Elderly people are now who you will one day become. Respecting their wisdom, knowledge, grace and fortitude should come second nature to younger generations but it isn’t always the case. Sometimes we need reminding of why it is so important to respect our elders for what they have to impart to us that will help ease our journey through life. They should always be respected like you want them to respect you.

Be considerate of older people’s well-being. The reality of the human body is that it deteriorates as we age. Different people age differently, according to their genes, lifestyle choices and life’s experiences and so you will find some elderly are much fitter and daredevil than others who are forced to live with illness or medical conditions. It is only proper that fit and healthy younger generations show respect the reality of the human body’s growing frailty in ways that acknowledge the younger person’s ability to cope more easily with certain physical situations. For example:

• Stand when an older person needs a seat, be it on public transportation, in a waiting room or anywhere else. You have young, able legs and a need to stay fit by standing on them. And here is the respectful part––do it with grace, not because the person is older than you. Do it because they matter as a human being. In thinking this way, you’ll find your attitude shifts a great deal.
• Do not shout at an elderly person assuming that he or she is deaf or stupid. Being old doesn’t necessarily mean hard-of-hearing and it doesn’t mean they’re stupid. If anything, older people are much wiser than you, they’ve seen it all and some and have a few good tips for improving your way of living too.
• If driving an elderly person somewhere, don’t assume they want to be in the back seat. Ask them where they’d like to sit first. And be on hand to help them in and out of the car––the distance from the seat can be difficult sometimes for those with less strength in their bodies.

Source: wikiHow