The Bible exhorts us to honor, accept and care for the elderly. It is the important duty of today’s youth to care for the elderly and to accept them. ‘Care for the aged’ is a much discussed topic now. The gerontology department studies scientifically their societal, physical, moral problems and challenges. We should realize that the wrinkles in the faces of the aged are the experiences of their glorious past, the lines on their palms a sign of their hardwork, their grey hairs a crown of their knowledge and their faded eyes a lamp for the younger generation. The elderly are often neglected by the youth who struggle to live in the present with their busy schedules. But God uses the senior citizens also. That is why the Bible teaches us that they will still bear fruit even in old age. It was the rejection of the advice of the elderly and the acceptance of the suggestion of the young men that led to the downfall of King Rehoboam, son of Solomon who succeeded him as king ( 1 Kings 12). King Solomon had quite a few elders in his court to offer him counsel and so Solomon himself became wise. Rehoboam’s actions reveal that he has ignored Solomon’s teachings which states not to disregard the instructions of one’s father and his father’s friends.

1.The Lesson that Joseph gives (Genesis 46: 28 -34; 47: 1 -10)
We see in Genesis chapters 46 and 47 Jacob, who has reached old age, traveling to Egypt to see his son Joseph, along with his other sons. The elderly Jacob was welcomed honorably in Egypt and Joseph arranged for a good dwelling place for him there. What is important here is the fact that Joseph cared for his father.

2. The Teaching of Paul (1 Timothy 5: 1-10)
Do not rebuke an older man harshly, but exhort him as if he were your father is what Paul teaches Timothy. The Bible teaches us to yield fruit even in old age (Psalm 92: 14). Paul says that the first commandment that comes with a blessing is to “honor your father and mother so that you will be blessed and your days will be extended” (Ephesians 6: 1-3).

3. The Prophecy of the Elderly (Luke 2: 25- 35)
Simeon who has reached old age and the widowed Hannah dwelled in the temple. Simeon led by the Holy Spirit on the coming of the Messiah, held Jesus in his hands and praised God. He had the spiritual wisdom to recognize Jesus. The elderly are able to recognize Christ’s words and its very essence. Their long-time experiences have made them so.

Even though King Solomon was called as the wisest of wise, it is recorded that he had in his council a group of elderly to advise him. These anonymous men were behind the wisdom of Solomon. But when his son Rehoboam came to power he refused to listen to the advice of the wise and experienced elderly and went by the counsel of the younger men which led to many protests and problems in the country (1 Kings 12: 1-8; 2 Chronicles 10: 1-8). The Bible thus concludes the reign of Rehoboam- ‘But he rejected the advice of the elderly’ (I Kings 12: 8, 13; 2 Chronicles 10: 8, 13). According to the Old Testament, old age is a blessing of God. Then, the elderly are blessed by God (Psalm 128: 1-6) and because they are blessed, they can bless others also. That is why the elderly Jacob blessed Pharaoh, the ruler of Egypt (Genesis 47: 8, 10; 48: 1-22). We see that Simeon and Hannah who reached old age, held Jesus in their arms and praised God. The old age made them prophet and prophetess (Luke 2: 25- 38). The blessing of the elderly will turn into a blessing. Grey hairs is a sign of wisdom (Rev. 1: 14; Isaiah 46: 4; Proverbs 16: 31). Since the elderly have Godly thoughts and they spend time praying about eternity they are more spiritual. Therefore youngsters should spend time with people like these and try to imbibe their spiritual visions. Most of the National and International leaders are elderly. Most of the societal and political reformers are elderly. Major philosophers, scientists, spiritual leaders, diplomats and important decision makers are all not young but people who have reached their old age. Yes, they are God’s own people. According to the Bible, the elderly are the teacher of experiences, a blessed people who blesses others, pure, those who pray and anointed prophets.

4. The Problems of the Elderly
Geriatrics(the study of old age diseases) and Gerontology are scientific branches that study the challenges of the elderly. The Geriatric Society of India continues to hold discussions pertaining to this topic. ‘Geriatrics India Centre’ situated in Cochin conducts diploma course for the medical doctors in Kerala. 1999 was declared as the ‘international year of the senior citizens’. According to the 2011 census there are 79 million senior citizens in India. In that 32 million are above 70 years and 10 million above 80 years- that is out of 11 Indians, one is a senior citizen. Kerala has the highest count of aged people- 10.8%, that is, out of every 10 Keralite, one is a senior citizen. 33.1% of senior citizens have lost their life partner. One out of two senior citizens has a chronic disease and is under long term medication. There is a count that by 2030 senior citizens will constitute 1/3rd of the total population. The main reason for this is less mortality rate. Therefore the younger generation should find out a solution that is based on the Bible to take care of the elderly. More than the villagers the elderly who are city dwellers undergo a problematic life. The main reasons for this are the nuclear family system of the city and the hurried life of the children. The Central Govt. under the name ‘Annapoorna’ has begun a scheme to provide 10 kgs of food items to the senior citizens of the villages. Taking into consideration the many problems of the elderly the number of old age homes have also increased. The highest number of old age homes in India is in Kerala. Out of the 760 registered old age homes, 146 are in Kerala and 122 in Tamil Nadu. Even though many sociologists criticize the idea of old age homes, the life of the modern people make this inevitable. The reluctance that the elderly show to reside with the children should also be taken into consideration. Here we should reminisce the incident wherein Jacob showed his reluctance to go to the workplace of his son, leaving his own land and home, God personally spoke to him and said ‘ do not be afraid to go to Egypt with your children’ (Gen. 46: 2-4). The issues of the elderly are thus recorded:

• Issue of Health
• Issue of Acceptance
• Issue of Security
• Issue of Recognition
• Issue of Psychological Disorientation
• Issue of Mobility
• Issue of Dependence

5. The Biblical Message
The Bible reminds us to accept the elderly, to spend time with them, to love them, to listen to their experiences and to stand by them. We should be able to care for the elderly who are weak and grieving and should be able to lead them to fullness of hope. Out of the 10 commandments only one comes with a promise- “Honor you father and mother, so that you may live long in the land the Lord your God is giving you’ (Leviticus 19: 3; Exodus 20: 12; Deut.5: 16). We should honor not just our parents but all elders, is what the Old Testament teaches. “Rise in the presence of the aged, show respect for the elderly and revere your God. I am the Lord” (Lev 19: 32). In the wisdom literature also we find such admonitions in many places (Pro. 17: 6). When Jesus criticized the false spirituality and the many man- made traditions, he quoted just this one command out of the 10 commandments (Matt. 15: 1-9; Mark 7: 10). He reinstated that it is the deeds that mattered and not the abundance of words. Paul called this as the first commandment with a promise (Ephesians 6: 1-4). Paul also advised Timothy to exhort the elderly as if he were his father (1 Timothy 5: 1).