The elderly man looks into his daughter’s eyes, she looks into his. Both aware of the time spent together that will soon end; both aware of the wisdom and knowledge that will go with him. Respectfully, they say their goodbyes as he closes his eyes for the last time; the years of wisdom fading along with his life on earth.

The invaluable presence of an elderly person is one that is too often overlooked. Societies sometime peg an elderly person as “behind the times” because they don’t utilize texting as a form of communication or they fail to understand the concept of a computer; they get scorned for their inability to keep up with newer technology. But, the wisdom of an elderly person goes well beyond the technological processes - their presence far more valuable than society gives credit.

Perhaps it’s the hard times most of the elderly went through in the past that make them so invaluable today. Maybe it’s the way they grew their own food and were able to stay healthy by not having additives as a part of the ingredients in their fruits and vegetables. Or, the physical work that they had no problem with, because they knew it was a part of life. Regardless of the reason, the presence of the elderly today gives others the ability to gain wisdom from them – if only we would take it.

The honesty portrayed in an elderly person far outweighs what society today can comprehend. A man’s handshake or his word was as good as a signature. Today, no one is trusted nor believed unless they sign the dotted line. To the elderly, this perhaps could be viewed as not being loyal to brothers, sisters, and neighbors.

People have changed, but the elderly maintain the hope in their hearts that their family and friends can look upon life as an opportunity to gain loved ones. To love your neighbor was something that came natural to the elderly person - they were taught from childhood how vital it was. Many people today must run a background check, credit check, and look at bank account balances before they decide if they’ll love their neighbor.

By listening to the elderly, society could learn a lot. By not listening, society is allowing parents, grandparents, and great grandparents to slip away without allowing them the opportunity to teach. As they leave us, we are refusing them the privilege to share with us the knowledge and invaluable presence that we too could one day offer our own children.

The presence of the elderly is worth more than silver and gold, their presence is priceless.