Why Should Young People Care About Aging Issues?

By Teagan ClarkAugust 15, 2025

I just turned 20; why should I care about older people or their problems? I love my grandma, but what does this have to do with me?

Aging issues span much more than hearing aids and reading glasses. They include financial, social, mental and emotional struggles that often get overlooked, especially in the populations who deem themselves “unaffected.” Young people often do not realize that the issues that affect older populations have a lot to do with them, too.

 Aging is all around

Your grandparents, your parents, your friends, your dog and YOU are all aging. Whether we’d like to think about it or not, it is a fact of life that we are all getting older. If reading this makes you feel uncomfortable, there is the first problem.

Aging is often stigmatized and treated as taboo. We associate it with loss: of beauty, independence or loved ones. But this mindset is not only unhealthy—it’s also harmful. When young people feel disconnected from the aging journey, it creates a domino effect of denial. And that denial can make it harder to face aging when it inevitably becomes personal. In fact, one reason older adults may resist help is because they avoided thinking about aging when they were younger.

Aging is a constant in our lives, but it doesn’t have to be a struggle.

How aging affects you (even if it doesn’t feel like it yet)

Discrimination based on age, or agism, can be detrimental to our communities in ways that we don’t think of. Young people having a negative view of older people can perpetuate harsh stereotypes that can affect physical and mental health greatly.

Even the constant stream of “anti-aging” creams and remedies can be harmful. The more we avoid the inevitable, the more our communities become estranged from our elders.

But here’s the good news: intergenerational conversations and connections can be some of the most rewarding and eye-opening experiences you’ll ever have.

Navigating these intergenerational conversations

Whether it be your grandma or an older adult you interact with on the street, it’s important to approach the conversation with care and respect. Different generations often have different communication styles, and using too much slang or speaking dismissively can cause confusion—or worse, offense. Even a judging look from a young person towards an older adult struggling to use technology can be harmful.

The problem isn’t just offense, either. While you never want to offend someone, there are real problems that can arise if an older adult feels judged. They can feel the need to prove their independence—leading to unnecessary risks and dangerous behavior. They can also feel discouraged trying, for example, to learn to use their technology more effectively, hindering their progression.

With all of this in mind, these connections can be rewarding and very helpful. Younger people often harbor stigma around older generations, especially because our world and attitudes have changed so drastically over the years, but one thing is for certain, even though it can sometimes be hard to admit: there are things you learn from being on the earth longer. A conversation with an older adult can help you shape your career, your social life or even in situations you think no one understands.

Ask, ask, ask. No matter your age, everyone loves to talk about themselves and their experiences. If you’re feeling lost in one of these conversations, ask questions! You never know what the person you’re talking to has been through.

Grow into the future you want for yourself and your loved ones

The simple support and awareness of the aging journey can make a massive difference in your family and community. Start with your own circle. Offer resources, lend a hand or simply listen. You don’t have to have all the answers; simply being present and aware of your loved one can mean everything.

Your help in just your own circle can go a long way. Give an older loved one resources to help them thrive: