The value of youth is placed on youth because we (as a country) let
that be the norm. It is not the norm in every country. How we treat
our elderly is not the norm everywhere. Research done by Stanford
University shows that having aging humans in the lives of young
humans helps both sides of the spectrum (Parker, 2017) . Children
and teens are given the guidance they need to become adults that
have empathy, confidence, and abilities of their own. Aging humans
are able to learn technology and gain mental benefits from seeing
young humans become excited about growing (Parker, 2017) . If this
study shows that there are mutual benefits for each side, then maybe
the focus needs to be more on changing what the norm of
interactions are in America. Instead of shunning either side, both
should be encouraged to embrace interactions and to open their
minds and hearts to the possibility that the other side could help
them (Parker, 2017). This would help to shift the focus and the norm
of valuing youth and beauty over age.
Parker, C. B. (2017, September 6). Bringing old and young together
benefits both. Stanford News. Retrieved January 28, 2022,
from https://news.stanford.edu/2016/09/08/older-people-offer-
resource-children-need-stanford-report-says/
