The Age of Agelessism

“Cultural literacy isn’t like skin elasticity or hair,” remarks Chapin Clark, Executive Creative Director Social Content at RGA. “It’s not something you’re hardwired to lose over time. You do have to maintain a sense of curiosity, however.”

When Chapin turned 50, he realized that he not only hit a milestone birthday, but hit a milestone in the ad industry as there aren't many of "them" around: Ageism is an all too common bias faced by far too many.

In his recent opinion piece for Ad Age, Chapin writes that regardless of age, everyone faces the challenge of keeping up with changes in technology, media, culture, and the arts — and of course, keeping our skills sharp. The key however, is to always remain curious – BICsters can certainly relate to this!

And the pressure isn't just on for older individuals but also for Gen Zers. The stress about keeping up with the latest shows, new technologies, and recent album releases is real. Staying up-to-date requires effort, especially considering the rate at which new trends come and go. Technology and media has made agelessism both very convenient and accessible.

In this sense, what does it mean to "act your age" online? How important is age vs. experience? If we each have a duty to continue staying culturally literate, doesn't that make us all forever students?

BIC Professor Belle Frank has recently written more generally about the "Age of Age." She presented some of her findings in a dynamic presentation at Cannes and continues to contribute on this subject, including in this post on WPP's  Health Practice blog >> http://bit.ly/2DiHYmR

Read Chapin's opinion piece here: https://bit.ly/2Cpy6XM