Should We Worry About Social Problems and Political Action in Later Life?

After the lives we have had, after the jobs, the children, the care-giving of our parents and grandchildren, the volunteer work of our early retirement, why would we want to take on the problems of the world? Enough, you might say, it’s time to ease off, to have some fun, to relax, go to bed at night without worrying about larger social concerns!

For some that’s easy—they have no difficulty shutting out the noise and clamor of a needy world. They don’t join social media, they avoid the evening news, they turn away when they see people sleeping on the streets. Those are not my problems anymore, I’ve done my share.

And of course, there are others, who have problems of their own. They might be focused on their health, addressing pressing conditions such as heart fibrillation or diabetes, which turn up in old age. Some are worried about how they will pay their ballooning health care costs, and increasing rent or taxes. And some are consumed with the losses and indignities of getting old. They don’t have the energy, resources or desire to be concerned about the issues confronting humanity.

It’s far more likely, however, that we Boomers, now becoming older, are in a good health, with few financial worries. We are well positioned to take on social responsibility and offer our wisdom. The question is, are we involved, do we make a contribution? Do we care about issues that will involve future generations, like climate change and artificial intelligence?

It’s not the usual question researchers ask

If we do, it’s not well publicized. It appears that today we Boomers, are not known for our public service. In doing this research, and typing in phrases like “What do Boomers care about?”, what comes up are references to how Boomers are becoming society’s concern, not about if or why Boomers care about world matters. This strongly suggests that there are low expectations for us in the issue of our usefulness to society, in political action, in social involvement, and even in volunteering.

In fact, here in my own country, a Canada Survey of Giving, Volunteering and Participating (2007), suggests that:

“This cohort is also more likely to be “episodic” volunteers—taking on specific projects or assignments—rather than committing to one organization or structured volunteer activity over a prolonged period of time”

That is not to say that we are removed from society. It’s quite the opposite, especially when it comes to being involved in the work world and in our family obligations.

According to the Pew Research Center,

“The relatively strong presence of 65-and-older workers is found across age brackets: 65- to 69-year-olds, 70- to 74-year-olds, and those 75 and older. All are working at higher rates than they did in May 2008, the only age groups about which that can be said.”

And in England, The Guardian,  a  2015 article by Sarah Johnson, “How can older people play a bigger role in society”, says:

“Figures from the Family and Childcare trust report that 2.3 million grandparents say that they look after their grandchildren in order to enable the children’s parents to go to work.”

The eyes of society are on us

So, while we limit ourselves in our involvement to working and caring for our families, researchers and civic groups are occupied with our very large, still influential demographic on other levels.

There is much concern, for example, about how society treats us. A recent report published by the Mayors’ Design Advisory group in London advocates a more age-friendly city that improves the life of older people through better housing options, and support networks. This is part of the initiatives and forums around the world dedicated to age-friendly cities, from New York to Leeds.

A 61 year-old participant in this study, stated:

“My main concern is not to be segregated by my age. I believe it’s important for all ages to interact on a day-to-day basis. It gives everyone a much richer and broader experience and hopefully removes the labeling of people as ‘elderly’ or ‘past it’ and the self-fulfilling behaviors that are often generated by this.”

Those are powerful words, and reflect the work done by Boomers themselves over the past few years, to elevate the lives of older people in our western democracies.

There are exceptions to the rule

But still, despite the actions of famous public figures like David Suzuki, Bernie Sanders, and Gloria Steinem and despite our past record of demonstrations during the 1960s, there is little evidence that our generation is represented in the larger public stage, as purveyors of social justice and wisdom.

There is, however, an innovative group of women who formed an organisation during the 1970s, called “Raging Grannies”—and it’s still going strong!  There are 100 chapters now, in Canada, United States, and five other countries around the world.

I remember them turning up, at rallys, political meetings, corporation offices, singing their songs of protest, reveling in their common purpose. This is their invitation to you, found on their website.

“Please, pour yourself a cup of tea and join us inside. . .
We are out in the streets promoting peace, justice, social and economic equality through song and humor.”

All I can say is “Bravo”—wish more of us were like you!