LONG LIFE, MUTUAL UNDERSTANDING AND GENERATIONAL EMPATHY

Abstract

Abstract. Ageing is a challenge considered as a demographic transition rather than cultural adaptation. The dominant form of adaption, «productive ageing», features a restricted potential for personal development and acceptable older age identities. The proposed alternatives focused on creative value of inactivity and rethinking of age discrimination (ageism) and life course rhythms give rise to ageing-related existential and spiritual questions. Exploring modes of participation across different age groups highlights the importance of generational intelligence, empathic understanding, mutually beneficial solutions and mutually reinforcing inter-generational roles that could shed light on human nature.