Let me first congratulate you for this important question that addresses one key problem in modern societies that is retarding the development in many countries.

The elderly members in the society are the arbiters of experiential knowledge irrespective of they possessing educational qualifications or not. These, they must offer the younger generation for them to adopt, adapt and develop them for building more resilient and better societies now and in the future. It is sad that some educated youngsters feel that they are better than these elderly members of the society. Thus, they do not show any respect towards them.

Yet, respect for the elderly is the ONLY avenue for blessings in wisdom, knowledge and more importantly favor from God. This, many of our youths have lost and head straight to hell in their life pursuits despite the different colors of academic accolades they are adorned with.

To arrest this social canker, educational institutions must make the teaching of moral values and social ethics that elucidate the important reasons why we need to show respect for all, especially the older citizens in the society who have jealously protected the resources in our environment in their pristine form for the present generation.

It is hard time modern societies intensify the moral training of young ones to respect the personality, ingenuity and wisdom of the elderly citizens. I have started advocating for the introduction of the wise maxims (proverbs) and folklores of our elderly members into environmental education at all levels of education. This would at least bolster the respect for the great sacrifices and wisdom of our elders that are true to life and the only key to success in life.

God bless all elderly members globally, especially the elderly members in RG for the many lessons you impart to us the younger members. Please, be assured of our deep respect and prayer for your continued and enhanced health to assist us function better in the academia when you finally hand the bton to us. Best regards

Dickson Adom

Thanks dear for such a detailed answer that shows your interest and deep concern.

I would like to think that with increased education will come greater sensitivity and empathy, but of course this depends on the human quality of the education, which ideally will expand the intellectual horizons of the young. In general I think I have been able to observe a correlation between educational level and civility in young people, although the former is no guarantee of the latter. I hope I'm right, because last year the Mexican government issued me a senior citizen card!

Although is a difficult question to answer, i think respect in terms of closeness to elderly comes less with advancement in education but not to the point of indiference. There is a correlation between education, civilty and manners, but mostly in public offices/places and work enviroment. The argument of being respectful to the elder derives from strong moral values, that come from family, or religious beliefs, when the educational advancement gives young people the idea of being free but teaches them formality as well. So, in my view, there is a strong link between formality and young educated people respect to the elders.

Respect is a moral concept, not to be confused with obedience, a relationship of power that places authority above all on the side of the older generation or with more power. Respect implies recognition of differences, sharing of experiences. In a relationship of respect, it counts less the hierarchy than the recognition and it is possible for the younger generation to innovate from the tradition or the cultural capital of the elders. Hence, the increase in schooling or technological knowledge are not explanatory variables of this loss of communication, unless they coincide with an intergenerational gap. Solutions are only sought when there is awareness of a problem. And this implies that young people and young people should assume that they live farther away, that they do not share experiences. And then the relationship can be changed. Increasingly, for example, older people are given access to and knowledge of new technologies, including the importance of social networks in reducing isolation and bringing generations together.