We’ve all read articles, watched documentaries and had conversations about the unprecedented rate of population growth in the world today. The first billion in the world is thought to have been reached around 1800AD and by 1960 the world had reached three billion. Since then, in just over half a century, we have more than doubled this with over seven billion people now living on this planet. Quite astonishing statistics to swallow. And with this, our demographic is getting older as health care improves and life expectancy rises. Yet there still seems to be an attitude in our culture today that sees our ageing population as a burden to society, with members of the younger generation failing to engage with their elders. Perhaps, this outlook needs to be turned on its head – after all, isn’t it a great thing that we are able to spend more time in this world, experience more wonderful offerings and learn more and more with each day?
That’s exactly why I have chosen to dedicate this blog to this inspirational, relatively new organisation: The Amazings. Back in 2011, the founders decided to embark on building a startup that looked at the ageing population in a different way. Their basis for their mission was simple:
‘Society has always learned from its elders but somewhere along the way we have lost that connection between generations – which means losing rich, valuable and rare skills.’
They believe that ‘wisdom is one of the greatest untapped resources this planet has’ and as such have built a fantastic business around looking at our elders in a positive light, taking the attitude that we should all learn from them, rather than view them as a generation we need to help. The Amazings have built a network of talented, skill-rich elders and are creating a series of online craft classes to inspire individuals with their next project and teach skills to following generations. From how to patchwork a geometric cushion to learning how to handsew an heirloom patchwork quilt, there are lots of succulent craft skill lessons to get your creative juices flowing.
I for one certainly feel very fortunate to have grown-up with two loving grandmothers playing important roles in my life right up until my late twenties and have many fond memories of learning from them both: whether being taught how to cook a generations’-old secret fudge recipe or spending hours in front of a log-fire cutting out patterns to cross-stitch hand-made Christmas presents, it was always a happy occasion and I hope my children will also be lucky enough to experience such lessons with their own grandparents.
Our education system is currently failing to encourage and offer opportunities to pupils to pursue vocational training careers but we must be careful and wary of losing such valuable skills in our society. We must appreciate and learn from our elders the generation-old skills they have to offer and keep creativity alive.
‘Try something old. Learn something new.’
What did you learn from your grandparents? Is there something that you have always wanted to learn from an elder but haven’t yet done so? Why not make it your mission to learn this weekend?
If you would like to find out more about The Amazings and the work they do you can visit their website.
There are a whole host of companies that will inspire you to learn, to look at life from another angle and ask questions of society: there’s something for everyone and it’s worth taking the time to browse the web and find those little gems that resonate with you. Whoever you are, these companies cannot fail to get you thinking so why not start by assigning yourself a few hours to kick-back and enjoy exploring some of my personal favourites:
- Good – a global community of, by, and for pragmatic idealists working towards individual and collective progress.
- Do Lectures – inspiring talks from people who are changing the world.
- Springwise – if you’re looking for a fix of the best new entrepreneurial ideas out there then Springwise is the place to go. Springwise scans the globe for the most promising, unique and innovative business ventures, ideas and concepts that are ready for regional or international adaptation, expansion, partnering, investments or cooperation.
- TED – a well-known and well-loved nonprofit devoted to ‘Ideas Worth Spreading’.
- Daily Good – promotinng positive and uplifting news from around the world through daily and weekly newsletters. It certainly feels good to receive some upbeat news in your inbox everyday…
I’d like to introduce myself to you. My name is Susannah Keene and I’m back to lend a helping hand to DWYL whilst Beth is busy preparing herself for motherhood! I first met Beth working together at UNICEF in London and since then have spent a couple of years working in Ghana, moved back to the UK to get married and am now expecting our first baby in the New Year which is very exciting. I’m enjoying exploring new opportunities for DWYL’s development and sharing growth ideas with Paul for 2014 so watch this space…
If you know other any other inspiring companies please share them by leaving a comment below.
