The Perennials: The Megatrends Creating a Postgenerational Society

The Perennials: The Megatrends Creating a Postgenerational Society

Mauro Guillén explores the societal transformations brought about by megatrends such as increasing longevity and the rapid advancement of technology.

He advocates for the adoption of a ‘perennial’ lifestyle, which encourages continuous learning and productivity across all ages, challenging traditional age-based norms and the sequential model of life.

The discussion emphasizes the need for significant changes in cultural, organizational, and policy structures to accommodate this new reality.

Defying Age-Based Norms

The ‘perennial’ lifestyle redefines age-based norms, promoting continuous learning, working, and societal contribution at any age.

Studies indicate that age-diverse teams are more productive and creative, suggesting the need to move away from age-segregation in the workplace.

Mitigating Generational Conflict

Generational conflict is a pervasive societal issue, often characterized by younger generations blaming older ones for various challenges, including climate change and pension burdens.

Transitioning towards a society where generations learn, work, and live together could help alleviate these tensions.

Outdating the Sequential Model of Life

The traditional sequential model of life, characterized by education, work, and retirement phases, is becoming increasingly outdated.

This model fails to accommodate the realities of many individuals, particularly women, who often juggle education, work, and family life at different stages.

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