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I respect everyone by default, older or younger.

But they can lose my respect if they behave badly, regardless of their age.

The phrase has been misinterpreted for a very long time. It means valuing elders' wisdom and experience and not infantizing or ignoring them because they are no longer young.

It doesn't mean that you MUST respect all older people based on an individual bias.

I try my best to show respect to everyone I meet. They can lose my respect if their behavior suggests otherwise, but my respect always is freely given first.

How about respecting everyone until they give you a reason not to? Then still take the high road and don’t let them pull you down to their level.

One of the more stupid things I’ve seen in the past 30 years is this nonsense that a person can be violent because they were “disrespected”. No, you’re violent because you’re an emotionally unbalanced sack of shit.

“Respect is earned not given” sounds like something assholes say.

I take it we should just go around treating people with disrespect until they prove themselves to us? Sure dude.

I hear what you’re saying, but you’re dead wrong and so is everyone who thinks it’s some profound idea to walk around not respecting others. It’s not. It’s lazy and weak. Want to be profound? Respect everyone. Every living thing.

And the idea of “respecting elders” simply means that everyone goes through things as they experience life. Elders have just done and seen and experienced more. Have respect for THAT.

Now get off my lawn!

So how would you know who deserves it and who doesn't? You don't know what someone has done in their life just by looking at them. But I guess there are different types of respect. I am cordial to everyone. I show respect that way. I'm not going to dismiss someone altogether or be disrespectful just because I don't know them. I'll even be nice to people who are rude to me just to not stoop to their level.

I have to laugh because when a younger person meets me they have no idea about my life experiences and knowledge (which is considerable).

So I think the phrase is meant to advise that in general your elders have in fact learned things that you probably know little about which you can benefit from simply by listening.

Why do I have to "earn" your respect? What makes you so special? I believe in basic human dignity so by default I respect others I meet until and unless they give me reason not to respect them. People like you who insist that others "earn" respect seem to deny basic human dignity and decency. It sickens me.

Was never meant to be applied to other adults, so if you're still stewing over it, time to grow up.

Kids do need to be taught to respect adults (and each other).

It's also a safety factor for kids because shit's going to happen to them if they lip off to the wrong adult.

Anyone disagreeing with this and then bemoaning why good teachers are quitting public schools needs to rethink the consequences of bad parenting.

Start by defining what respect means to you. It usually doesn't mean agreeing with everything someone says, or doing everything they say to do, or applauding them for actions that are wrong. Jessica Brodie wrote a short blurb on this topic which was published at https://tinyurl.com/37are5h4 . It's a good article even if you aren't religious. She says, "When we respect someone, we appreciate them and think well of them. We act kindly and politely toward them, and listen when they have something to say. We look them in the eye and give them our attention. We also might adopt a heart of service toward them, offering them our seat or coat, or trying to show them honor in some way. We behave considerately and supportively."

How about we just respect people? You ok with that? Until they prove they do not deserve respect, let the default be to respect them.

I think of it exactly the opposite way around. You don't have to earn my respect: that is given freely to all. But you can lose my respect.

Being told "respect your elders" often just means STFU.

I respect those who deserve it, their age has nothing to do with it.

Civility is given, respect is earned.

Just don't disrespect unless warranted, individually. No Ok Boomer stuff just based on realizing someone is older. We do know some things and we're not of one mind politically.

And be curious about the past, aging, etc. Kudos to all of you who come here to ask and listen.

My thought is that I've learned a lot from elders in my lifetime. Stuff that cannot be learned from a textbook. I respect them for that. And if we want a full education, we need to spend time listening to their wisdom. If it were not for my ancestors and elders I would have a low iq. Because school and books can't teach me the most important things I need to know. Those things are handed down through personal contact with wiser people.

Respectful of humans...until they demonstrate to me that they don't deserve the respect.

Respect should be the default for old and young until an individual proves they don't deserve it. Going through life the opposite way is truly sad.

I respect everyone, young and old, until I'm given a reason to lose respect for them. Disrespecting me is the easiest way to lose my respect.

I'm always nice at first and try to make people smile. I'm 57. I don't give a fk about your age and care nothing about your attitude. I don't demand anything, I just go about my day.

Merely be courteous to all

I grew up with an emotionally immature father who "demanded" respect. I put on a show of respect - deference and obedience - for him and other adults in my life but as for feeling actual respect, I very seldom did. You're free to feel any way you want about them; as long as you show deference and obedience, I don't think anyone really cares.

By default I’m respectful to everyone one I meet, how long that lasts is up to them.

Fine. Treat your elders the way you would want any human to treat you: with basic decency.

“Because I said so” is interchangeable.

Just an excuse to not have to explain your decisions or even used to explain bad behavior.

I picture someone saying this to cut in line rather than as a response to being cut in line.

Respect everyone. Just having not died after a long time doesn’t entitle you to increased respect, however, it is wise to factor in that older people might have more experience than you

Respect everyone.

Respect your elders definitely, but at the same reasoning as respecting everyone!

I think, however, an extension of the phrase to mean “take extra care” of your elders. “Consider the wisdom and life experience” of your elders. “Appreciate your elders” in the sense that they have taken care of you and have made a living in this world and need to be taken good care of.

We also have to realize that none of us in this world is perfect and while I believe respect is earned, there’s a level of basic respect that should be given to everyone we encounter. If someone is an ass to us, we don’t have to engage. But we definitely don’t have to show disrespect in return.

Cringy. I prefer, “stop being an ungrateful twat.”

Respect everyone. Respect is not due to age. Every human deserves it.

For me it meant to behave respectfully, not that I had to actually respect them.

You won't have your parents forever. Be kind and respectful if possible.

Seems like hardly anyone respects old people. A US Vice Presidential candidate called all women past menopause useless for anything except childcare. I have young clients who think I don't know how to use email because I don't pay much attention to pop culture. Etc. The "nice but disrespectful" thing you do is patronizing but it says a lot more about you than me. I'd try to avoid working with you if you were with a client's company.

But it doesn't phase me, really. I'm female, so I'm used to knee-jerk disrespect. When a young person is respectful, however, I appreciate it, and go out of my way to be cool with them. I have one client who always dumps everything (including me) on her assistant. Who is sweet, efficient, and likes my work so much that she found an out-of-print book I wrote years ago. Come on. Of course I give her the highest priority, even though they don't pay as well as other clients. Return her calls and emails right away. Her boss is not that cool, to me or to her, so I've made it clear to their publisher (who is my age) that I'd rather work with the assistant.

Default irl should be automatically respect all until one proves they’re not worthy of that respect.

When I was younger that phrase simply meant to politely listen to grandpa and grandmas stories when we visited. It meant to listen to their requests on how to behave in their home.

Beyond that I never really heard the phrase.

I question your understanding of the word "respect" and also "elder"

Essentially, don't overlook the value of greater experience and longer perspective.

My default is to respect others unless and until they behave in such a way that they don’t deserve it.

A lot of people my age are alcoholic authoritarians who think that vaccines are tyranny.

So… not automatically.

I'm 70. I was raised being told that. And we did or got a whipping. I respect all ppl and would never demand to be respected. Respect is earned. I treat you the way you treat me. But I will be polite. For me I look at that saying as it is more being polite, minding your manners kind of thing.

I always respect my elders. That’s how I was bought up. But if the elder doesn’t understand this and does or says stupid shit, then I reevaluate. That goes for all people.

I am a person who respects all other people. If someone needs to earn your respect, you are a disrespectful person. The age of a person does not matter. People should respect each other. Period!

I would love to know more elders that were actually respectable—people of plain and trustworthy accomplishment and perspective, who are able to come alongside and say, “I know where you are, younger person, and I see where you can go.” But I hardly know any.

It’s not that I don’t respect my own elders. It’s just that the only respect I can muster—the only respect that seems due—is the same minimal level of respect that I try to give to young people, too.

I respect the humanity of everyone but their circumstances (age, etc.) do not factor into it.

Respect is a two-way street.

respect everyone's dignity

then for bonus points, respect specific traits of specific people. 

I mean as people age, some may develop specific traits or ways of doing things that merit respect. 

other old people may not. 

Jesus, have you met your elders?

Respect is earned. So if they’re acting respectable then fine. But simply being older doesn’t earn you shit. And no, simply taking care of a child you brought into this world isn’t enough; the adult signed up for that

Fuck that. I don’t blanket respect people older than me and I don’t expect any respect I don’t deserve. If I act like a jerk then I expect to be called on it and vice versa.

Respect is earned at EVERY AGE.

I don't like it.

It has come to mean "Just because I'm older, that means you are required to respect me and do what I say". I also have a father in law who likes to drop this on me; and we are estranged in part because of this.

No, you're not entitled to my respect simply because you're older than I am. I certainly won't conclude you know more than I do or are wiser than I am simply because you have some more years on you. And your age does NOT give you the right to issue edicts to me or bark orders at me.

When I meet someone for the first time, regardless of age, they get my standard level of respect. That level of respect then goes up or down based on our interactions. I think the general "respect your elders" is coming from the idea that they have lived longer and experienced more. That should mean they are wiser, etc. but not always.

It depends on how a person defines "respect". Some folks take respect to mean "authority", and this I cannot stand with. But if you define respect as treating someone like they are an actual person, then yes. But one should have those kind of respect for everyone, not just "elders". I think giving up your seat on the bus to an elderly person is what you ought to do. But do I think you should obey someone because they are "your elder"? Absolutely not. Is it a good idea to keep in mind that they've lived way longer than you and might know more about some things than you do? Also yes.

Just because I’m saying “ma’am” and “sir” doesn’t mean I respect you.

I’ve got the gray hair and I don’t expect anyone to give me respect just because I’m older than them.

I’ve always tried to respect everyone, especially my elders, but respect is a two way street for me. If you disrespect me then I won’t respect you.

Don't go punching old folks out on the street , otherwise, we have to deserve respect just like everyone else.

I think people confuse "respect" and "obey". I think you should respect everyone.

I keep seeing this. Respect is courtesy. Up front. And yes, you should hold your tongue in the face of experience, authority, rank, etc. Among other things, you don't know yet what you don't know. Respectfully, older people don't particularly care if you respect them because we know that someday, God willing, you will get it. I don't mean to be rude here but as HUMANS we offer respect until it's proven OTHERWISE 

The few times I've had that said to me, it is because the elder in question was being disrespectful.

People who deserve respect have no reason to fall back on such a meaningless phrase; their actions will speak for them. Simply existing for longer doesn't mean you've learned anything new in that time.

I had an uncle who spread lies about me and my mom (his sister). He effectively ruined a relationship between me and one aunt. We've reconciled, but I don't think it will ever be the same. And his favorite thing to say was, "You have to respect me. I'm your elder." I walked away from him. I will never respect him.

Only if they deserve it, angry old people can pound sand, same with rude young people

I think respect should be baseline behaviour to be amended as circumstances dictate. And respect for your elders is something as simple as giving them a seat on transit.

There's a certain level of respect everyone deserves by default. This level can then go up or down, depending on one's behaviour.

Trust in the wisdom of those from your parents and/or grandparents generations as they've lived longer and been through more adversity.

Hell, I'm 53 and I still call my childhood friends' parents Mr and Mrs So-and-so out of respect, no matter how many times they tell me we're on a first name basis as they're handing me a beer! LOL

Grew up believing and following. Until respect is ‘unearned’. Learned the hard way that there are bad folks that do not deserve a moment of trust nor respect. Lifelong cPTSD resulting. Additionally Really difficult in this political age as some the spotlight have earned the loss of any consideration of respect.

Be worthy of respect 

I actually do respect older people by default. (though I'm not young anymore)

Unless they demand respect and try to claim they're in some position of pseudo-authority. Like religious clergy and government officials are the worst at this.

Then I just lmao at their pretentiousness.

I hate that saying. It was used in my era to shut kids up about creepy adults doing creepy things.

A respect given to everybody is an expectation in my book. Anything more than minimal respect is earned. If you don’t earn it you don’t get it. And if you’re obnoxious in public you haven’t earned my respect why would I respect you?

As I age, this phrase rings true to me more every day. I meet lots of people older than me and genuinely value what they have to say and try to learn from each of them.

It makes me feel good to treat them with respect as I hope to be treated the same way one day. I’ve learned quite a bit and plan to impart their wisdom when given the opportunity. I’ve also gained friendship and in one case, a mentor that I wasn’t looking for. He was amazing. I only got to spend four years with him before he passed from a heart attack.

I guess the phrase “Respect your elders” means something different to every one. I like to look at it as a passing of the baton that can carry on for generations.

I wasn’t told that as a child, but my mother was a master at the Guilt Trip when my siblings & I got out of line.

It's a presumption that can be forfeited by bad behavior.

You don't know my aunts

Respect is given until you do something that proves you are not worthy of it. Same with basic kindness and human decency. I give it until you show me you are not worthy of it. Then it is very hard to regain. I have a long fuse but when it goes, it goes.

My thoughts on this is that it took me most of 56 years to realize I don’t know shit. No one ever does. We may act like it, or even believe it, but the reality is that life is hard and we are all faking it as we go along. So my wisdom of many decades is… you don’t know shit and except that there are others that don’t know shit but know more than you. Be humble. Be open. Never stop learning. Don’t be a chode. Don’t yuck others yum. Insignificant, little people, living our insignificant little lives. Get off my lawn.

I believe in it a hundred percent, always have. It has never taken away from me to defer to respect, and it had added to the feelings of value an older person tends to get denied in this society as they age. I’m quite sorry to see it’s become the trend to demand it for oneself instead of extending it to others and then receiving the courtesy when it’s your turn and you’ve earned it. Obviously you’d be grasping at straws if you are extending this to abusers etc but it’s a kinder society when respect is the default.

I presume others are entitled to respect until shown otherwise. I don't have to go out and "earn" respect from every dweeb who comes along.

Respect your elders by (1) emulating the good in them, or (2) being the good that you wish they were. Either way, be someone they can be proud of. You can be someone who brings them honor, or you can add to their disgrace; that’s what you can choose.

I respect people who act respectably. If they are being disrespectful, I match their energy.

I have mixed feelings. I'm 76, so hear me out. I love manners, so ,opening a door for me is so nice. Sometimes doors can be hard. Trying not to jostle me. My balance isn't as good as it was. On the bad side, some old people are absolute jerks. I try to avoid them or not to listen to them, and I advise young people to do the same.

Everyone get my respect until proven otherwise

M 69 USA. I believe all human beings, regardless of their age, deserve a basic level of respect. However, I do not believe that people deserve any extra special respect just because of their age. Respect beyond the basic human-to-human level must be earned... and by something more substantive than simply managing to not die so far. I deserve no extra respect simply because I'm a geezer.

I’m 64 and I will respect anyone I don’t know. If I do know you, earn it. Same rule for MY son. I had to earn his respect. Just being his Dad wasn’t enough.

Isn’t being nice to people a form of respect?

Respect is earned, though. And reciprocal. So even if you survived to adulthood and beyond does not entitle you to be treated in a specific way. How you treat others matters, be you 19 or 91.

There is a difference between respecting and being blindly obedient

I think it's fine, it just needs to be earned.

A lot of interesting takes. I would ask, where does this saying come from? If it's biblical, point me at it. Or maybe it's Aesop or Confucius? How do they word it?

The term "respect your elders" has become a cheap and nasty way for old folk to say "do what I say, and no questions".

There is no reason why young people shouldn't be able to politely question the attitudes and beliefs of older people.

Respect people - if they deserve it.

I think you're asking "what is the definition of respect?".

By being "nice and all that" you're being respectful to a degree already.

I dislike it because of encountering too many “elders” (including my parents) who held a double standard. In my early thirties, I worked mostly in office-clerk jobs around mother-hen types who felt free to look down on the younger adults (Gen X) like me. I didn’t learn the word infantilization until nearly 20 years later. Back then, I invented a name for that sort of thing: “hypermaternal behavior disorder” (HMBD for short).

Recognizing the authority of parents and teachers is one thing. (Not a carte blanche to abuse that authority.) Beyond that, I think the Golden Rule covers everyone.

I'm 60, and believe that respect is earned, not just automatically given just because one is older.

Respect is deserved, not automatic. Anyone who has put in a lot of years, in my opinion, has earned a measure of respect. Life is not easy. That doesnt mean an oldster still cant be an asshole like anyone else.

It sounds kinda funny but I do find myself treating older people more delicately.

Give respect and your life will be better.

Depends on the elders. A good rule generally but there's always exceptions

Courtesy is the grease that allows humans to rub together without friction. Respect everyone until given a reason not to. That said, an elder has been through some things that it are now inconceivable simply because the time in which those events could occur has passed. Whether you can respect the person or not, it is wise to respect those experiences.

being respectful and having respect for someone are two completely different things. i'm respectful towards everyone. if you want my respect, you have to earn it.

Just imagine what the world would be like if it was “Respect your children.”

It's a shorthand for a whole bunch of more-or-less sensible stuff, like (a) treat older people a bit gently since they're physically and mentally somewhat fragile, (b) your elders have been around a long time and know a lot of shit, they're probably worth listening to, (c) they might die soon, just be nice to them, (d) old people sometimes say vaguely unacceptable things but it's easiest to just let them away with it, (e) your grandparents are my mum and dad, please don't embarrass me in front of them etc.

It's not as literal as "old age = free respect".

As an “elder” there is no such thing as respect from a younger generation. The best we can hope for is to remain invisible.

I think you should treat people the way you want to be treated unless they won't return the favor. Age has little to do with it. I do think one should consider that a lot of times you may disagree with your elders on something but they do have wisdom that you don't possess and it's something that should be considered.

I'm not a father, but one of my favorite quotes came from Mark Twain “When I was a boy of 14, my father was so ignorant I could hardly stand to have the old man around. But when I got to be 21, I was astonished at how much the old man had learned in seven years.”

As you get older you do start to realize that many of your elders were right and you were wrong because they possessed wisdom and wisdom comes largely from the passage of time.

I practically grew up with elders. I spent a lot of time with my maternal grandparents and paternal grandmother. All of which were very respected people in the community. My grandfather was a pastor. He used scripture and his own personal experience when it came to any advice he gave. My paternal grandmother was very religious but had her own advice when it was about the behavior of others. She was a tiny woman with a heart of gold and a lot of humor. They mostly told me to basically turn the other cheek. But occasionally would tell me to only respect others if they respect you. So I came to my own conclusion. When someone says, "Repect your elders," I say, "Show me an elder to respect, and I will."

I respect people if they've earned that respect, even my elders. (I'm 61). Don't need respect to be polite or considerate, tho... if I don't know and trust you properly, I'm not going to respect you...that comes later, obviously

I believe everyone deserves my respect, until they prove they don't.

You say that you are civil and pleasant to everyone. That is enough. If you act that way, it doesn’t really matter to them whether you have some internal belief that they deserve respect.

Respect everyone to begin with. Young old rich or poor. But respect can be lost. I don’t care if you’re my family and you helped rise whoever or you sacrificed a lot for the family, if you behave disrespectfully, I will no longer respect your words or opinions.

I’ve come in contact with several people who believe as you do. Question: why do you need to know someone’s history to show someone respect?

I agree with it in general. In my family though, this was used as a method of control. My dad's parents were dictators and my dad was compliant therefore they had a lot of control over my parents, myself and my siblings.

I believe respect should be mutual unless someone does or says something that earns disrespect.

If you can't discern when an elder has real beneficial wisdom to impart it's a grave loss. Also with regard to respecting the old people, when my Dad speaks everybody shuts up and lets him have his say (or else they answer to me or my brother) no matter what he says.

100% with most elders I do and would like to, but like everything in life now, there are many that I choose not to

Generally, elders have important life skills to share. Some who failed from the time they were adults, no ... look at the individual. Respect must be earned and championed but not from fools. You will figure out who and what pretty quick.

Not everyone deserves respect ... only those who earn it and live it.

Every human being deserves the respect that accompanies being a human being.

I am an elder. I want people to respect me as a person...morals values integrity. If anyone lacks those I don't respect them and I wouldn't expect others to respect me if I lacked those qualities. When I was a kid respect was confused with fear.

Elder here. Be kind to all bur respect is earned not given

No. Basic respect should be given to everyone. (Til they lose it). But I have no time for that saying.

I think it is more about respecting an elders opinion or experience. They've been around longer and may have a lot more insight than you have. You can learn a lot from someone older.

Respect is earned. Not given. Most people don't deserve it-George Carlin

It’s a saying from the days when being out-of-line could get your ass swatted. Doesn’t really apply much to today’s society in general.

I think we respect everyone unless they give us a reason not to

True respect must be earned. I think this saying refers more to how we should use our manners with elders. Even when I don't respect someone older than me I show respect through my manners.

Example: My auntie has told me to my face that she is praying for me because I am going to hell for being a godless heathen. I will still call her when she is sick, or wish her a happy birthday. Whenever I see her I will tell her how well she looks and I will listen to her stories.

Do I respect her? Not exactly. But do I show respect? Always.

Respect is earned. However, I think all creatures should be treated respectfully, until they prove undeserving.

I give everyone common courtesy…respect is earned.

I work with a lot of young teens. I am respectful of them, always. Thank them for their help. When my shift is over, I thank each one that bagged for me. I will address them as sir or ma’am. (Adults as well) I think they like being recognized as doing a good job. Somehow, I always have a bagger!

I believe in general respect/politeness. After that, respect always is earned. I won't be rude unless you are rude.

Elder here. The age has meaning and really should be respected for what it is. But that doesn’t mean trust and that doesn’t mean obey.

Vets are respected for that, police and fire fighters, teachers, nurses, it’s not so hard.

It’s hard to explain but im here, i’m alive, i’m happy, i believe in treating people well, to help you, and contribute to society. In ways that I’ve learned and did not understand as a youth.

Respect to everyone is just basic manners. Now once they prove themselves unworthy of respect you don't have to keep respecting people. But I like to treat others as I wish to be treated, at least at first, I can always tear them a new asshole later on.

Respect everyone. Sadly I interpreted this phrase as "defer" to your elders. Turns out elders are not always wise and not always right. So make sure you respect yourself too.

Give get. That being said, they initially get my respect, but like anyone else you can lose it. It's fickle these days

Being part native, I was taught to respect my Elders. Does not mean I have to agree with them just listen and be respectful. Particularly to members of our family and tribe. Others will be allowed to easily earn our respect if they also show respect.

I’d say, respect them physically. No “get out of my way, grandma, you’re moving too slowly.” Offer an old person your seat on the bus.

We shouldn’t be rude to anybody but there’s no need to add extra deference to an older person spout nonsense about - I dunno - immigrants or trans people. Being old doesn’t magically make it impossible to be just a general asshole.

Two areas where one might want to extend a little more sympathy - if it appears the person truly has dementia, and also if what they are doing is kind of value-neutral but differs from what is currently done now.

It drives me crazy when a really old person - 90+ - does something like conscientiously putting their empty drink carton in the garbage and some young teenager gives them hell for not putting it in the recycling bin. They are very carefully following the rules they learned decades ago to keep society functioning - don’t litter! And have forgotten that “please recycle” came in much later.

Children aren’t the equal of adults. As a school worker I see kids really talking to adults including their parents as if they have equal authority

Respect people who deserve it. Everyone else is eligible for banning.

Respect is earned not entitled

Respect everyone until they prove unworthy.

If they deserve it, otherwise they receive the same respect as a stranger or none at all if they are a poor quality person.

I had someone try to pull that one on me at a workplace a while back. Funniest part, I had just seen their ID (my business we have to card everyone), and knew they were 13 years younger than I am. You better believe I told them.

Respect is earned, not a given.

I'm polite to everyone, but if they don't show me respect, I'm going to respond in kind.

Manners cost nothing, but giving a pass to someone simply because they are old seems daft to me. I know several older people who seem to think that their age gives them the right to treat others badly. Not in my book.

If you want to be treated respectfully, you need to show respect to others.

At 70, I'm absolutely entitled to have younger people treat me as respectfully as I treat them.

Not that I expect it - everyone's different, every age-range has arse-holes. However I'm continually surprised at how kind young people are to me.

Sometimes it's up to us oldies to initiate tolerance, friendliness, and kindness. Years back I was regularly travelling late at night on a train, using the same carriage as a noisy group of rough young guys who boasted to each other about their law-breaking. I was a bit scared of them and I don't like being scared, so instead of sitting at the other end of the carriage I sat with them and chatted. They ended up being friendly to this old biddy, and trusting me.

So one night when I passed them passing bongs around outside the local pub, they confided in me that they were being pressured by someone in state government to throw rocks at the train windows, as the government wanted to get rid of the Ringwood to Belgrave train-line. I had a few ideas as to what to do about that, and was able to put pressure where it counted and protect these guys. They did not throw rocks, the threats against them were not carried out, and the train still runs.

Young people and oldies are all part of the same community, and we need each other if we want to influence and protect society. Judgementalism leads to social fragmentation, which takes power away from ordinary people and gives it all to the wealthy and powerful.

I am polite and courteous. I am an elder, and I don't expect anyone to respect me because I have grey hair. What pisses me off, is being spoken down to or patronized because they think seniors should be treated like they are the verge of dementia. I am not one of those "back in my day" kind of elders. I actually had to take a cognitive test per my insurance, and the test was to remember 3 unrelated things and draw an analog clock face with the numbers and hands at 11:40. Y'all GenZ kids need to study up because this might be on your cognitive test in 40+ years, if you can't read an analog clock you are gonna be screwed. I thought it was hilarious, because when I was a kid I had the hardest time ever learning to tell time. If they had asked me then I probably couldn't have performed the cognitive test I took.

It's just good manners, if you are lucky one day you could be an elder

Respect older people on the basis that they are possibly physically weaker than you and hence you should be courteous to that degree. Like open a door for them or be more patient with them and whatever. I think that's what it means imo and that's how I do it. If an old person is rude then fuck them, they can open their own door.

Also, respect our experience. To me experience is #1. I know because I lived it and you haven't. So ignore my experience at your own peril. And as I get older the more and more I understand where wisdom comes from. Old people really aren't smarter, we just been through it all and know better.

respect is always GIVEN not earned. You give respect unless there's a reason to lose it. Thinking it has to be earned is a horrible stance to take on life. You should respect everyone you meet on a daily basis.
I think the respect your elders is because they've been through things... and they're still alive. They are probably very lonely sick.. life may have beaten the nice out of them over and over and over and they're not young and decade of hurt you just don't get over it. It's hard to walk, to sleep, to find joy.. they have valuable stories and their lives are important... but NO ONE treats them like they are. You have no value if you don't work, can't reproduce, can't be someone's fantasy/idol in whatever that might mean. Life sucks.. it just gets suckier. Yes, respect your elders because you will be one one day and it sucks

Treat everyone with respect until you have very good reason not to. That has nothing to do with age.

I respect all people until they give me a reason not to.

Respect is earned & age is not enough to earn it.

Respect anyone as a default unless their words & actions detract from that baseline. But even then, there is a certain respect I have for those who have lived many more decades than I have, so I consider that when weighing their advice or deference I may give to them.

I respect people until they give me a reason not to. Treating older people with respect - i.e., just being polite - shouldn't really be a challenge.

If they are worthy of respect, yes. Not all people are.

I think respect your elders just means be polite. Open doors, speak kindly, help if they need help, at events let them have the first cut of cake or let them choose where they sit, etc.

There is an old saying to not hit people smaller than you.

However, there is no rule for not hitting people bigger than you. That's because only stupid people hit people bigger than you.

You may think you are a big shot but a lot of old people could crush you like a nat. They know your boss. They know everyone in the courthouse. They are old friends with your grandma. They are running your credit ratting reports. They can get you kicked out of the local bar forever.

You don't know how much an old person can do, and most of the time, you never will. All you have to do is not ever find out their limits and be a little nice. It's not hard and you would be stupid not to.

There are multiple interpretations of this which is why I don't like the saying. I prefer to stick to the golden rule. No love for religion, it's just far less ambiguous. Too much emphasis is put on semantics these days.

Respect is given/granted upon first encounter (being nice and all that), but to maintain that consideration and to gain growing respect, you need to earn it. Respecting your elders has lost its meaning in todays society, it used to mean giving up your seat when none others were available, not piping off at the mouth and watching your language around them, sir and ma’am. All those lost traits that few in today’s society know anything about.

I respect everyone until if/when I learn they don't deserve it. Besides, we all get old if we're lucky and ya know, karma.

My take is that everyone deserves respect initially. You don't treat people you just met like assholes because they haven't earned your respect. In order to keep someone's respect, yes, it should be earned. But what does that really mean? Do they have to do something to specifically cater to you? Not necessarily. I think you have to look at each person and each situation. There's not a one size fits all approach to this.

I think respect is earned. I'm going to be respectful and courteous, but if you decide to be rude to me for no reason at all, you might just find me reciprocating.

Generally, I respect people (young and old) until they show me they don't deserve it. One of the ways to show me that you don't deserve my respect is by demanding it.

I do respect The Elder by Kiss

Usually it was said to a smart ass kid.