FREE THINKING: EXPLORE THE REALMS OF KNOWLEDGE

The experience of growing older in a world dominated by technology presents significant ethical and philosophical challenges. 

As older generations try to find their place in an environment increasingly influenced by digital advancements, the issue goes beyond just having access to these technologies; it’s about being acknowledged and valued in this new context.  

Sherry Turkle points out that technology doesn’t just change our actions; it reshapes our identities. For many older adults, this shift can feel alienating, like a slow loss of identity that is grounded in the analogue past and rooted in personal memories.

However, the ethical dilemma isn’t just about including older individuals in the digital landscape; it’s essential to question the underlying beliefs that push them to the margins. 

Philosopher Charles Taylor emphasises that recognition is a fundamental human need, not just a polite gesture. When society portrays aging individuals as outdated or burdensome, it enacts a form of symbolic violence that diminishes their sense of dignity and belonging.

This societal marginalisation is exacerbated by the prevailing narrative around innovation, which tends to favour youth and newness over the wisdom that comes with age. 

Byung-Chul Han alerts us to the dangers of this “cult of the new,” which threatens to diminish our appreciation for depth and duration in life experiences. In such a climate, the elder emerges not as a roadblock to progress, but as a vital counterforce, challenging the notion that time should be merely about efficiency.

Moreover, the advent of artificial intelligence and robotic care technologies adds another layer of complexity to this discussion. While these innovations hold the promise of enhanced support and greater independence for older individuals, they also come with the potential to depersonalise care. 

Eva Feder Kittay notes that dependency is a natural aspect of our humanity rather than a flaw. Viewing ageing merely as a challenge to be addressed by machines overlooks the essential human connections that underlie care—connections built on vulnerability, mutuality, and presence.

It’s also important to recognise that the generational divide isn’t a given; it’s a social construct. As bell hooks eloquently states, true community thrives on connections that bridge differences. When society values elderhood as a wellspring of knowledge rather than a burden, it can foster a bridge linking the past with the future, thereby rooting technological advancements in ethical considerations.

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Ultimately, ageing should not be perceived as a withdrawal from being relevant; instead, it can be seen as a process of gaining deeper insight. 
As Simone de Beauvoir powerfully articulated, “old age is not a disease—it is a triumph.” In a culture that often prioritises speed and youth, the voice of the elder provides a necessary counterbalance: one that is thoughtful, reflective, and full of wisdom. 

To truly listen to these voices goes beyond mere inclusion; it requires a reimagining of what it means to feel a sense of belonging in our society.