The Age of Old Age: How Society's Perception is Evolving
It is a well-known fact that perception of age varies from person to person and through different historical periods. Last Sunday, as I enjoyed a delicious steak and a béarnaise sauce, I found myself reflecting on this change. The very same plate cost 42 dollars without the sauce, but two decades ago, it would have been just 18. This cost difference is a reflection of broader societal changes, including an increase in the perceived age of what is considered old.
This phenomenon, sometimes referred to as age inflation, has profound impacts on how we view and treat older people in our society. This article explores the changing perception of old age and the various factors contributing to this shift, drawing on historical context and personal reflections.
Historical Context: A World That Changed Everything
When my grandparents were in their mid-sixties and early seventies, they were seen and often portrayed as old people. Their appearance, behavior, and lifestyle were vastly different from what we see in today's older generation. Born after World War I and enduring the hardships of the Great Depression, my grandparents faced a world that was far from modern. They grew up without electricity, working from a young age to support their families.
Technological advancements and societal changes over the last century have transformed the perception and experience of aging. In the 1980s and 1990s, when my grandparents rapidly grew older, their world became isolated and limited to a few rooms in a grey, old house. However, technology has since evolved at an unprecedented pace, making the world not just larger but more accessible.
The Age of Generational Shifts
Contrast this with my parents, who are now nearing eighty and seventy-something. They embody the new age of aging. While my grandparents grew old and their world contracted, my parents have remained vibrant, active, and technologically savvy. They enjoy internet tablets, smartphones, and streaming services like Netflix. They drive hybrids and travel the world. Their health and mental well-being stand in stark contrast to the past, reflecting the advancements in healthcare and technology.
According to a popular expression, 70 is the new 50 and 50 is the new 30. People not only act younger; they also look younger and are healthier, better connected to the world than their predecessors. This is a significant shift from the pre-and post-war years when old age and health were luxury goods available only to the wealthy. People did not necessarily grow old; they survived.
The Drivers of Age Inflation
Longevity and advances in healthcare have played a crucial role in this shift. With advancements in medical science and an overall improvement in living conditions, people are living longer and leading healthier lives. This has led to a redefinition of what it means to be old. Improved healthcare means that older individuals are not just surviving but thriving, with many active well into their eighties and nineties.
Moreover, the evolution of technology has been a significant catalyst. Smartphones, the internet, and social media have made the world more accessible and interconnected. Older generations are more than just users; they are active participants in this digital age, often surpassing younger generations in technological literacy.
Conclusion: The Changing Perception of Aging
Age inflation, while a social phenomenon, reflects a broader societal evolution. It is a testament to the impact of technological advancements and improvements in healthcare. As we continue to witness the changing face of aging, it is important to understand and embrace this shift. Older individuals are not only surviving but thriving, and society must adapt to this new reality.
As we move forward, it is crucial to ensure that the increasing longevity of our population is accompanied by continued advancements in healthcare and technology. The world is closing in on some, but for others, it is expanding. And perhaps most importantly, it is acknowledging that the old are not just old but vibrant, engaged, and integral to the fabric of our society.
Albert Einstein in 1921, aged 42, aged much differently than people of the same age today.