The Elderly

A test of a people is how it behaves toward the old. (Abraham J. Heschel, 20th century Polish-American Jewish philosopher)

Herschel continues: “It is easy to love children.  . . . But the affection and care for the old, the incurable, the helpless are the true gold mines of a culture. Various cultures treat the elderly in different ways. Some keep them in their enlarged homes. Others see that they are cared for in qualified retirement facilities. Such care is a significant indication of a culture’s character.

As for you, Titus, . . . Teach the older men to exercise self-control, to be worthy of respect, and to live wisely. Similarly, teach the older women to live in a way that honors God. (Titus 2:1-3)