Those who have followed this blog know that I’ve written about generational similarities and differences, Baby Boomers, becoming more connected, and being in integrity. In this post I’d like to weave these subjects together and address the importance of valuing our elders. Why? Because doing so is kind, courteous and generous.
While each is defined differently, I see enough similarity in the words: honoring, favoring and respecting – to view them as interchangeable when talking about our older generation.
Honoring elders is customary in indigenous cultures where older people are respected and used in a socially integrative manner, passing on survival-based wisdom to the next generation. Sadly, in the youth oriented culture of modernity, our elders are not valued or used in this way and as a result, suffer a loss of self-esteem, self-worth and a sense of purpose. To address the challenges of today’s world, when there is not one part of our biosphere not under threat of extinction, we need to consider the value of all humanity.