Yesterday I quipped that 20-somethings struggle to pay for their beer, let alone have extra to invest and I believe that this is an interesting aspect of Steem's future that should be considered as demographics affect the platform economics.
Remembering that blockchain and crypto are new industries and Steem is a socially-orientated platform, the average age of user is likely to be significantly lower than the average age of investor which means, a lot of the users on Steem are unlikely to have much investment experience nor extra capital to spend.
I know that for me who has never been an investor before and having a young family, it has been a monumental struggle to scrounge up disposable income and, I actively avoid spending on entertainment, don't drink often and only buy what I need. The medical expenses and associated costs like time away from work in my family run well over a dolphin-sized account on a monthly basis and there is little we can do about it.
What I have brought up in the past is another factor that goes beyond just having the available resources to buy Steem as I have observed that the accounts of people who are older or likely older approach Steeming much more consistently. On top of this, due to them more likely to have experience outside of the digital realms, they also are able to provide never before seen perspectives of life rather than relying upon online worlds that many have access to and have already accessed.
The next aspect that comes into the age consideration is that those who have a few grey hairs at the temple (or nohairslefttolose like 
What I think is that on Steem there are many people who have a narrower range of experience that is often digital in source, and while that has advantages in some areas like understanding the digital spaces, it neglects to build some of the other skills necessary, like temperament, social skill and richness of experience.
but past this and from a purely investment perspective, the investors with capital in this world are unlikely to be young, they are the people who have consistently opted-in and have developed a portfolio over time. Attracting investors likely requires a very different approach than attracting users as the demographic is probably "ages a part".
For those who are younger though, Steem offers an opportunity to start investing into a startup industry that is tipped to become the next mega industry without having much or any starting capital. However, it does come with some additional learning and some workload.
Work ethic is not something that is developed overnight, and this could be another point that differentiates the age demographic on Steem as those who are a little longer in the tooth have likely put a few more hours, weeks and years under the belt than the average Steem user. And in all likelihood, in comparison to what they have done in their past, Steem is pleasurable, entertaining and refreshing, not a chore that must be done.
Because of these and probably several more considerations I won't go into here, it is probable that of we were to look at the average ages of Steem holders relative to their stake, the age is likely to increase as the stake increases. Of course, this only goes to a point, but because older people are more likely to have some financial security (a job), not need to be materially entertained as heavily and have some additional capital, they are also less likely to need to sell Steem and can just power it up as it is earned.
While far from stable economically for most of my time on Steem, I have made sure that I can cover my life without Steem because in my view, Steem is not ready as a personal income stream. This has meant working more both on and off Steem as life changes.
Having said this, it is isn't a criticism of the younger generations but when it comes to Steem and life, everyone is responsible for their own experience and all should reflect upon themselves and their place in the world. This means that we have to be able to evaluate the conditions in which we operate and then find ways that the skills we have or are able and willing to get can generate value.
The real reason that "money makes money" is that when times are difficult there is a cushion that doesn't eat into investment and when opportunity arises, there is available capital to invest. This doesn't just mean financial availability though as time and effort are the main investment resources of investment. Again, perhaps with age comes some semblance of wisdom and time is spent on value adding activities rather than value detracting activities as when time becomes highly scarce, that time be comes precious and gets spent better.
For those who live the online life consuming all manner of entertainment yet never have the time to develop themselves, that is likely going to be the most costly expenditure they will ever make in their life. The interesting thing is with it is that they may never know that there was an alternative ending to their story as it becomes all they have ever known.
Age doesn't bring wisdom - experience does.
Are you experienced?
Taraz
[ a Steem original ]
