For many, retirement is a time to relax and enjoy the fruits of their labor. However, a certain group of baby boomers are shedding this traditional notion of retirement, instead engaging in protest activities in the fight for ‘intergenerational justice’.
Rajan Naidu, a 73-year-old member of the Just Stop Oil protest group, along with his 21-year-old fellow activist Niamh Lynch, made headlines for their unique protest at Stonehenge. Spraying the iconic structure with a harmless mixture of cornflour and food coloring, their message reverberated through the media, making waves on social media platforms, and stirring conversations about climate change and environmental conservation.
Naidu, now a prominent figure in the world of senior activism, believes that “everybody is a potential activist”. His journey of activism began in his late 60s, which led him to many encounters with law enforcement. His story challenges the stereotype that retirement is a time for rest and leisure, highlighting a trend of retirees taking up causes and making their voices heard through protests.
In recent years, older individuals have shown a growing presence in various protest movements, from advocating for disability rights to standing against the closure of libraries and the demolition of historic buildings. They’ve also shown increased involvement in political demonstrations, a trend that seemed apparent in the Lift the Ban demonstrations in 2025. Of the 523 arrests made during those protests, more than 50% involved individuals over the age of 60.
Jonathon Porritt CBE, a 75-year-old lifelong environmentalist and former leader of the Green Party, is another example of this growing trend. He sees the increased involvement of seniors in such movements as a unique phenomenon in the history of social movements. He voices his concern for the younger generation’s future and urges his peers to support them in their fight for a sustainable planet.
Trudi Warner, who inspired the group Defend Our Juries, believes in the power of older protesters. She argues that the presence of older individuals, including former priests, rabbis, and war veterans, adds credibility to movements for climate change and peace.
As more organizations recognize the increased activism among older generations, they’ve begun to carve out space for these senior activists. Union, a school for creativity and activism, has even launched a residency program specifically for ‘elders’.
There is no denying the impact of these older activists. They are breaking age stereotypes, challenging societal norms, and inspiring people of all ages to get involved in causes they believe in. As Naidu puts it, “It’s not a young people’s movement. It’s not an old people’s movement. It’s a people’s movement.”
