Population aging is considered the greatest social achievement of the 21st century. The increase in life expectancy, decrease in mortality, and reduction in birth rates can explain the process of human aging in the world.
This process impacts all areas of human life, for example, the economy, health, urban mobility, social issues, and human relationships. The greater possibility of children, young people, and adults living together with more people of advanced age is a great innovation of this century.
Generation timeline
IMAGE LINKED: wikimedia Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0)
In this sense, the World Health Organization (WHO) considered the next decade as the “Decade of Healthy Aging” (2021-2030).
In this WHO document, better coexistence between people of different generations, such as Older Adults, Boomers, Generation X, Millennials, or Generation Z is a goal to be promoted.
In the literature, the concept of “intergenerational relationships” is understood as bonds that are established between two or more people of different ages and at different stages of development, allowing the union of experiences and contributing to unity within the multiplicity of people involved.
Therefore, it has been agreed among researchers that these relationships must be understood and applied in the logic of lifelong learning, that is, everyone mutually learns and teaches, in different living environments, not only in the family environment.
Family Generation
IMAGE CREDIT: unsplash
We can thus look at intergenerational relationships in two ways. Firstly, in a negative way, when these relationships promote “Ageism”, referring to stereotypes (how we think), prejudice (how we feel), and discrimination (how we act) towards others or ourselves based on age. It can lead to violence and abuse among people.
On the other hand, these relationships can be beneficial, when encouraged and systematized, in order to change negative perceptions of older and younger people, increasing civic participation and active citizenship between younger and older people and promoting a greater understanding between generations.
Thus, providing intergenerational solidarity.
Masonry is a century-old institution that presents itself as progressive, being currently concerned with and following the social phenomena through which the world is going. It is inserted in this context as a relevant social actor in the processes of all areas of human life.
Strongly linked to interpersonal relationships, their scope is to make humankind happy, therefore it involves understanding the other and their social role in established relationships, it is through these interpersonal and consequently intergenerational relationships that Masonry acts forming the social links necessary to contribute to the development of humankind.
Given this context mentioned above, we ask ourselves:
What about Masonry? Does this environment of intergenerational relationships affect our work?
Masonry is a representation of society, so the aging process also entered its scope. The aging of its members is the subject of Masonic works.
According to data presented from the Masonic Demography and Statistics of the Zippia institute (2021) which evaluated Masons in the USA, about 56% of Masons are 40 years old or older. In this document, the age group of 60-65+ years old was not discriminated. Data organized by the Secretariat of the United Grand Lodge of England (2012) showed that 65% of its workers are aged between 50 and 80 years and that the average age of new members is 44 years.
On the other hand, there is a great movement of the stores to increase the number of young members. As in the Grand Lodge of South Australia and the Northern Territory, in which 75% of its 115 new members in the year 2018 were in the 20-30 age group.
Therefore, we can see the reinforcement of the dynamics of intergenerational coexistence in our Masonic works, both due to the increase in the number of older members and the need to expand the entry of younger members.
Thus, retention (evasion) and entry (initiation) are also impacted by this intergenerational condition.
As new generations arrive to replace the current ones, it is vital that intergenerational conflicts are minimized in this coexistence, which signals the relevance of dealing with the topic in the social environment in general and in the Masonic environment, particularly so that understanding can be converted in sharing knowledge, ideas, experiences, and actions that can guarantee the continuation of the Masonic institution in the modern world and an improvement of its performance as a third sector.
Masonic evasion is an adjuvant theme in the international agenda of Masonry.
A study carried out by a Brazilian Mason (Morais, 2017), who evaluated the lodges of the da Grande Loja do Distrito Federal (GLMDF-Brasil, Grand Lodge of the Federal District – Brazil), identified the main causes of Masonic evasion, namely;
26.3% conflicts, 21% professional issues, 10.5% unproductive meetings, 10.5% frustration, 7.9% ideas and opinions, 7.9% family, 5.3% financial issues, and 7.9% other causes.
These problems, according to the author, can be characterized as internal and external to the Lodge.
Internal conflicts represent more than 50% of the causes of dropout (conflicts, bad meetings, frustrations and ideas and opinions).
Our hypothesis is that intergenerational conflicts can promote evasion and make it difficult for new members to enter. In practice, this happens when younger members do not value older Masons, who are often stereotyped as “outdated” and “useless” for the progress of the order.
On the other hand, the older members understand that there is nothing to learn from the younger ones, only things to teach, and they block innovation, which is so necessary for the future of Masonry.
This environment of absence of positive dialogue between generations promotes these internal conflicts.
Intergenerational programs are tools that allow the exchange of resources and learning between older and younger generations for social and individual benefits. Among some solutions, based on the experience in research developed at the Center for Aging Studies at the University of Maturity, of the Federal University of Tocantins– Brazil, we suggest some actions:
a) establishment of a Program of lectures and activities on intergenerationality in Lodges and in paramasonic institutions such as the Demolay Order, the Rainbow Order, and the Order of Job’s Daughters;
b) digital inclusion courses for all ages,
c) carrying out systematic activities in nursing homes and shelters for the elderly,
d) carrying out research on intergenerationality in the Masonry. There is a paucity of this debate in the scientific and Masonic literature.
Finally, far from ending this subject, with this article we start a proposal that reconciles scientific knowledge on the subject with the dynamics of coexistence between members.
This tends to be directly reflected in our in-Lodge work. We want to encourage this debate to encourage a Lodge to be welcoming for all generations.
After all, we ask our readers, could this be a key question for the future of Masonry?
About The Authors
PhD. Luiz Sinésio Silva Neto
Professor at the Federal University of Tocantins and Coordinator of the Human Aging Program – University of Maturity (UMA/UFT). Master Mason of the Grand Masonic Lodge of the State of Tocantins-Brazil.
Links: @netouma (Instagram). @luiz_sinesio (Twitter) and http://sites.uft.edu.br/uma/ (Website).
SGM- GL-Tocantins. Alexandre Modesto Braune
Most Serene Grand Master of the Grand Masonic Lodge of the State of Tocantins and Professor of Basic, Technical, and Technological Education at the Federal Institute of Education, Science, and Technology of Tocantins, holding the Chair of Human Growth and Development of the university’s Physical Education course.
Links: @aprendermodesto (Instagram).
Recent Articles: membership
The Relevance of Freemasonry in Contemporary Society
The role of Freemasonry in contemporary society is an indispensable one. Despite the challenges and misconceptions it faces, the organization remains steadfast in its humanitarian pursuits and commitment to personal growth and self-betterment.
Through its efforts to evolve and adapt to the changing needs of its members and the world, Freemasonry continues to be a vital force in shaping a better future for all.
more....
Artificial Intelligence and its uses: from Society to Freemasonry
Just as AI is not a panacea or a disaster, and the result depends on its use, so its application in Masonry will be beneficial and not counterproductive if the Brothers apply it constructively. By George Thanasoulas
more....
21st Century Freemasonry – a Sign of the Times?
A recent article in The Times of London highlighted the dilemma 21st Freemasonry is facing. In this article one Master Mason shares his views of the strengths, and the challenges of modern Masonry.
more....
CryptoMasons
One of the first initiative for Masonic Art NFT collections with philanthropic goals supported by a regular Grand Lodge, in this case, the Great Lodge of Argentina of Free and Accepted Masons.
more....
Digital Freemasonry NFT Marketplace
Digitalfreemasonry.com has launched the Official Digital Freemasonry NFT Marketplace. Digital Freemasonry is not an organization, it is a new form of Freemasonry, transformed from Speculative Freemasons – which evolved from Operative guilds.
more....
Aether Lodge
The vision is to satirize the many existing myths and preconceptions about Freemasonry by building a united community around an engaging story with multiple benefits. Aether Lodge consists of 9990 Masonic-themed NFTs divided into multiple collections.
more....
Bitcoin for Freemasons
What connects Freemasonry and Bitcoin ? Both are misunderstood and ridiculed by the ill-informed. If freemasonry is about being a better citizen of the world. Then Bitcoin is about: making the world a better place for all citizens
more....
Interlogias Masonic App
This smartphone app is designed to work with all Freemasons from both Regular and Independent Grand Lodges around the world.
more....
Freemasonry and the Metaverse; P2
In this second instalment, Freemasonry and the Metaverse. We discusses the importance of being an open source protocol and how could Freemasonry benefit from a metaverse structure?
more....
Metaverses, Masonry and Minecraft: The Future of Lodges
Should Freemasons be proud that a clandestine group has borrowed their symbolism and ideology and transplanted it into a server known as ‘The Worst Place in Minecraft’? Metaverses, Masonry and Minecraft: The Future of Lodges
more....
To be a Better Citizen of the World; Step 3
A value proposition for Pure Ancient Masonry as defined in terms of Citizenship; the allegories, symbolism and lessons are a blueprint for all Freemasons to be a better citizen of the world.
more....
To be a Better Citizen of the World; Step 2
A value proposition for Pure Ancient Masonry as defined in terms of Citizenship; the allegories, symbolism and lessons are a blueprint for all Freemasons to be a better citizen of the world.
more....
To be a Better Citizen of the World; Step 1
A value proposition for Pure Ancient Masonry as defined in terms of Citizenship; the allegories, symbolism and lessons are a blueprint for all Freemasons to be a better citizen of the world.
more....
Opportunity to fix the Sussex fudge
Is there a value proposition for members, that under English Constitution Freemasonry, we have a 4 part offering; Entered Apprentice, Fellowcraft , Master Mason and Companion, conducted in a single craft lodge ?
more....
The Masonic Temple
The Masonic Temple is a platform where both Freemasons and non-Masons, enthusiasts of real art and spiritual growth, connect to the new world of the metaverse. A Freemasonry in the metaverse project, based regular freemasonry principles.
more....
Digital Freemasonry
All Freemasons In One Digital Lodge; Is this viable?, is it practical ?, is it even possible ? To answer this question we need to under the problem "Digital Freemasonry" aims to fix.
more....
Freemasonry and the Metaverse
There is growing interest in the Freemasonry and the Metaverse on social media. Some projects are starting out as Masonic art NFT collections, while others are more clearly see a point in the future where they will be lodges operating in a metaverse.
more....
Value Proposition of Freemasonry
In addressing declining lodge membership and lack of attendance, we need to assess the value it offers to members. What is value, and what does it mean to you?
more....
Great Architect of the Metaverse
Are you ready to meet in the metaverse ? what can you expect to see and do ?
more....
Millennial Masons - Response
What is a 'Millennial' and what do they want from Freemasonry? You'll be surprised at the answers.
more....
The Digital Order of Knights Quarantine
Called “The Digital Order of Knights Quarantine”, it was advertised as “not-a-degree” because it was not an actual degree.
more....
Rethinking Masonry
Let us help answer a fundamental question, from a confused newly raised brother asking “What does it all mean and where do I go from here?”
more....
The Candidate
Written in 1930, much of the advice is still relevant today - although some may provoke further thought or debate!
more....
Product Life Cycle of Freemasonry
An inconvenient truth about the product life cycle of Freemasonry
more....
Be a Unifier
Freemasonry is local. This is where we need to start. We start with our Facebook friends, our neighbours, our colleagues, our lodges…
more....
Freemasonry in the time of pandemic
The Rule of Six. Localised lockdowns. Second wave? What do we do now?! The answer is simple - engage with members, promote Masonic education and get thinking outside the lodge.
more....
What Future for Freemasonry
The current functioning of the Masonic movement has some positive aspects and others that are blatantly backward and counterproductive.
more....
Millennial Masons
What is a 'Millennial' and what do they want from Freemasonry? You'll be surprised at the answers.
more....
Membership Marketing
How to improve your Lodge Membership Marketing Program.
more....
The Anti-Social Impact of Social Media
The 'dark side' of social media and its negative effect on our mental health
more....
Sunglasses Ritual Amendment
If Freemasonry cannot meet, is this an opportunity to make a change to how we do things?
more....
Unknown Candidate - part 3
Has your lodge accepted an unknown candidate from the internet? Third in a three-part series looking at the process to accepting candidates via the internet
more....
Unknown Candidate - part 2
Outlining the social media marketing process to attract the unknown candidate to make that first enquiry
more....
Unknown Candidate - part 1
Has your lodge accepted an unknown candidate from the internet? First in a three-part series looking at the process to accepting candidates via the internet
more....
Brother of my Brother
Is the brother of a brother a brother ? Rights to visit - recognition and regularity re-evaluated.
more....
Phone App
What would make a good Masonic phone app ? Share one feature you would include in a phone app for Freemasons . . .
more....
Making Good Men, Better
What does that really mean
Ask a random Freemason the purpose of Freemasonry and the likely response will be to “make good men, better”. Research undertaken by James Justin Davis Pennsylvania Academy of Masonic Knowledge
more....
Mental Health & Freemasonry
Mental Health - Raising its awareness and how we as Freemasons throughout the entire UK can help our fellow brethren and their families when they need it.
more....
Share One Thought...
Share one thought why freemasonry is relevant today - Open question posted on Facebook with a very wide range of responses from Brethren across the globe
more....
The Tipping Point of Freemasonry
Why do brothers lose interest in Freemasonry and what can we do to get that spark back? At what moment did our own thoughts begin to waver?
more....
masonic knowledge
to be a better citizen of the world
share the square with two brothers
click image to open email app on mobile device
Masonic Apparel
made to order
