people who survive to a great age. It is not unusual today for three or four generations to be alive at the same time. And this blog will continue to comment on issues associated with the ever increasing number of retirees in society – a totally new human phenomenon.

However, there seems to be a reverse relationship between the burgeoning demographic of older people and the frequency with which society consults its elders. Modern society appears to want its oldest generation to remain out of sight and out of mind. What a waste of resources! Despite not being up to date, perhaps, with all the scientific and technical advances which preoccupy the current working population, retirees are still an enormous repository of knowledge and experience, and still capable of critical thinking, innovation and organisation. Yet we are mostly ignored and rarely consulted on the important issues that face society.

Is this because we have lost the means by which the younger generations can contact and consult their elders? If so, then perhaps it is up to us to recreate this connection. How could this come about? There are many possible structures which could work. How about, for example, if there were groups of volunteer senior citizens attached to various official bodies or boards which could give an opinion on complex issues and plans. Such groups of elders – ‘Elder Trusts?’, would be free of commercial, religious or other bias, and provide free unfettered advice to Government, Business, Education and NGOs. Obviously, setting up such advisory groups will take careful organisation – and we are good at that too!