I was a man on a mission. I “learned” early on that, if you wanted to make a name for yourself in science or engineering, you had to get it well on the road by the time you were 30. It was never clear if the home pressures were the issue or the fact that one would be immersed in an educational environment at those ages that made this possible. Whatever it was, even Albert Einstein bought into this by proclaiming: “A person who has not made his great contribution to science before the age of 30 will never do so.”
Given these “facts”, I strove to achieve those goals. An artificial kidney, water reuse systems (residential, commercial, industrial), respiratory humidifiers, solid waste treatment systems, novel microbes… all these before I was 30. (You can see why I branched into management, finance, etc. I needed new challenges.)
But, now there’s new data that erases this premise. Benjamin Jones (Kellogg School of Management, Northwestern) analyzed Nobel Laureates in chemistry and physics, among other fields. In the year 1905 and prior- the researcher’s seminal work was effected by age 36 and 40, respectively. After 1985, the chemistry awardees ages had climbed to 46; for physics only 19% were under 40 when their achievements were effected. This 6 year gap also holds for those who were also awarded their first patents.
Part of this reason is that the average age for those being granted PhD’s has advanced by 2 years over the past decades; the average age is now 31. Jones believes it is also related to the much greater knowledge needed to accumulate. But, in newer fields (consider computers in the 70s and 80s or biochem e/genetic engineering a few years later) there is no vast knowledge base one must master- so those fields can be conquered at earlier ages.
By the way, this same phenomenon is true for the arts. Where folks provide revolutionary changes- the age at which it happens is generally early. Those whose art forms rely on previous knowledge, by perfecting the techniques that already exist, also do so at later ages.
Therefore, our up-and-coming sci-tech professionals need no longer be in such a rush. The same is true for many of our artists. Unless, they are in a pioneering field- where the technology will pass them by, should they dilly-dally. But, it also means that our creative ideas and efforts in established technologies can be effected by a larger swath of our population.
There’s hope for me still!
I am glad research is supporting the fact that people can continue to live productive and creative lives well into their golden years. I think the keys are to stay active in your field, be a lifelong learner and stay in good physical shape.
The older the violin….the sweeter the music.
Janette Fuller recently posted..Children’s Book Review: Waiting for the Biblioburro by Monica Brown
Staying in shape is a critical factor, Janette. It keeps the mind attuned, as well.
Thanks for reminding folks about that key consideration. I didn’t include that in this post!
Hope springs eternal, Roy. Of course, it probably helps if you are sci-tech oriented. 😉
Cathy Miller recently posted..Business Communication: When Trolling Turns Fishy
Hope does spring eternal, Cathy…
I just hope my spring is not too brackish!
There is always hope for us elders. Look at Grandma Moses. And the same goes for any field. Boomers are taking over and the trend I see is that people will be making many important advances in all fields at older ages. Glad to see that the analytics are reflecting that.
Ann Mullen recently posted..Inbound Marketing Coach–4 Considerations for Hiring
I’m not sure that Grandma Moses is much of an example, Ann…But, there is hope for us- and hope for everyone else.
The other problem is that our creativity and innovation seems to be slipping. That’s a new study that just came out yesterday that is not yet widespread in its dissemination…
Roy: Just as I was thinking about the probability of age decreasing in the fields of tech & art, booom…you addressed those very issues! Great minds, I guess! LOL! It just seems logical that the fields of tech & art lend themselves to “edginess” — the perfect culture for those creative “whipper-snappers,” don’t you agree?
Lynn Brown recently posted..Modify Your Mindset From “Unwilling To Do” To “CAN DO”
Yup. There’s hope for us old farts yet, Lynn. (OK, I’m beyond the years listed in the study, but…)
Thanks for your comment AND your visit…
Just proves Roy that as young people the over 30s were not really passe but I think we knew that when we reached 31. And now in our 60s we know there is still so much more
Roberta Budvietas recently posted..No Profit, Get a Job or……
Excuse me while I adjust my glasses to read that again, Roberta…. 🙂
I’d imagine average lifespan plays a big role in these numbers too :-). Middle age is a very different number than it was a century ago – or even a few decades. Thanks for the fun read, Roy.
Nanette Levin recently posted..No I don’t “got to”: phrases that make me cringe
I am not quite so sure that lifespan plays this sort of role, Nanette. I think it is far more related to our current state of education- when i first matriculated, a four year PhD/PostDoc program was the norm. Now, just getting a PhD in SciTech runs closer to 5 years. And, one obtains multiple post-docs… So, the average age where one can develop and complete unique research is later.
But, one can hope that is not the cause….
Roy – I acknowledge the earnestness of youth but isn’t there more to be said for experience? At least as I age, I like to THINK so, lol…
Carolina HeartStrings recently posted..BLUEBERRY CROCK POT CRISP
Experience is important, Alessa… But, the value of fresh learning, earnestness, and no fear of rocking the boat by doing something new… As Mastercard declares, PRICELESS!