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EXPLOIT THIS NATURAL RESOURCE

By June 26, 2018Culture, Longevity

Older adults are like other natural resources. We use them, use them up — with little or no regard for their value beyond the present. Fortunately, unlike the rest, older adults are the only natural resource to naturally replenish and, most impressively, increase in unprecedented numbers and pace.

Yet while we’ve barely succeeded with attempts to preserve, conserve, reserve and otherwise protect the depletion of minerals, threatened forests, rivers and oceans, and endangered species, the one natural resource we should “exploit” mostly goes to waste. Dismissed, disregarded, disrespected, stereotyped and otherwise misused and abused.

Just consider all the social and economic benefits this remarkable, regenerating, age-old human resource offers more of, compared to less mature counterparts:  freer time, years of professional and life experience, disposable income, and the innate desire to continue to lead a relevant, purposeful life.

As we see the forest for the trees, it becomes clear older adults — individually and collectively — possess enormous potential. Just some examples of what society needs, what older adults can offer, and the personal and social value of exploiting one another.

Employers: Older adults offer unparalleled work experience, ethic, stability and enthusiasm. Older adults need adaptable and flexible employment opportunities.

College students and young adults: Many older adults live in homes with extra rooms. Many college students would appreciate the opportunity for discounted rent in exchange for providing chores and other supportive services.

Educators: Older adults are comparatively patient, considerate and nurturing, and have free time, literally. Students need mentors, friends and to learn at an early age to appreciate and value the aging experience.

Nonprofits: Older adults desire to be relevant and purposeful; to put their expertise to good use.

Aging services providers: Older adults benefit from social connections and intergenerational relationships. Rather than isolating older adults in age-segregated communities, how about championing living places, spaces and services to unite not divide generations.

TV and film creative content developers: Older adults have lived the experiences and experienced the lives you pretend to tell and show. With older adults on your team, you can produce more authentic, less stereotypic storylines. #WiseUpOnAging

Historians and politicians: Because older adults have lived through our history, they are inherently valuable resources from whom to learn from experience in order not to be doomed to repeat past mistakes.

Environmentalists/conservationists/advocates: Past generations have contributed both unwittingly and intentionally to the depletion of many natural resources. It seems fair that today’s older adults, particularly boomers, should and probably would, if asked, help empower younger generations to better use and protect all of Earth’s precious natural resources. In a word, this is true generativity.

3 Comments

  • Gary says:

    One of my favorite school days of the year is the day when we have visitors from the Assisted Living Home down the street. They give the students first-hand information about the Great Depression. The kids are fascinated and the guests really seem to enjoy themselves.

  • I gotta believe it leaves a greater impression on students to hear about history like the Great Depression from those who lived it, than by reading about it as an assignment.

  • Steven Castle says:

    There is not one ‘old war story’ that I don’t sit down to listen to…it is living history and the type you can not find recorded in any history book. I learn something new with each one told.

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