The Third Age of Life: Leveraging the Mutual Benefits of Intergenerational Engagement

Abstract

Concerns about population aging are well justified. Our longevity gains in the last hundred years exceed that of all previous millennia combined, and the first baby boomers are only a decade from entering the fastest growing demographic age category of the U.S. population (i.e., those age 80 and older). To prepare, we will need to develop a more poised care workforce, technological advances that facilitate enhanced wellness and independence during periods of physical frailty, and the financial means to pay for both. Some argue, though, that addressing these issues are at odds with meeting the growing needs of those on the other end of the age spectrum—our nation’s youth. Experts suggest that the alarming increases in inequality among young people today have the potential to create devastating problems over the next several decades, including perpetuation of health and educational disparities, and as a result, a less productive future workforce ( Putnam, 2015 ). However, we contend that the challenges that come with population aging are outweighed by the unique resources older people offer, resources that are particularly valuable for addressing challenges facing young people today.