"Older adults are often mocked ("OK, Boomer!"), set off to the side, or treated as incompetent nuisances, at least in much public discourse. So, where did the expression come from? In earlier times, older adults were treated as the repository of knowledge, elders who could provide sage advice to the less polished members of younger generations. There is, then, a tradition of viewing older adults as valued and respected members of their communities."
"In a newly published article, University of Groningen's Kyriaki Fousiani and colleagues (2025) explore the question of whether aging could bring about improvements at work in the ways that older leaders manage conflict among their employees. As they note, "leaders need to maintain favourable employee relations, coordinate team task accomplishment and maintain employees' motivation and performance." Aging could help in this process, given that people who have been around longer have the chance to learn how to manage conflict."
Ageism often marginalizes older adults, yet historical roles cast elders as repositories of knowledge and community guidance. Aging offers opportunities to accumulate conflict-management skills that can improve leadership. Aging alone does not guarantee better leadership outcomes. Generativity — a motivation to help and develop younger people — distinguishes older leaders who foster harmony, provide growth opportunities, and minimize workplace conflict from those who block initiative and amplify tensions. Generative leaders maintain favorable employee relations, coordinate task accomplishment, and sustain motivation and performance. Cultivating generativity can enhance personal fulfillment and practical wisdom in later-career leadership roles.
Read at Psychology Today
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