Imagine a World Without Young People

November 2024

By Richard Fleming

Photo courtesy of Sheggeor Laker

In a recent post I posed a thought experiment: imagine what the world would be like without old people. That post was motivated by my periodic perception that some young and even middle-aged people view seniors as superfluous old fuddy-duddies who are clueless and uninformed about how the world works. I offered some speculative scenarios about what the world would be like if there were no old people. Such a society might have a few advantages for younger generations. But it would also create problems. My conclusion – not motivated by self-interest of course – was that on balance the world is better off with seniors.

To better understand how other generations contribute to society, I want to briefly posit a different thought experiment: what if the world had no young people? Such a land is difficult to contemplate, but imagine a world where there is no one under age 21. What would such a world be like, especially for seniors? There is no question our lives would change dramatically.

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Let’s look first at potential advantages. We would no longer have young grandchildren in need of babysitting, storytelling, mentoring, and perhaps some financial support. Our spare time would open up, allowing us to pursue more hobbies and leisure pursuits. Our world would be quieter, with no babies crying, no toddlers acting out, and no loud teenage parties on neighborhood porches and back yards. Parks would be more peaceful without kids running wild. Public money would no longer be needed to maintain playgrounds with teeter totters, swings, and fake elephants which young children love to climb on.

Government spending on K-12 education would no longer be needed, meaning Social Security could be better funded. Our adult children would have much more time available since they would not have young kids at home to deal with. Their free time could be redirected towards helping their elderly family members, i.e. us old folks.

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But there would also be significant disadvantages in a world without the young. There would be far less laughter and fun, since young people laugh more than other generations. There would be less joy and happiness, without exuberant youngsters roaming the land, playing, smiling, and engaging in pretend games. Young people are blessed with an intrinsic optimism, come what may. Without such hopefulness, our world would be much grayer.

The grandparent role would largely disappear, which would cast a shadow over the lives of seniors. It is undeniable that taking care of young grandchildren can be tiring. It is a responsibility we typically shoulder more at the same time our daily energy levels are starting to flag and sag. But taking care of young grandkids is invigorating. Seeing our grandkids frolic and smile, explore and learn, love and hug, is rejuvenating. Watching them grow and develop into young adults helps us recall our own childhoods. Grandchildren keep us oriented in time and space, and help us remain grounded in the realities and challenges of life.

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My conclusion? The world is far better off including the younger generations. Actually, let’s wrap up these silly thought experiments about a world without young people or without old people. And let’s not even attempt to speculate about a society without the generations in between. It should be clear that any theoretical benefits from the absence of one generation or another would be far outweighed by the serious problems such an absence would create.

Some generational friction is inevitable, and I am certain this has been true throughout human history. But we are all allies. We need each other. Each generation enriches and adds its color to the fabric of society. Each brings its own strengths and shortcomings to the richly-woven quilt. Childhood would not be the same without old folks. And old folks could not survive without the young.

So as another year is wrapping up, I want to offer thanks that we are all in this together.

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