Subscribe now

Comment and Health

Don't let rift between generations spark a toxic era of ageism

We need to restore peace between young and old as resentment over healthcare, jobs and pensions fuels ageism. How can we do it, wonders Michael North

By Michael North

5 October 2016

New Scientist. Science news and long reads from expert journalists, covering developments in science, technology, health and the environment on the website and the magazine.

A future you: realising you will age can increase empathy with the older generation

Dimitri Otis/Getty

There is a growing narrative familiar to most of us: a globally ageing population is placing unprecedented strain on government resources, social safety nets and the younger generation. With little end in sight to these demographic trends, intergenerational resentment is set to become an even bigger issue than it already is.

Now the UN has weighed in with a plea for peace, dedicating its International Day of Older Persons on 1 October to defusing negative attitudes to older people. It says older citizens…

Sign up to our weekly newsletter

Receive a weekly dose of discovery in your inbox! We'll also keep you up to date with New Scientist events and special offers.

Sign up

To continue reading, subscribe today with our introductory offers

View introductory offers

No commitment, cancel anytime*

Offer ends 2nd of July 2024.

*Cancel anytime within 14 days of payment to receive a refund on unserved issues.

Inclusive of applicable taxes (VAT)

or

Existing subscribers

Sign in to your account
or

Register for FREE to read this article in full

Register to access free content