The Australian Government Intergenerational Report 2023 projects that the population of Australia will age over the next 40 years. Rather than viewing this as a problem, we should recognise this as a time of unprecedented opportunity to tap into a vast human reservoir of wisdom, experience, and optimism.
The COO of The Centre for Optimism, Victor Perton, said, “Optimism, for instance, increases with age and life experience. This optimism is not mere cheerfulness; it’s a profound understanding of the human potential that underpins innovation and resilience, driving our society forward.
“While media coverage has predominantly focused on the challenges associated with ageing, it’s essential to shed light on the many positive aspects of this demographic shift. Older people bring a treasure trove of knowledge, experience, and a unique brand of optimism to our society, attributes that can be harnessed for the collective good.”
Older Australians are often characterised by patience, resilience, wisdom, and a forward-looking optimism that inspires those around them. Furthermore, they are generally more willing to share their knowledge and skills, fostering a culture of cooperation and mentorship.
There are innumerable ways in which older Australians can enrich our society and already do so. They can mentor the youth, volunteer time to assist others, initiate new businesses, create employment opportunities, and drive innovation. Their accumulated knowledge and inherent optimism can enhance their families’ and communities’ quality of life.
“The ageing of Australia’s population is not a challenge but a positive opportunity. By tapping into our elders’ wisdom, experience, and optimistic outlook, we can forge a stronger, more inclusive, and more prosperous future for everyone,” Mr Perton said.
Older individuals can play a vital role in bridging the generational divide and cultivating a more cohesive society. By sharing their knowledge, life lessons, and contagious optimism, they foster an atmosphere of understanding and respect that transcends age.
Their unique insights into the world’s challenges and opportunities, born of a lifetime’s experience, can guide wise decision-making for the future. Older Australians can and do serve as mentors and inspirations to younger generations, sharing their wisdom, providing guidance, and motivating the youth to reach their full potential.
They can also drive economic growth and innovation, using their expertise to launch new businesses, create jobs, and develop groundbreaking products and services. Many of the best start-ups benefit from older founders, investors, and mentors. These seasoned individuals bring a realistic sense of optimism, enriched by their personal experiences of failure and success, contributing a balanced perspective that can guide new ventures to flourish.
Older Australians’ care for their grandchildren is more than a familial duty; it reflects their nurturing spirit. Coupled with their propensity for higher levels of volunteer activity, they become pillars of support within families and friends. Their unwavering commitment fortifies the bonds that unite our communities, making them an indispensable part of our social fabric.
“By acknowledging and celebrating the positive contributions that older people make to society, including their age-fostered optimism that fuels innovation and resilience, we pave the way for a more welcoming and inclusive environment for all ages,” Perton concluded.
Key Facts:
The Australian Government Intergenerational Report 2023 projects that the population of Australia will age over the next 40 years. The report shows that there are positives in an aging community.
Optimism increases with age and life experience. This optimism is not mere cheerfulness; it’s a profound understanding of the human potential that underpins innovation and resilience, driving our society forward.
About us:
The Centre for Optimism is a Melbourne-based research community and works to empower people to be infectiously optimistic to foster better leadership, strategy, innovation and resilience.
