Elderly have much to contribute to society

It is a pity to force experienced people into retirement writes,

of Joburg.

Martin Zagnoev

Growing old is a natural part of life. Older people have an incredible amount of experience and could provide the youth with a lot of wisdom and knowledge.

Yet in the western culture, we often try to cling to our youth. This is impossible and is a losing battle. It is better to rather age gracefully.

We could learn from African traditions where the elders are revered. In the traditional Jewish view, honouring old people is an extension of the commandment to honour our parents.

While it is unhealthy to be overly secretive, many of us are ashamed to give our age away as if there is something wrong with it. The other person is likely to speculate about how old we are and will probably get it wrong, so why not set the record straight.

To temper the recklessness of the young with the wisdom of the old is a path to wisdom and success.

It is a pity to force productive and experienced people into retirement, especially when they hold so much knowledge about running organisations. Starting again with an inexperienced person who will make mistakes is in itself a mistake.

Why not make use of the incredible resources of the elderly to guide our young people.

This would benefit both the young and the old and provide the latter with a new lease on life.

It is nevertheless true that the enthusiasm of youth coupled with fresh ideas can also be useful.