I grew up being taught to view elders as wise and thoughtful people who should be respected above all others. However my experience with most people over, say, 85 has been highly entitled, highly incapable, easily manipulated, and uninterested in doing anything but watching tv. Now of course, I recognize there are many old people who do not fit that mold. I also personally know plenty who are active and engaged.
But I also cannot think of anyone who fits that image of a sagacious, wise elder. Nor, upon reflection, do I think anyone I know, myself included, is likely to be that person when old.
I totally buy that wisdom accumulated in years 0-60. I feel it will on average hold or drop thereonafter
You'll find people of all types in all ages. Age is only passingly correlated with an increase in wisdom or intelligence. I promise you that there are elders worth respecting as there are those worth dismissing. I hope you get to meet some eventually.
But I also cannot think of anyone who fits that image of a sagacious, wise elder. Nor, upon reflection, do I think anyone I know, myself included, is likely to be that person when old.
I totally buy that wisdom accumulated in years 0-60. I feel it will on average hold or drop thereonafter