In this day and age, we tend to want what we want WHEN we want it.  We have the internet that produces information, needs, and “gotta have’s” in an instant.  We have fast cars.  We have televisions in practically every room of the house, and cellphones make no one unreachable.  Everything seems to be so accessible and instant that it’s simply wonderful!  However, what if you didn’t know how to use the computer or the internet?  What if all this high tech, new jazz isn’t the way you’re used to?  What if you can’t even keep up with the instant demands and fast pace of today’s world?  Would you be lost?  What I am asking is, what about the elderly?

Those that are well over 65 have had difficulty keeping up both physically and mentally with the changing world.  All three of my own grandparents (80+ years old) do not know hardly a thing about the internet or computers.  It is a shame because technology is such an immense resource for everything you can think of.  It is a shame because it feels as though our society has forgotten the simple ‘ol way to do things and ran with the advanced way.  The older generation didn’t even get a proper introduction to the new way when we erased their old way of doing things.  We are pushing by them to get ahead, and zooming past them sometimes for the hell of it.

If we stop and pause for a moment we can realize that we don’t have everything and we can’t know everything.  I most certainly can’t tell you what it was like to live through the depression.  I can not tell you that I traveled to the United States of America and worked to the bone to provide a life for the members of my family.  I do not know what it is like to not have a television.  Today, we work hard - there is no question about that.  But, we do have technology which makes things that much easier.  Could you imagine if we didn’t?  I just can’t comprehend how much harder things would be, and THAT is when you start thinking about the differences between generations.  This is when you can value the hard work of the older generation.  This is when you can understand their set ways, conserving nature, and “slow” pace.

We better start learning to respect the elderly more.  The Baby Boomers, 78 million of them, are reaching 65.  Our elderly population is going to increase by 75-80%.  There are going to be more elderly people around whether you like it or not.  They will be living longer too.  Although they may be more educated in technology by this time, it won’t stop them from being labeled and excused as “elderly.”  People that age will still face diseases, and their pace will naturally slow.  The question is whether we will come together and give these 78 million, who provided for us, the patience and support that they need in their aging.

In other cultures, the oldest members of communities are held with the utmost respect and are considered the most wise.  We can all learn something from our parents or grandparents.  Their knees are blown because they worked on their feet all day and night in factories to provide for future generations.  Their eyes and wrinkled hands have seen historic days and times we only read about in history books.  Their shoes took them down paths that we would never have survived.  Ask them how it was different “back then” and truly listen.  Talk with them and use their wisdom and advice.  They all have something to pass on and they will be glad you asked.

So next time when you’re speeding in the fast lane or running to catch that train, remember who you’re passing by.  See the beauty in every wrinkle, in every story (no matter how many bleeping times you have heard it), and in every strand of grey.  What if that older person was your grandparent or parent?  You would want them to be treated with respect.  In fact, treat every elderly person you meet as if it was your own grandparent or parent.  After all, how great are we…when we look at where they have been …