The Gray Panther Movement as a Model for Intergenerational Approaches and Late-Life Activism: A Critical Cosmopolitan Perspective

ABSTRACT

While the practical benefits of intergenerational approaches are known, it remains undertheorized. To broaden knowledge and inform sustainable intergenerational programming, the discourse requires a firmer theoretical base. This conceptual article proposes that critical cosmopolitan theory holds promise as a theoretical framework. The utility of critical cosmopolitan theory is considered by unpacking the intergenerational workings of the Gray Panther movement. This article highlights the promise of critical cosmopolitanism as a theoretical framework and considers the Gray Panthers as a model for sustainable intergenerational model. This preliminary theoretical application can usefully contribute to the study of gerontology and intergenerational education.

KEYWORDS:

• Intergenerational approaches
• The Gray Panthers
• Late-life activism
• Critical cosmopolitanism

Acknowledgement

The author wishes to acknowledge the support of the Department of Educational Research at Lancaster University, UK.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author.

Correction Statement

This article has been republished with minor changes. These changes do not impact the academic content of the article.