The Benefits of Age
The International Day of Older Persons is on 1 October 2021
by Brian Radcliffe
Suitable for Whole School (Sec)
Aims
To encourage us to consider the pros and cons of ageing and develop empathy with older people in our community.
Preparation and materials
- Much of this assembly consists of group discussion, so it would be helpful to think through some possible questions and answers prior to the assembly.
- Further information about the International Day of Older Persons is available at: https://www.un.org/en/observances/older-persons-day
Assembly
- Ask the students, ‘At what age does a person become elderly?’
Listen to a range of responses, asking for justification as to why a particular age is chosen.
Possible answers could include when people’s children have grown up, when their hair turns grey, when they receive their pension and so on. - Explain that the International Day of Older Persons is on 1 October 2021. The United Nations established it as a day when we are encouraged to consider the situation of older people, value their contribution to our lives and tackle some of the issues that affect them.
- Point out that whatever age we choose as the threshold for becoming elderly, it’s clear that the proportion of the world’s population that is elderly is growing year by year. This is partly because people are living longer in the developed nations, which is mainly due to better healthcare. In addition, fewer children are being born as the principles of birth control are understood.
- So, what are the disadvantages of growing old?
Ask the students to put themselves in the place of someone who is half a century older than them. To ground the discussion, encourage the students to relate the disadvantages that they identify to real people whom they know.
Encourage discussion in groups and then listen to a range of responses.
Responses may include physical or mental health issues; loneliness; difficulty coping with change; feeling blamed for climate change, wars and so on; lacking a purpose in life; feeling that time is running out; and worrying about dying. - Point out that it’s not all bad news, however! There are also many advantages to growing older, otherwise there wouldn’t be so many happy older people in our community.
- Ask the students to think about the advantages of growing older. To ground the discussion, encourage the students to relate the advantages that they identify to real people whom they know.
Encourage discussion in groups and then listen to a range of responses.
Responses may include having time to relax and enjoy a less stressful life; having time to fulfil ambitions; retiring from working; having freedom from responsibility; and being able to share a lifetime of experiences.
Time for reflection
Ask the students to think about older people whom they know – they may even think about certain members of staff!
Encourage them to think about the advantages of living in a society where people of all ages make vital contributions. Ask the students to think about an older person whom they know and what contribution that person makes to their life.
You may wish to ask the students to discuss this with a partner or in groups.
Responses may include providing childcare, skills, company, experience, leadership and so on.
Point out that there is another side to this discussion. It is important to consider what we can contribute to the lives of older people too.
Encourage the students to consider how they might provide something that adds to the life of an elderly person.
You may wish to ask the students to discuss this with a partner or in groups.
Responses may include the following.
- Providing company. Loneliness is an issue among some older people.
- Getting in touch by visiting or calling. Some older people, especially those living alone, can go for days without a conversation.
- Respecting their wisdom. Discussing problems and world issues with older people gives you the opportunity to draw on their experience and value it.
- Letting them know that you care. We can thank them for simply being there.
Point out that none of the above take much effort, but each one could mean an enormous amount to someone today.
Encourage the students to find out more about help for the elderly in the local area.
Song/music
‘The living years’ by Mike and the Mechanics, available at: https://youtu.be/5hr64MxYpgk (5.23 minutes long)
