There is a reason that wisdom is associated with age. Traditionally, elders have been the wise men and women of communities. Most spiritual leaders apprentice for most of their lives before beginning their practice. In many parts of the world, elders are honored and respected for the wisdom they've gained through life experience. They are considered a valuable source of knowledge and have an important role to fulfill in passing on traditions and customs. In many parts of the world, nursing homes for the elderly are rare. Caring for one's aging parents is considered an honor and a blessing. In other cultures it's not uncommon for three or four generations to live together under one roof. Immediate families consist of children, parents, grandparents, great grandparents, and sometimes great aunts and uncles. Such intergenerational coexistence is beneficial to all family members. There are caregivers for both young children and the elderly. And older relatives can pass down the family history to children and act as role models for younger family members. In Native American culture, elders are appreciated for their close connection to nature and the spiritual world. They are known as "wisdomkeepers," acting as caretakers of the planet. Respected for their life experience and wisdom, African elders serve as mediators between deceased ancestors and living family members. Honouring and respecting our elders is a way of building community and strengthening society. It helps appreciate every stage of life and view aging in a positive light. After all, hopefully we will all have the opportunity to become sages in our later years.
