Smart Ageing Economy

What is a Smart Ageing Economy? It's one in which we celebrate the products, services, technologies, and systems that help improve life for all of us as we age.

It would appear on the surface to be a a straightforward idea. Instead, people as they age are subject to a series of humiliating circumstances, sometimes referred to as Ageism.

"Ageism is stereotyping and discriminating against individuals or groups on the basis of their age. This may be casual or systematic. The term was coined in 1969 by Robert Neil Butler to describe discrimination against seniors, and patterned on sexism and racism.

Yes, people grow more frail, their backs like mine might be arthritic, but the "new old" are not without positive attributes and in no way deserve to be singled out for a phenomenon which eventually happens to us all.

They are generally happier than their younger colleagues and possess more realistic expectations now that the accumulation of years has offered them wisdom to accept that which they cannot change. They now understand it's ok if everything and everybody doesn't work out as planned. They know to simply move on to the next plan or series of challenges. It's a hard task but once learned, just like the lessons served us by humility, it gives insights into life that bring joy amid the uncertainty and everyday stress of living.