Look after the elderly in your life

It is always a pleasure to spend time chatting to an elderly person who is wise and content.

There is no hint of aggression or arrogance, just a calmness and serenity.

They know what life is about and don't need to show off for anyone. Sometimes, younger people rush past them and often they are taken for granted, but if you just take a little time to listen, you may learn. Most times they are simply happy that someone has shown an interest in them. Often they are lonely and welcome the company.

On the flipside, there is nothing worse than men or women in their twilight years acting like fools. Rudeness and ungratefulness are not becoming of someone of mature years.

Thankfully, many of the older members of our community are not like that and have a dignity that comes with age.

Unfortunately life is not fair and some older people simply do not have the chance to lead a more content life reflecting on their achievements. This is often because of the way certain members of society treat them.

Many of us of a certain age were taught to respect adults and especially older people when we were young, but unfortunately those lessons are not taught much these days. Younger people know better and that is to their detriment.

Today is World Elder Abuse Awareness Day and it is a good time for us to reflect on how we treat the older members of our community.

On the front page of today's paper is a shocking story about an elderly woman who was withdrawing cash repeatedly from the NZCU Baywide credit union branch in Waipukurau because local teenagers were intimidating her into giving them money. It was only the care and concern of a teller that led to the full story coming out and something was able to be done about the situation.

Even worse are the stories about adult children taking advantage of their elderly parents by using their Eftpos cards or getting them to be guarantors for loans.

This type of behaviour is sickening and it shows a complete lack appreciation for someone who has loved and cared for them.

So, look after the elderly people in your life and show them some respect.

They have probably earned it.