Giving Compass' Take:

• Anne Colby reports that ageism affects the elderly population by assuming that they have low motivation or interest in contributing to this world. Although, according to research, this perception is false and almost a third of the aging population is actually still deeply committed to goals that are meaningful to them.

• How can we shift our cultural perspective on the aging population and eradicate pre-conceived notions that go along with ageism and instead find ways to empower this population?

• Read about how philanthropy needs to care more about the aging population. 

At the heart of ageism is the assumption that, because of incapacity or low motivation, older adults contribute little to the world. A view of aging that highlights decline offset by the dubious rewards of self-indulgence and freedom from responsibility reinforces that ageist assumption.

This uninspiring vision underestimates most older adults, who find many small ways to engage with their communities; care for their families, friends, neighbors, and pets; contribute elements of compassion and civility to everyday life and volunteer at least sporadically.

In a nationally representative U.S. sample of men and women age 50 to 92, my colleagues and I found that almost a third (31%) exhibit a strong, stable, active commitment to goals that are deeply meaningful to them and that contribute a great deal to the world. In line with research examining purpose at younger ages, we describe these highly committed people as having a purpose beyond the self.

We have been pleased and a little surprised to see that the percentage of respondents who exhibit this high-level commitment and engagement does not drop off with age is not affected by health or financial status and shows only a modest relationship with educational background.

Read the full article about aging with purpose by Anne Colby at Forbes.