“You messed up with the wrong generation”: Intergenerational relations from the perspective of Israeli older protesters

Abstract

Given the overrepresentation of older Israelis in political protests and the growing number of political protests worldwide, the present study aimed to examine older persons' perspective on their involvement in the protests and how they view age and older age in the context of political protests. In total, 30 protesters over the age of 65 were interviewed, while employing a maximum variations methodology for the selection of the sample. Interviews were analyzed thematically. Older persons were described in the interviews, as leaders, the ones who started the protests because they were raised on the right values. Moreover, older persons viewed themselves as having the time and at times, the money to immerse themselves in the protests. Despite the perceived advantages that older protesters have to offer, the protests were seen as ineffective, incomplete, or simply lacking without the involvement of younger persons, who were seen as bringing with them the energy and stamina, but also the added symbolic value which have made the protests meaningful, important, and relevant. The findings are interpreted from the perspective of intergenerational solidarity and ambivalence. It is suggested that intergenerational solidarity and collaboration can foster older persons' participation in political activism.