WHAT ELDERS ARE GOING TO DO ABOUT IT

Harness Elders as Islands of Coherence

[A 6-minute read]

When asked

This is my answer to what I am now frequently asked: “Marc, you claim Elders can change the world and the direction it's headed? How can they do that?”

What first needs to be acknowledged is that the question itself serves as a validation of how “Elder,” as we define it, is now being heard in the world.

It appears that I’ve developed enough “street cred” and professional acceptance, backed by a body of published and posted materials, including books, blogs, podcasts, and videos, to establish myself as legitimate, as well as the concept of Contemporary Elder.

Being "held as legitimate" means being recognized as valid, credible, or authorized by others, particularly by those in positions of influence or authority.

When something is regarded as legitimate, it is accepted as real, rightful, or deserving of respect in accordance with established standards, laws, or norms.

I’ve now established solid relationships in the aging and end-of-life care industries. I am now invited to conferences as a keynote speaker, conference speaker, or panel member of authorities. “Contemporary Elder” has firmly staked its claim. My assertion that Elders can change the world is now being taken seriously.

It took seven years, which was my fastest and most successful time moving from vision to reality. It was as if the conditions were perfectly aligned, like the first rays of sunlight breaking through the clouds, signaling that the time for the 'Contemporary Elder' had arrived.

" Older to Elder" has become a recognizable moniker and is held in high regard. It has solid numbers in readership, programs, and membership. Now, leaders, groups, nonprofits, for-profit companies, investors, healthcare entities, insurance companies, and corporations are listening differently to what “Elder” means in 2025 and what Elders can deliver.

So, the “who” part is now established, but the “how” now needs to be shown.

THE FUNDAMENTALS OF THE STRATEGY

In their 1989 Harvard Business Review article "Strategic Intent," Gary Hamel and C.K. Prahalad argue that companies should focus on achieving a clear, compelling goal that drives their strategy, rather than merely replicating competitors' advantages. They define strategic intent as "an ambitious and compelling dream that energizes... that provides the emotional and intellectual energy for the journey... to the future."

Here's mine.

Amid today’s societal upheaval and complexity, Nobel Prize-winning chemist Ilya Prigogine's assertion that "small islands of coherence in a sea of chaos elevate the entire system to a higher order” remains highly relevant. This statement is at the core of the Elder strategy.

Coherence in this context refers to the alignment of wisdom, purpose, and action that fosters stability, clarity, and ethical leadership within our current state of chaos and our responses to it.

Coherence in this strategy refers to the Elders' capacity to integrate their lived experiences, values, insights, and wisdom into a unified force that guides others through uncertainty, chaos, and fear.

Elders can provide a sense of order, direction, and resilience, ultimately elevating society to a higher, more harmonious state.

I’ve developed Older to Elder groups where members have become authentic Elders in their own right. Other groups around the country are developing Elders in their models. Chip Conley’s Modern Elder and Ron Penvy’s Conscious Eldering, for example.

Our strategy is to build islands of coherence through small Elder groups nationwide, creating a transformative presence that is AI-enabled.

These groups will serve as hubs of wisdom, ethical leadership, and long-term vision, with the capacity to profoundly influence societal direction. The goal is not only to create strong, self-sustaining networks of Elders but also to leverage their collective wisdom, their immense wealth, and their combined influence to ensure they play a dominant and decisive role in shaping the future.

I used the 80/20 rule in my estimates. Given all the qualities and characteristics required to become a Contemporary Elder, I estimated that there are approximately 12 million late-aged individuals (aged 65 to 80 years) out of the 57 million in the country who are eligible to transition from older to Elder Status. In addition, these 12 million individuals hold 80% of the wealth of this late-age cohort.

The aggregated wealth of these 12 million is $12 trillion, compared to the $2 trillion of the aggregated wealth of tech companies led by Musk, Bezos, Altman, and the rest of the “tech bros.” That’s a 900% difference. Elders can sit at the table with piles and piles of chips in front of them.

Understanding Elder and the Make-Up of These Islands of Coherence

Elders, in the context of this strategy, represent individuals who have not only lived long lives but have also experienced a wide range of profound and diverse life events, relationships, and challenges. They graduated with honors from the school of Hard Knocks. In fact, most went back and did their graduate work there as well.

Elders know themselves, understand themselves, and know the world from a more expansive perspective. They acknowledge their past but are no longer defined by it.

Elders have developed a long-term perspective that enables them to see beyond immediate concerns, recognizing patterns and connections that others often overlook. Through their experiences, they have developed a profound understanding of life’s complexities, embodying qualities that transcend mere age.

Elders are marked by resilience, the ability to endure and adapt in the face of adversity. They have cultivated empathy, which enables them to understand and connect deeply with others' emotions and experiences.

Elders have a profound appreciation for the future of humanity, understanding its potential and its frailties. They can tap into their own potential and are now aware of their frailties, not as failures but as facts of life.

These Elders possess the wealth, smarts, and the ability to foresee where the current future is headed; they are committed to mitigating the suffering that is on the rise. Elders know that people want peace, equanimity, and tranquility. And when networked, these “islands of coherence” have the strength to bring about this change.

THE AI PART OF THE STRATEGY – Elder-AI

In the fourth quarter of 2025, the Contemporary Elder Institute (CEI) will build an Elder-AI. We have the developers, the AI platform, and the depth of information, knowledge, and data necessary to assemble this AI application.

I’ll ask my colleagues to participate so we can access their data as well as the volumes that already exist on the internet. We’ll all use it in our work. Machine learning, neural networks, data insatiable hunger, data from Aristotle to today's Noam Chomsky.

You can consult Elder-AI for advice on any situation, whether personal, relational, familial, or business-related, receiving responses infused with Elder wisdom. Moreover, its ability to connect these islands of coherence will continually enhance their learning, performance, and connections with each other.

CONCLUSION

Now you have the “who” and the “how.” It is already in motion. The first steps have been taken.

In conclusion, harnessing Elders as islands of coherence in today's chaotic world represents a transformative approach to societal evolution.

When Elder-AI collaborates, makes recommendations, and provides insights, it will maximize the network effect of coherence. By recognizing the unique contributions of an Elder—wisdom, resilience, and ethical leadership—Elders can catalyze a shift toward a more harmonious and sustainable future.

Through deliberate engagement, advocacy, and community-building efforts, Elders can inspire collective action and empower future generations to navigate complexities with clarity, compassion, and confidence.

Embracing elders as architects of societal change not only honors their legacy but also ensures that their profound impact continues to shape a world of greater coherence and possibility.

THE QUESTION

When Elder-AI is available, what question would you like it to answer? Your questions will help us build our Elder-AI.