Redefining Age: Why the Nordic Approach Transforms How We See Each Other

Today, I am going to show you how ageing can be empowering rather than limiting and what lessons can be learned from the Nordic approach to age.

Unfortunately, ageism remains widespread in Western societies. From workplace bias to negative stereotypes, discrimination against older individuals is very common, limiting opportunities and affecting mental well-being.

There’s even reverse ageism, where younger individuals face stereotypes that paint them as inexperienced, entitled, or unreliable. These biases impact their personal lives and careers and their ability to be taken seriously in many professional or social settings.

Ageism in any form – whether directed at older or younger individuals – not only creates unnecessary barriers and limits opportunities but also undermines social cohesion and economic growth.

The Nordic societies are a good example of embracing all ages and offer valuable lessons on how to combat ageism by emphasising inclusivity, equality, and active participation in life and work, whether for toddlers or pensioners.

A ripe fruit carries the sweetness of time, but the unripe holds the promise of growth. Wisdom ripens with experience, yet fresh perspectives bloom in youth.

Any age has its pros and cons. It’s how we approach the individual for who they are and what they have to offer each time that matters.

Becoming less biased towards younger or older people and more open to harnessing their unique contributions, regardless of age, reveals more opportunities for both personal and collective growth.

Let’s explore the Nordic societal attitudes towards ageing and youth and what their foundation is.

Beyond Obligation: How Nordic Societies Redefine Care, Equality, and Intergenerational Respect

The Nordic model is rooted in a cultural commitment to dignity and autonomy that extends to all stages of life.

The key goal is to foster independence, self-reliance and respect for personal choice for both older adults and younger generations.

How the Nordic countries and societies approach individuality in relation to age is very interesting, as it promotes uniqueness, personal identity and authenticity.

Everyone is entitled to live their life the way they want, think independently, and express themselves in a way that reflects their personality, whether about how they speak, dress, or create.

For older generations, reablement programmes help restore people’s skills rather than just provide care and help.

This helps older people maintain (or regain) their independence, functionality, and confidence, reducing the need for ongoing care. It’s a much more cost-effective and empowering approach.

On the other side of the spectrum, children and youth have universal access to education, healthcare, and social services, which promotes early independence and self-confidence and provides a safety net that empowers them to feel free to explore life, experiment, and take risks.

All this is rooted in two deeply ingrained social and cultural values: equality and inclusivity.

Regardless of age, everyone receives equal access to what the welfare system offers. Older adults have access to care services without stigma, while younger people benefit from social policies designed to reduce inequality (because of, for example, income, education level, or background).

That removed the need for familial obligation. In many countries worldwide, people have extensive responsibilities and expectations towards their family members. Parents are expected to take care of and support their children until any age, and children are expected to care for their ageing parents.

In some places and cultures, there are even more extended family ties and obligations (for example, towards grandparents, aunts and uncles).

In the Nordics, this is not the case. There are certain expectations, of course. Parents care for and support their children when they need it, and the same goes for children when their parents get older.

However, Nordic societies emphasise individual responsibility supported by robust social welfare safety nets.

Put simply, everyone is expected to take care of themselves, regardless of age, but they have access to care and support should they come to need it. 

This balanced approach nurtures intergenerational solidarity. Autonomy is respected, but mutual support remains central.

Let’s now briefly explore how parents and society view children, and vice versa, how children and society view ageing people and their parents.

What If Childhood Meant Independence, Not Dependence? Nordic Parenting Reimagined

If we had to summarise Nordic parenting into one phrase, that would be it: children are equal family members and have both rights and responsibilities.

Children are encouraged to express their opinions (regardless of their young age), contribute to household tasks, and make decisions alongside adults.

Tasks like cleaning and cooking are shared equally among boys and girls, breaking the traditional gender norms.

Children are free to explore the outdoors, even in cold weather. The concept of friluftsliv encourages children to play outside regularly and take care of themselves. You will rarely see overprotective parents, although we should note that the overall sense of safety and trust in Nordic societies helps with that.

Empathy also plays a key part in Nordic parenting. Children are discouraged from judging others. They learn to respect other people’s feelings, opinions, and uniqueness and be inclusive in all their daily interactions, from school to free-time activities and socialising.

When it comes to rules, parents enforce them gently but firmly. The central idea is that respecting the rules grants children rights and privileges. And children know that.

This Nordic approach to raising children promotes confidence, self-worth, responsibility, and emotional intelligence, ensuring children grow into capable individuals. Treating children as dependent minors does not achieve this.

Why Don’t We See Ageing as a Gift? The Nordic Model’s Challenge to Ageism

Children in the Nordics grow up knowing they are equal members of their families and society. When they become adults, they continue to follow the same equal approach, this time towards older people.

From an early age, children are taught to view older people as equal and valuable members of society with experience and wisdom.

School also plays a key role in reinforcing this respect via intergenerational interactions.

Students often visit elder care homes with their teachers, and older people are frequently invited to school to participate in storytelling sessions or other cultural activities.

These interactions help children build empathy for older generations and reduce ageist stereotypes.

However, it’s not only family and school that shape this different approach to ageing adults.

If you watch or read Nordic media, you will frequently see older people featured in the news sharing their stories or challenges, and talking about how they continue to contribute to their families and communities.

In the Nordics, ageing is not generally viewed as a burden, and that extends to the “familial obligations” mentioned earlier.

Older people are expected to take care of themselves, but if they need help, care, or support, they receive it from the state, and if needed, from their children.

This mentality is fostered by the fact that children grow up seeing their grandparents participating in the family and household the same way as everyone else. They also see them being cared for by the state-supported systems and their parents (if needed).

Ageing is normalised and viewed as a natural part of life. It’s not a burden for those who age and their loved ones. Nor is it an obligation that will require sacrifices in their personal and professional lives later on.

Everyone is connected and respected, regardless of age and without the pressure of future caregiving obligations.

Can We Build Societies That Truly Honour Every Age? 9 Nordic Lessons for the World

Respecting and empowering individuals at any stage of life is not just an ideal – it’s a necessity. The Nordics are a fine example of intergenerational solidarity, and we can draw lessons and practical strategies from the Nordic model to promote the same equality, independence, and solidarity everywhere in the world – starting from our own home.

Here are 9 ways to get started:

1. Treat all family or work team members the same way, regardless of age. They all have something precious to contribute – experience or a fresh perspective.
2. Support independent living for both young adults (they can make it) and older people (they know how to survive).
3. Respect their choices – whether an older adult wants to continue working or a young person pursues an unconventional career.
4. Encourage skill-building at all ages through workshops for seniors or allowing children to explore socially labelled “adult skills or activities (safety first).
5. Engage in cross-generational learning. A young adult or even a child can teach elders digital skills, and older people can pass down their wisdom about life and work.
6. Help someone navigate the world—for example, you can show an older person how to use the Internet or a mobile phone app, or you can mentor young adults on issues like managing their finances.
7. Engage in shared activities between generations, like cooking, storytelling or tech lessons. It’s always fun.
8. Take it a step further by encouraging or hosting intergenerational events (for example, a book club with diverse age groups or language swap sessions between old and young).
9. Avoid placing obligations on family ties and let connections grow naturally through shared interest, not duty.

Wrapping up

How Nordic countries approach ageing is inspiring—it’s all about respect and balance.

They’ve built a system where younger people can be independent while older adults stay self-sufficient, creating a strong sense of connection across generations.

This kind of support doesn’t just make life better for individuals; it fosters a culture where different age groups genuinely look out for one another. 

It’s a model that the rest of the world could learn from to make ageing a positive, dignified experience for everyone.