Older People Deserve Better

When your shoes get old and worn out, most people throw them away. They have served their purpose, so we start searching for new ones. Only a few shoes survive and are kept for a long time. Maybe because they are extra special, have sentimental value, or were expensive when we purchased them. Unfortunately, some people treat others like old worn-out shoes, particularly our elders. It is heartbreaking to see the way some people treat old people. There's no respect, consideration, or patience towards them. Am I the only one who considers this sad?

As I grew up, my parents taught me to treat old people with respect, to always honor their seniority, and make time to listen and learn from them. Why is it so difficult for the new generations to respect older people? I was raised in a time when we asked for and gave blessings, said good morning and good night, excuse me, among other expressions. We were taught manners and actively adopted them as part of our lives. Sadly, today we see how poorly elderly persons are treated. The other day I saw a news report about an elderly person beaten up by a group of teens; it broke my heart. Why? Why do younger people feel entitled to mistreat, abuse, or mock older people? Don't they know they will get there someday?

We all will get older. Unless you discover a miraculous way to stay young forever, you will end up there. Aging is part of life; it is something we need to accept and embrace. Unfortunately, elderly people have been forced away from society over the years. They feel inadequate, forgotten, and discarded. Sometimes, they even think they have nothing to live for. Although many feel like they can continue to contribute, they often encounter so many obstacles and hurdles that they end up giving up and falling into depression and desolation.

We need to start acknowledging the elderly more. We need to care for the elders around us. We need to be aware of the fact that they dedicated their entire lives to serving others, and they need our service now. We need to give them a place in our lives and make them feel seen; make them feel like they matter. They need to feel respected, and that respect should come from those who once benefited from their guidance and wisdom.

Today, I invite you to recognize an elder and make them feel acknowledged, seen, and appreciated. It will be a blessing not only for the receiver but for you as well.

Let's start treating our elderly with respect and affection!