The wisdom of the senior citizens is the strength of the new generation because their wisdom blossoms out of their experiences. The important reason for the fall of the king Rehoboam, the son of Solomon who succeeded him was that to implement the programs, when he has taken the council of the younger people rather than the wise elderly people (1 Kings 12). In the cabinet of the ministers of Solomon a group of wise elderly men gave him advice. Therefore, Solomon had become a wise man. Rehoboam has rejected the teachings of Solomon that the advice of the father and his friends should not be neglected. We should recognize the wrinkles at the face of the elders as their experiences of the great past, the scars on their hands as the sign of their hard work, their gray hairs as the crown of wisdom and their dim eyes as the lamp to the path for the new generation. In the busy life of the younger generation, who always struggle to live in the present times, senior citizens are often found neglected. But God uses the elderly also. Therefore, it is said that they will be bearing fruit even at their old age. 

1.   Wisdom of the fear of God (Gen. 24:1-14)

Chapter 24 of the book of Genesis talks about Abraham, as an old man, who sends Eliazer to search for a bride for his son. He advised his servant to take a wife for his son from the Canaanites, who live around them but from among the people, who worship the true God alone. It expresses his devotion and faithfulness toward God. The wisdom of the elderly has emerged out of fear of God. Many of them have tasted God. Today’s younger generation should recognize this with concern and love towards the elderly. 

2.  Wisdom that believes (2 Tim. 1:3-14 )

St. Paul writes this letter to his spiritual son Timothy. He admonishes him to increase his faith in God. Paul tells him to be role models of his mother and grandmother to this true faith – “I have been reminded of your sincere faith, which first lived in your grandmother Lois and in your mother Eunice and, I am persuaded, now lives in you also” (2 Tim. 1:5). The wisdom of the parents of the previous generation was based upon the faith in God. Therefore, their lives were God-centered. What they had was only faith in God. We should attain the wisdom that has fastened such a faith. 

3.  Wisdom that leads to Justice (Lk. 1:5-7).

Luke talks about Zachariah and Elizabeth, who were old as follows: “Both of them were upright in the sight of God, observing all the Lord’s commandments and regulations blamelessly” (Lk. 1:6). We had a previous generation, who followed justice and truth. Not only fear of God and faith but also their wisdom they have shown in their actions. They were people of a generation which will always remind the modern generation to fight for justice and stand for truth.

 4.  Fruitfulness even at old age (Ps. 92).

The wisdom of the elderly people is not to be buried under the ground. It should be shared with today’s generation. The elderly should be bearing fruit even at their old age. They are not supposed to be living frustrated and lonely. The Holy Bible encourages them to continue to bear fruit even at their old age. The message of Jesus to yield good fruit should be remembered at this point. They should be prepared to be useful for the society and for God in whatever way possible.