Old folks rool?

[96Qowner]

Wow, I just discovered that 61% of the 2010 electorate is expected to be over 50 yrs old.

http://www.gallup.com/poll/144053/2010- ... -Past.aspx

I hadn't expected that. The old folks will be calling the shots, I guess. 28% of them are over 65, heheh. That has all sorts of interesting implications for a Republican Congress who wants to keep entitlements, Medicare and SS, from going bankrupt. How will that affect the debate about extending the retirement age for those under 55?

[AZhitman]

I don't think that's anything new.

"Rock the Vote" was such a colossal waste of money, it almost makes you feel sorry for the organizers. That is, if it weren't sad in and of itself that young people are generally apathetic about it.

[96Qowner]

Previous years for over-50 were:

1994 44%
1998 56%
2002 54%
2006 57%
2010 61%

A five point jump in over-65 this year, from 23 to 28%

[audtatious]

Old people vote. Young people talk big about liberal views but can't find the time to miss out on online gaming or some rerun on TV to actually get out and vote.

[96Qowner]

I voted this afternoon ... after arguing with IB and Apple all day.

[audtatious]

IB argues for the sake of it.

[96Qowner]

(Sometimes I do, too)

[IBCoupe]

It's a midterm election, and the right seems particularly energized. Both of those factors trend towards old people. It's unfortunate that you can't get the people who voted for President to vote for local issues and Congressional races, but it's nothing new.

[AppleBonker]

Old people vote. Young people talk big about liberal views but can't find the time to miss out on online gaming or some rerun on TV to actually get out and vote.

While I understand this was somewhat a joke, I do find myself wondering why more of the younger crowd does not vote. I hardly think it actually has anything to do with watching TV or video games. It really is a bit of a disappointment for someone who is under the age of 30.

And yes, I'm well aware that I've admitted to never having voted before, but I do believe I at least explained why I haven't. I doubt most people my age would have an explanation ready.

[heliochrome85]

i honestly wouldnt be surprised if the lack of voting is because realistically, until a person is 30, they largely arent concerned with the issues outside of their own life. Im not being glib at all. Developmental stages are known indicators of maturity. In this case the demographic you are talking about is Erickson's Young Adult stage.

http://www.learningplaceonline.com/stag ... rikson.htm

lasting til 35, it is as follows:

Ego Development Outcome: Intimacy and Solidarity vs. Isolation

Basic Strengths: Affiliation and Love

In the initial stage of being an adult we seek one or more companions and love. As we try to find mutually satisfying relationships, primarily through marriage and friends, we generally also begin to start a family, though this age has been pushed back for many couples who today don't start their families until their late thirties. If negotiating this stage is successful, we can experience intimacy on a deep level.

If we're not successful, isolation and distance from others may occur. And when we don't find it easy to create satisfying relationships, our world can begin to shrink as, in defense, we can feel superior to others.

Our significant relationships are with marital partners and friends.

VERSUS

35-65
Middle Adulthood
Ego Development Outcome: Generativity vs. Self absorption or Stagnation

Basic Strengths: Production and Care

Now work is most crucial. Erikson observed that middle-age is when we tend to be occupied with creative and meaningful work and with issues surrounding our family. Also, middle adulthood is when we can expect to "be in charge," the role we've longer envied.

The significant task is to perpetuate culture and transmit values of the culture through the family (taming the kids) and working to establish a stable environment. Strength comes through care of others and production of something that contributes to the betterment of society, which Erikson calls generativity, so when we're in this stage we often fear inactivity and meaninglessness.

As our children leave home, or our relationships or goals change, we may be faced with major life changes—the mid-life crisis—and struggle with finding new meanings and purposes. If we don't get through this stage successfully, we can become self-absorbed and stagnate.

Significant relationships are within the workplace, the community and the family.

Which one sounds like the voter to you guys?

[96Qowner]

I've often talked to those approaching 30 about the odd change that comes over a person at that age. I say the 20s are a kind of practice-adulthood. Near the end of that, the change takes place and you become a full adult. Absolutely no offense intended to anyone.

It's interesting to see it detailed in academic form.