Green Shoots: With age comes wisdom, but sometimes age comes alone

Yesterday marked my aunt's eightieth birthday, a momentous occasion that brought together generations of our family for a joyful celebration. As I reflected on the occasion, I was struck by the proverb that suggests the knowledge and wisdom gained from years of life experience often surpasses the advantages of youthful vigor. In my work, I see this tension between age and youth as a recurring theme, as the wisdom and experience of elders is often balanced by the energy and courage of the young.

When I hear stories about the United Democratic Front of the 1980s and their remarkable achievements in organizing communities, I am reminded of the importance of both age and youth. There must be a balance between the two, and there are many octogenarians who continue to use their remaining years to seek a better world, instead of clinging to power like some older leaders.

Two such women passed away in recent weeks – Gloria Steinem, an iconic feminist leader who continued her activism until her death at 92, and Dolly Parton, who defied stereotypes and offered practical solutions to build a better world before she died at 80.

As life expectancy increases, the number of older persons in our society is growing. In 2002, there were 3.6 million South Africans aged 60 or over, representing 7.7% of the population. By 2025, this number had risen to 6.6 million, or 10.5% of the population. The proportion of households headed by older persons also increased from 19.3% in 2002 to 20.6% in 2024, highlighting the central role of elders in families and communities.

I firmly believe in learning from the elders, as they offer invaluable insights and stories from our past struggles. Spending time with these wise individuals, treating them with respect and reverence, and learning from their experiences is crucial. As Nelson Mandela once said, "When an old person dies, a library burns to the ground." Therefore, it is essential that we seek out the elderly, engage in meaningful conversations, and honor them as treasures in our lives.