Why is it Important to Respect Our Elders?

Many children learn at an early that they must respect their elders. From listening to their stories, giving up your seat on the subway, or helping them cross the road, there are so many ways to show respect. But why is this concept such a commonly accepted one throughout most cultures around the globe?

There are many reasons why one should respect their elders. Generally, it’s practical to respect older people because we shall reap what we sow. Showing respect to others often means receiving respect in return. Hence, younger generation should learn this value as early as possible because in the future, they will be one of the elders, and the cycle of life will continue.

Another way to look at this is to acknowledge that older people have earned respect. With several years and decades that they’ve lived on earth, they have earned respect through their achievements. They have put in time as learning, working people and have picked up many a life lesson along the way. These life lessons bear repeating to future generations.

Life experience often leads to better decision making. Each generation goes through much struggle as the years pass, which ultimately leads to knowledge. No one is exempt from the trials and tribulations of life, and whether your troubles are about love, peers, family, friends, or other aspects of life, you can often receive great advice from elders. Their life experiences can be used to teach us how to avoid certain mistakes or situations, or simply, how to deal with inevitable problems.

Within the family, elders tend to serve as the foundation and cornerstone. They can serve as a friend, a philosopher, an advisor, and a life guide among other things. As they provide endless advice, we owe them much of our respect, as they have paved the way for us to have a better life. Our elders have successfully run the race of life, and we should be thankful that they are willing to share what they’ve experienced along the way. Acts of respect and kindness toward elders are ways of displaying appreciation of their achievements.

So don’t forget to spend some time with an elderly person! Get to know them, hear their words, and always show your respect.