The Value of Years: Honouring Work, Wisdom and Belonging

Reflections on Aging, Loss, and the Need for Stability

“Society is not homogenous. Most organisations recognise the value of having a diverse workforce, bringing together different life experiences, genders, ethnicities, and thinking styles. Age is no different”. Tammy Palmer, Head of People Development and Engagement, Age UK

I accidentally came across Up in the Air. The film stars George Clooney plays the part of Ryan Gingham, a corporate downsizing expert who travels the country firing employees on behalf of companies. The film captures the emotional toll of job loss, particularly for older workers who suddenly face an uncertain future. While younger employees may bounce back more easily, older staff often struggle with the double burden of financial insecurity and the sense that their experience is undervalued. Several powerful scenes show seasoned professionals blindsided by redundancy, questioning their worth after decades of loyalty. But the story reflets a broader reality of organisations losing a wealth of lived knowledge, relationships and professional wisdom. However, modern workplaces are quick to prefer youth and new ideas. Meanwhile, they ignore steady long-term contribution where age becomes a liability and not an asset. The film fought a corner. It argues that respecting and including older employees strengthen workplaces and honours human worth beyond numbers.

But sadly more often than not, as people age, they become invisible to society! For some, the erosion of daily routines, the absence of the familiar and shrinking social circles can quietly contribute to the loneliness experienced by the older population. There are many factors that older people face that the younger generation in the workforce ignore. No longer fitting the visual optics, older people somehow become a burden - imagine that! Additionally, independence can be further compromised if they become unemployed. Stability is crucial to well-being, especially as we grow older.

A 2025 scoping review found that almost 20% of older adults live alone and social isolation and loneliness are widespread among seniors within these communities. It’s not just about not feeling lonely, it carries serious health risks such as depression, cardiovascular disease and cognitive decline. Another study published in 2023 found that 33% of participants aged between ages 50 – 80 years felt isolated. Then there is chronic loneliness that has been linked to a 56% greater risk of stroke and 27% higher chance of developing dementia over 9 years.

So, what do this all mean to us?

Well, I think they highlight the urgent need to foster meaningful connections and create a supportive environment for people of all ages. Lit seems age discrimination and exclusion not only damages confidence but more importantly deprives the workplace of valuable experiences. This is despite clear evidence that mature workers bring invaluable skills, experience, reliability, and wisdom. Furthermore, senior or seasoned members in society should feel supported, valued, connected and secure. This professional sidelining compounds feelings of invisibility and instability. 

Work provides not just income but purpose and social connection; losing that can deepen the isolation many older adults already face.

Beyond ageism is the optics and additional scrutiny women face. Society can be judgmental and as it equates marriage with stability and social acceptance. Thus, women who are widowed, divorced or “Lord have mercy”- never married face more critical scrutiny. Research suggests that older women living alone are perceived as frail and dependent even when they are active and independent. This misperception can be instrumental in less support and understanding which can intensify feelings of isolation. Furthermore, the stigma surrounding single older women can discourage them from seeking help or expressing loneliness for fear of appearing burdensome. These outdated stereotypes must be challenged so that all older adults, regardless of marital status, can receive the dignity, respect, and community connection they deserve.

Sadly, aging is framed as a story of less, when in fact it can be one of experiencing resilience with the need for human warmth, stability and dignity. We should aim for a society where nobody faces aging alone. Ideally, we should foster inclusion, challenge the stigma and recognise that stability and connection are not luxuries.

After all, aging is not the closing act of life’s story. It is a chapter still rich with meaning, and it is our collective responsibility to ensure it is written with dignity, stability, and belonging.

Nivs D (Sunday 14th September 2025)