Respecting Your Elders Leads To Joy
Written by Julie Taylor
Respecting Your Elders?
- by Jean Taylor
After spending 12 years in Switzerland while I was in my 40's-50's I noticed that the older generation were very highly respected. The fact that they had been around longer and were a mine of information seemed to instill in the younger folks a feeling that these elders were deserving of a special kind of respect. The older generation themselves often exuded confidence and a joy of living.
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I also lived in Turkey for about 8 years and again I have to say that respect for elders is a #1 priority in this part of the world. If the grandfather is telling of an incident then everyone - adults and children alike - listen, no matter how long it takes to relate. Older people are welcomed because of their wealth of knowledge in areas yet to be experienced by the young. Youngsters who take the time to listen find that these pearls of wisdom stand them in good stead should a difficult situation arise. For example learn how to deal with grief or how to successfully negotiate a difficult mountain pass (of which there are many in Turkey). Younger children might learn how to prepare meals for large numbers or how to behave when confronted with an embarrassing situation.
When I left Switzerland and Turkey, making my retirement years in Canada, I have to say that I've noticed the above respect is not so prevalent here. In a variety of social functions I've seen, on occasion, some elderly are even considered to be totally useless and unworthy of any kind of respect. Sometimes they are even considered to be a little insane or treated as though they have nothing left to contribute to society. There are some cases where senile decay or Alzheimers has set in, but generally speaking the older folk have so much to offer. They may be a little slower but that is no reason to ignore the deep riches they have gathered over the years... Should you care to give them the time to share them with you.
How nice it would be if this same respect could be found in our western world. I'm sure it does exist but I feel very sad when I think back to the customs of the older countries and realize what we're missing.