First, I should say that when I think of "young folks", I think of people who are either under 18 or at least under 25... I am neither of these. However, I'm not an elder either, so I guess if I had to pick, I would be closer to the younger end of things ;)

"How do you see the elders in your life?"
I see them as wise guides no matter what their path in life. They chose to come to earth before me and they pave the way. I respect them and their experiences and I love spending time with them.

"What do you look forward to in getting older?"
Getting married, starting a family, continuing my own growth, and helping others along the way

"What do you fear about aging?"
Nothing really. I used to fear cancer and death, but I'm no longer afraid.

"When you look at older folks, what do you see as being some of their mistakes, and how are you going to avoid repeating them?"
Sometimes they get too tied up in having financial security and they live in fear of not having enough. I will live in the energy of abundance - not lack - and be thankful for what I have, yet willing to let go when I need to.

"Do you feel that you are given proper respect from the elders in your life? If not, why do you think that is?"
Yes... ever since I was little, I got along better with people who were significantly older than me. I didn't have much in common with my peers. Most of my close friends are in their 50's, 60's, and 70's.


"How does your perception of the age of a fellow poster(based on statements, writing style, whatever) temper your response? Or does that not come into play?"
For the most part, it really doesn't come into play for me. Sometimes people assume I'm older and sometimes people assume I'm younger. The point is, I'm just me... regardless of what labels people want to place upon me. I try not to pre-judge people based on labels such as age because I don't want to be judged based on whatever others perceive about me.

coming up on 48 next month and i think i am right in the middle. there is horrible age bigotry in this society, as bad if not worse than gender bias. the cost to our society is enormous.


For the young folks...
How do you see the elders in your life?

too few for as young as i am. it would take a special effort to mix with people who are very much older than i am. i plan to do so as i think there is a lot to be gained for both parties.

What do you look forward to in getting older?

i dont plan on getting any older physically, so the mental aspects - knowing more, doing more with what i know, and hopefully passing as much as i can along to the young ones.

What do you fear about aging?

i would fear being a burden to others, living in pain or incapacitated. i do not anticipate this occuring, however.

When you look at older folks, what do you see as being some of their mistakes, and how are you going to avoid repeating them?

i see people who have been herded through life and not really have much purpose or direction. i plan on being active my whole life. i do not look forward to retirement, just an ever evolving life.

Do you feel that you are given proper respect from the elders in your life? If not, why do you think that is?

no, because proper respect would be trying to leave the world a better place than they found it. i believe the generation of my parents has failed miserably at this. they have given us material riches and ignorance. not a good combination.


For the Elders...
How do you see the young folks in your life?

grossly underestimated, under educated, and under integrated with the world they live in. too much alienation and compartmentalization, resulting in a lack of empathy and a distorted sense of self worth.

How is the aging process different from your expectations/anticipations/fears?

most of aging happens as a result of years of lifestyle and habit. not enough emphasis is placed on good living habits. the results happen sooner than you think and it is harder to correct these things the older you get. the mcdonalds generation is doomed.

What mistakes do you see young people making today?

i see them doing amazingly well with what they have to work with. they are lied to. how can they be faulted for that? they should quit rejecting the guidance they get and start asking lots of questions. they rebel on a whim and have a puzzling lack of curiosity. they refuse to conform and at the same time are afraid not to.

How has your mind changed over the years?

very reluctantly with each passing day, usually in response to self-inflicted pain.

How has your mind remained the same?

i am still the same kid who believed he could fly from doing it in his dreams.

How has your body changed and what has that taught you?

my body has become less responsive as time has gone on. it has taught me to be patient and persistent with myself.

Do you feel that you are given proper respect from the young folks in your life? If not, why?

i am given the same respect that i give. i dont know if that is appropriate or not, its just the way it is.

For the young folks...
-How do you see the elders in your life?

They are interesting, (mostly) wise and fun, although they are slower and (generally) not very good with technology.

-What do you look forward to in getting older?

There's a lot of things to do, places to go, people to see!
(I intend on being healthy)
Growing older means you get to see your family and friends grow and develop. You get to meet babies when they are born, and then see who they become - and then meet their babies.

-What do you fear about aging?

Being alone.
Being sick or crippled.
Being poor.

-When you look at older folks, what do you see as being some of their mistakes, and how are you going to avoid repeating them?

The main mistakes I see involve poor healthy/lifestyle.

Also, many elderly people are too reserved "because they are old." I think there are a lot of things you can still do and enjoy when you are old. I've known a few of these spunky old people, who do amazing things. My own grandmother, who had only flown on a plane once (2 hour flight) in her whole life, and never left the USA, flew to the other side of the world with us - twice. She went to Singapore, Thailand, and China. She rode an elephant, rode a tiny motor-boat up a river (she can't swim), and walked on the Great Wall of China. In her EIGHTIES. Those were things she had never done before, and never in her life dreamed of doing. But the opportunity came up, and she went for it!

-Do you feel that you are given proper respect from the elders in your life? If not, why do you think that is?

I believe in respecting my elders, that is more important than them respecting me. However, I don't think it should be an unchallenged one-way street (like in Asian society) where the old people boss everyone around, and no one would speak against them! And where the children get the worst of everything!
That being said, I do feel like I receive respect from elders. They are polite, thoughtful, caring, serving.
Part of it may be the way that they were brought up, the times that they grew up in. Men were gentlemen, women were ladies, everyone had manners.

I've been fortunate to have an amazing family, and to have known some great "elders."

One example before I end:
I was homeschooled. I took 3 years of math from an elderly lady who was 90 when I STARTED with her! She was a retired math teacher. Her hips weren't good, so she mostly stayed at home, but her mind was super sharp!
I'd go to her house for an hour, twice a week. The first 1/2 hour, we would sit around, eating chocolate (she loved chocolate and ate a lot everyday) and chatting. The second 1/2 hour, we'd actually do the algebra. She could do the scientific calculator functions in her head most of the time - faster than I could type it in!
She was fun and I really had a good time.

Older people are people, too. Even though they are grey-haired and wrinkled now, I know that they used to be my age, and that one day I (probably) will be their age. Doesn't mean that I will get along with every old person, just like I don't like everyone my age. But it helps keep things in perspective for me.