Today, there’s a lot of division between us and seniors. There aren’t a lot of spaces where younger and older generations interact in any meaningful way other than between family members.
But the thing is that we have a lot in common, just in different ways. Our experiences are both often devalued. We both face social and physical barriers to participating in society.
Seniors face barriers to social participation in the form of:
- Lack of knowledge of digital technology use
- Some can no longer drive
- Those who are retired have limits on income
- Lack of accommodation for physical or health limitations
- Many must spend their days in residences or long-term care homes, usually separated from the rest of the community
- Often aren’t taken seriously
Young people face barriers in the form of:
- Lack of formal knowledge and qualifications like degrees or job experience
- Can’t legally vote
- Some can’t yet drive
- Many must spend their days in schools, usually separated from the rest of the community
- Some who work part-time have limits on income
- Often aren’t taken seriously
These are generalizations of course, but they are real barriers for many.
Both groups would benefit from more accessible social and political participation. Both would benefit from complete communities. Both would benefit from affordable housing. You get the idea – there’s similarities and opportunities to team up.
We can learn from past movements – collaboration and solidarity between groups can create a much stronger movement and, as history shows us, can make or break a movement completely.
What do you think about making space for intergenerational collabs in activism?
Kelly, signing off.
P.S – I think of these blog posts as an ongoing discussion. You can share your comments below, on social media (links below!) or get in touch with me at kelly@simcoecountygreenbelt.ca.