Older: Old People Should be Shot!

Maybe the title seems a little harsh for a reputable blog like this one. But I will repeat it for good measure: old people should be shot -- it's the only way we are going to evolve and survive as a society. Before my one reader accuses me of blatant oldism, or whichever social-justice rule I have transgressed, let me define "old" more specifically as being people that:

1. Have a complete absence of curiosity 
2. Are working and living in largely the same way today as they were 5 years ago
3. Do not change their mind very often, if at all
4. Are unwilling to invest in activities that may enrich their lives and open up new avenues

Still not convinced that shooting is the right fate for this demographic? Let me expand. Firstly, to address the macro- and micro-challenges in today's world there are two critical but oft-overlooked design principles to consider:

1. We can't solve the problems that we are facing today using the same perspective that created them in the first place.
2. The solutions we bring to problems are often not solutions to the problem that exists by the time we have found this solution. The rate of change is changing and situations evolve faster than our ability to react. 

Old people (as defined by the criteria above):

• Deal with problems and opportunities using the same systems and mindsets they have always used. 
• Are largely convinced they are right, and do not change their perspective readily. They believe that their experience trumps the benefits of learning new skills and methodologies.
• Don't have time to try anything different because they're busy. 

We wouldn't miss them after they're all shot because they can now (or very soon) be replaced by automated systems. Busy-workers will no longer be needed as computers continue to prove that they can surpass human abilities. Even workers who contribute knowledge and experience will be replaced if they're not adding value beyond this, as automated systems can readily store and process more information than the average oldie.

Thanks to old folk each generation traps itself in the mental models of many years prior while the environment evolves at an ever-increasing rate. Like the apocryphal boiling frog they are slowly being stewed and we all pay the consequences. Boiling them is not quick enough. My suggestion -- we should devise a quiz along the lines of:

• Here's an interesting app or tool that could enrich your life, it costs $3.99, would you buy it?
• Are you using any new systems, technology and methods compared to those you were using 5 years ago?
• Do you learn and change your mind on issues more than once a week?
• Do you think you are correct in your opinions?
• Do you think others tend to be wrong? 

Participation would be mandatory for all citizens; their photo, name and address would be captured from existing online records automatically on registration. No clue would be given as to the outcome of the quiz, although a substantial "prize" would be hinted at. After collecting all the responses the true nature of the test would be revealed: all who exceed a pre-determined "age-corrected self-importance" score could be legally shot. Their identity and location would be published, and rewards given to those who bag the most of 'em over the year.

A drastic solution I admit, but drastic times call for commensurately radical measures. Unless we rid the world of its burden we will not evolve quickly enough to survive and thrive as a race, and every indicator at the moment is that the old guys are winning!

Never get older!