i've believed this unfortunate truth my entire life, and it's led me to very strongly and consistently reevaluate my beliefs and opinions, because i refuse to be part of an older generation that perpetuates harm due to ego and selfishness.

The counter-action to me is seeking out and sitting in discomfort.

Imho, the root cause of the observed behavior is that everyone prefers comfort over discomfort (physically, mentally, spiritually, etc.), and old people typically have the resources (time, money, etc.) to keep themselves in a comfortable state if they choose.

Unfortunately, comfort also means stasis.

Which is fine as long as the world doesn't change outside that bubble... but it eventually always does.

good lord do i have plenty of discomfort in my life, much of it my own making :)