In many countries today there is insufficient respect to old people. What are the reasons? What problems might it bring to the society?

It is irrefutable that because of advancements in science and technology, we have a greying society today. These demographic changes have brought up the topic that there is less respect for the elderly who are now in great numbers. In this essay I intend to delve into the causes and effects of this trend.

There are many reasons for lack of respect to the aged. In the workforce, creative and energetic young people who are able to work under a lot of pressure are preferred. In the techno-savvy world of today, the elderly feel out of place. They are not earning and so the youth hold the reins of the economy. Secondly, the old have problems adapting to ever-changing lifestyles and lag behind the times and so receive insufficient respect. The elderly are like a frog in the well and want their young ones to follow their professions. The youth, however, want to walk on the un-trodden path and find new avenues for themselves. Furthermore, the elderly suffer health problems such as hypertension, diabetes and arthritis, which make them physically weak and so they lack respect.

Another big reason for the elderly receiving less respect is the fact that they find it very difficult to let go. The young belong to the global culture and their elderly constantly nag and criticize them for their ways. This is not taken in the good light by the youngsters and they start ignoring them. The young also belong to a 24/7 society where competition is very stiff and as a result find it irritating and frustrating to find time to care and respect their elderly.

Less respect to the elderly has already caused many problems in these countries. The most noticeable is that people are indifferent to each other, and individuals tend to feel agitated, worrying about their own old life in the future. As a result, the whole society is not as harmonious and vigorous as the ones where senior citizens are treated with courtesy and respect. This situation has also led to a mushroom growth of old-age homes in the cities.

To sum up, it is our duty to respect the old people and the youth should not forget that they will too age one day. But, the elderly should also learn to keep-up with the times and be flexible with their youth.