What are some of my responsibilities toward older people?

Leviticus 19:32“Stand up in the presence of the elderly, and show respect for the aged. Fear your God. I am the Lord.”

Older people deserve our respect.

1 Peter 5:5In the same way, you who are younger must accept the authority of the elders. And all of you, dress yourselves in humility as you relate to one another, for “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.”

We are called to accept the authority of people who serve in our churches as elders and to serve them humbly.

Exodus 20:12Honor your father and mother. Then you will live a long, full life in the land the Lord your God is giving you.

Ephesians 6:1-3Children, obey your parents because you belong to the Lord, for this is the right thing to do. “Honor your father and mother.” This is the first commandment with a promise: If you honor your father and mother, “things will go well for you, and you will have a long life on the earth.”

God commands the young to honor their parents. This is the only one of the Ten Commandments that comes with a promise, showing how important it is to God.

Psalm 71:9Now, in my old age, don’t set me aside. Don’t abandon me when my strength is failing.

We should not ignore or abandon the elderly. Instead, we should thank them for their contributions to our lives, our families, our churches, our community, and our nation. Even in old age, people still have much to offer, and we can learn from them until their dying day.