Opposing opinions, beliefs, interests, and values between generations have always resulted in a Generational Gap. Ageism, a socially constructed way of thinking and stereotyping based of age, continues to be a common yet overlooked form of social discrimination that widens the generational gap. Over the years, society has stereotyped seniors for their appearance, reduced cognitive ability, over-dependence, and selfishness. The young generation has also been stereotyped for their naivety, entitlement, and reduced self-sufficiency.
Health care has increased life expectancy leading to more generations living at the same time. Although technology has allowed us to connect with one another more readily, people from different generations are more disconnected than ever. The reason for this is multifaceted.
This century’s technological developments have advanced our society at a much faster rate than previous centuries. The result is a profound difference between the generations’ life experiences, perspectives and lifestyle leading to deeper misunderstanding, miscommunication, and conflict between generations. Another underlying factor is that urbanization, ease of mobility, and advancement of technology have resulted in like-minded people easily connecting and staying together. This further limits intergenerational exposure. Age segregation has become the norm in our activities and communities resulting in a further misunderstanding between the generations and strengthening the ageist stereotypes. The result is obvious; THE GENERATIONAL GAP IS BECOMING A FASTER-GROWING ISSUE THAN IN THE PAST.