Introduction
While youth are often hailed as the hope for a better future, every generation carries its own promise. It’s disheartening to label young people with terms like “crystal generation” or criticize them for being “woke-educated,” especially after inheriting a world with democratic setbacks, poor jobs, and questionable education levels. It’s no wonder they distrust governments and institutions.
The Emergence of Elderly Activists
Interestingly, a new wave of elderly rebels is rising, voicing their discontent against the world’s chaos. These individuals are participating in protests, marches, and demonstrations to the best of their abilities, a phenomenon observed worldwide.
United States
During the nationwide protests in February and April, involving hundreds of thousands of people across 50 states, retirees played a significant role. They marched against Trump and Elon Musk’s policies, shouting “Hands Off.” They stood alongside women protesting diversity policy cuts, members of the LGBTI+ community, individuals dismissed by DOGE (Department of Government Efficiency), and many other causes.
Argentina
In Argentina, under the slogan “The Old Works, Milei” (reminiscent of the Eternauta), tens of thousands of older adults took to the streets to confront the president and his budget-slashing agenda. They demand dignified retirements, free medication access, and quality medical care. Having worked their entire lives or continuing to work beyond 80 years, they refuse to surrender without a fight.
Prominent Voices from the Elderly Activists
Recently, notable elders have delivered powerful speeches in significant forums:
- Richard Gere: At 75, while receiving the International Goya 2025 from Antonio Banderas, he stated, “I come from a very dark place in America, where we have a bully and another bully as our U.S. President. But it’s not just in the U.S.; it’s everywhere.” He urged, “We must be brave. We must be willing to stand up, speak the truth, and be honest.”
- Robert De Niro: At 81, upon receiving the Palma de Oro for his career, he said, “In my country, we’re fighting with all our might for the democracy that we once took for granted.” He added, “This affects us all here because art is democratic, inclusive, and unites people, as we see tonight. Art seeks the truth. Art embraces diversity, and that’s why art is a threat (…)” He concluded, “That’s why we’re a threat to autocrats and fascists (…)” and emphasized, “This is not just an American problem; it’s global. Unlike a movie, we can’t stand by idly. We must act, and we must act now.”
Mexico’s Elderly Activists
In Mexico, too, many elderly individuals are participating in protests. In 2021, Roger Bartra (82) wrote in Letras Libres: “I come from such an old left that it no longer exists. All that remains of the communist left are ruins in China, Cuba, and North Korea. Their despotic political traits have unfortunately survived, alas.” He further discussed how these mutations led to democracy and his shift towards left-wing liberalism.
Remembering José Mujica
José Mujica, an 89-year-old leftist and democrat, passed away recently. Unlike the current 4T administration, he was a true democrat and advocate for austerity. May he rest in peace.
Conclusion
As Dylan Thomas might say, let’s not enter that good night docilely. At day’s end, old age should burn and rage; let’s rage against the death of light. Let us burn and rage but not yield.
The Argentine retirees are right: the old works. I aspire to belong to that generation of elderly rebels. Long live resistance!
