Eldership: A Crucial Aspect of Diversity
Inspired by the webinar, Eldership - an issue of diversity?, hosted by the Elders Council for Social Entrepreneurs.
When we think about diversity, the conversation typically revolves around race, gender, and sometimes socio-economic background.
However, there's an often-overlooked dimension of diversity— age and experience. This article discusses eldership as a crucial aspect of diversity, exploring the challenges and opportunities associated with ageing and the value of intergenerational collaboration.
It's time to reevaluate how we view eldership.
Is it a burden to be managed or a vital part of our collective human experience that should be cherished?
This discussion was at the heart of a webinar organised by the Elders Council for Social Entrepreneurs. In this webinar, notable speakers, Kathryn Hall-Trujillo, (Global Advisory Board member of the Elders Council for Social Entrepreneurs) and Hae-Young Lee (Country Director of Ashoka Korea), shared their experiences and insights on how eldership shapes communities, offers unique perspectives, and promotes intergenerational collaboration.
They explored the unique challenges and opportunities that come with ageing, and most importantly, why eldership should be celebrated, not feared.
Eldership: More Than Age, It’s Wisdom and Contribution
In today’s fast-paced, youth-driven world, older generations are often marginalised, their wisdom overshadowed by the constant pursuit of technological advancement and increased speed. But according to the speakers, eldership isn’t just about getting older; it’s about the accumulation of experience, wisdom, and the ability to contribute meaningfully to society.
As we grapple with issues of diversity and inclusion, it's crucial to recognise that age discrimination not only robs individuals of dignity but also deprives society of invaluable wisdom and experience. By shifting our perspective on ageing from a process of decline to one of continued growth and contribution, we can unlock the potential of our elders and create a more vibrant, interconnected society.
Hae-young Lee emphasised that ageism needs to be viewed within the same lens as other forms of discrimination. Just as we work towards creating space for racial and gender diversity, age diversity should be treated as an integral part of the inclusivity puzzle. As Hae-Young pointed out, if we internalise negative attitudes towards ageing, it can literally shave years off our lives.Research reveals that adopting negative beliefs about ageing can reduce life expectancy by up to 7.5 years.
Her work within the new longevity movement seeks to change perceptions about getting older by creating communities that embrace the wisdom that comes with age, rather than dreading it. Her vision is for a world where being in your 50s, 60s, and beyond is seen as new chapter of opportunity and contribution.This underscores the importance of cultivating a narrative that celebrates eldership as a unique and valuable stage of life, rich with opportunities for personal development and societal contribution.
The Difference Between Elderhood and Eldership
A key theme during the webinar was the distinction between elderhood and eldership. Elderhood refers to the mere state of being older, while eldership refers to embracing one’s age and actively contributing one’s wisdom and experience to the younger generation. Eldership is a role that can empower both individuals and communities, creating strong intergenerational ties and allowing younger people to progress through lessons already learned.
According to Hae-young, one of the greatest challenges people face is the fear of ageing. This fear can overwhelm individuals, making them hesitant to imagine their futures beyond middle age. By embracing eldership however, individuals can confront these fears and find a sense of purpose and connection in their later years.
Reclaiming Eldership as a Source of Strength
For Kathryn Hall-Trujillo, better known as Mama Kat, being part of the Elders Council for Social Entrepreneurs has been a rejuvenating experience. At 75 years old, she describes this being “the best part of my life.” The eldest of nine children, Mama Kat has been in a leadership role for most of her life. As a midwife, she not only helped women give birth to their children but also guided them through the process of “birthing themselves.”
To her, eldership is a natural process, not something to be feared. It’s about owning who you are, standing firm in your roots, and simultaneously shining a light in the world. One of the key takeaways from her talk was the importance of community. In her words, “We all need a village—somewhere we belong, where we can be rooted. But we also need wings to fly and share our knowledge with others.”
Mama Kat also touched on the importance of language in shaping our views on ageing. “Language is the carrier of culture,” she said.
We need to take control of the narrative around ageing and create a positive, empowering view of what it means to be an elder, changing perceptions. For her, education doesn’t just come from textbooks or classrooms. It’s about lived experience, and eldership is an opportunity to share that experience with others.
By consciously crafting a positive narrative and being ambassadors for empowered aging, we can influence societal attitudes and create a more supportive environment for elders.
The Importance of Planning for the Future
One of the recurring themes during the webinar was the importance of planning for the future. and the need to shift societal attitudes away from viewing ageing as a time of decline.
Instead, eldership should be seen as an opportunity for continued growth.
As people live longer, healthier lives, the potential for elders to contribute to society is greater than ever before. This makes it all the more vital to recognise ageing as an opportunity for continual growth.
This doesn't just apply on an individual level but to entire communities and societies.Eldership should be integrated into every level of social, cultural, and economic decision-making. Elders, with their wealth of knowledge and experience, can play a crucial role in shaping the future, offering perspectives and solutions that younger generations may overlook and actually helping them progress more quickly by providing support and solutions to barriers already overcome.
Intergenerational Collaboration: A Key to Social Progress
Another major point of discussion was the need for intergenerational collaboration. Both speakers emphasised that younger and older generations can learn from each other. While younger generations may bring fresh ideas and new ways of thinking, elders bring hard-won wisdom and the longer view that can guide the decision-making process and prevent repeating mistakes of the past. This involves educating younger generations about the value of elder wisdom and creating opportunities for meaningful intergenerational interaction.
This collaboration can also foster personal growth and well-being. As Mama Kat noted, being part of a multi-generational community has given her both roots and wings. By surrounding ourselves with people of all ages, we create stronger, more resilient and dynamic communities where everyone has a role to play.
Global Perspectives on Eldership: Learning from Different Cultures
One of the fascinating elements of the discussion was the exploration of how different cultures view ageing and eldership. Many cultures tend to marginalise the elderly. However, the panel also acknowledged the more acute challenges faced by elders globally, including abuse, neglect, and social isolation. While there is much to learn from cultures that value their elders, there is also a global need to recognise and combat ageism - from negative stereotypes to appalling treatment.
Conclusion: A Positive Narrative for Eldership
Ultimately, this webinar was a call to action: to change the way we think about ageing and to embrace eldership as a vital aspect of diversity. By cultivating intergenerational understanding, we can create communities that are stronger, more inclusive, dynamic and resilient. We should embrace technology as a tool for empowering elders and bridging generational gaps. By ensuring that older individuals have access to and develop proficiency in digital technologies, we can enhance their ability to connect, learn and contribute in our increasingly digital world.
A positive narrative around eldership is not just beneficial for older generations but for everyone. It promotes mental and physical well-being, fosters collaboration across age groups, and ensures that society continues to benefit from the knowledge and experience of its elders.
As Hae-Young put it, eldership is an opportunity, not a burden.It’s a chance to keep growing, keep contributing, and to leave a lasting legacy for future generations.
If we can change the way we think about ageing, we can unlock the full potential of our communities, ensuring that everyone—young and old—has a role to play in shaping the future.
As we move forward, let us embrace eldership as a precious resource that can guide us towards a more inclusive, compassionate, and exciting future.
Author: Chanelle White
Editor: Chris Underhill & Katelynne Kirk