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Fighting ageism, the Madrid International Plan of Action on Ageing

The 2002 Madrid International Plan of Action on Ageing notes that solidarity among generations is
fundamental to an intergenerational society that values and demonstrates equity and reciprocity between
generations. Several General Assembly resolutions encourage Member States to promote policies and
programmes to reduce the vulnerability of younger and older generations through various social
protection strategies. The latest UN review of MIPAA shows that despite the progress in the
1
understanding of the importance of social integration and intergenerational solidarity, its implementation
remains uneven across countries. Major constraints include lack of resources, political will and data. 2

5.3 The benefits of intergenerational collaboration in the work environment and
in society in general

Benefits of Generational Diversity in societies

It’s nearly impossible to learn something new from someone who shares your views and ways of thinking.
More perspectives means better decision-making. Cognitive diversity fuels innovation, enhances employee
engagement, boosts customer satisfaction and drives business success in today’s rapidly changing
workplace. One of the most valued forms of cognitive diversity in today’s changeable world can be found
in a multigenerational workplace. If you foster an environment of respect, inclusion, open communication,
and freedom to create and implement ideas, it will help your organization capitalize on its generations’
diverse cognitive power.
3

More generally in society, according to a Stanford report (Stanford Center of Longevity, 2016) , when older
adults contribute to the well-being of youth, it cultivates a sense of purpose and extends benefits both
ways. Such relationships are important and can help ensure that children and teens receive the kind of
attention and mentoring they often lack. These relationships also offer older adults opportunities to learn
about new technology and trends, and experience the excitement of seeing the world through a younger
perspective.
4

1 https://www.un.org/development/desa/youth/intergenerational-issues-factsheet.html
2 http://hdr.undp.org/en/content/implementing-madrid-plan-action-ageing-what-have-we-learned-an-
d-where-do-we-go-here#:~:text=The%202002%20Madrid%20International%20Plan,Ensuring%20enabling%20and%20supporti-
ve%20environments.
3 https://www.inc.com/ryan-jenkins/why-generational-diversity-is-the-ultimate-competitive-advantage.html
4 https://news.stanford.edu/2016/09/08/older-people-offer-resource-children-need-stanford-report-says/