What has long troubled my mind is our society’s aversion to elders. From my youth, my philosophy has been that of “Why not seek advice from those who have experienced it?”

Our valley treasures and prioritizes progressive ideas, seemingly pushing us forward. What we fail to acknowledge is that the risk of radical progressive motion often leaves a vulnerable population grappling for connection and inclusion. This happens among ideas elders don’t hate — they fail to be explained to our senior population in a comprehensible way. Lack of knowledge and explanation among elders furthers the cycle of disconnect and misunderstanding translates to hate.

Not all elders intend to hold archaic views and many do not hold them. Explaining modern ideas to anyone takes time and patience, something many of us lack today. Whenever I feel angry about a senior’s “ignorance” or inability to grasp a subject that feels so obvious to me, I try to take a step back. Our elders are not telling us they hate this new idea or belief, they’re telling us they can’t or don’t understand.

Granting those who have led a full, complicated, life grace is the least we can do. Elders give us insightful, genuine advice, something I use to guide my life. They hold knowledge of experience and struggle. They labored so we can thrive. They thrived so we can follow. Often forgotten, elders once held progressive ideas that they wished others could accept. Return the favor by taking the time to grant compassion and share new ideas with our seniors. A modern world requires not only diversity of culture, race, and sexuality but also diversity of thought. If we wish to be understood by others we must understand their place and experience. Listening is the most integral part of being heard by others.

Let’s listen to our elders and whatever their beliefs may be in hopes that they listen to us in return. Diversity and inclusion of thought are our future. Reject cycles of isolation of knowledge and encourage everyone, young and old, to push the boundaries of their beliefs, ideas, and values.

Lavery Greenfield

Hatfield

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