It is amazing how modernization and urbanization has had such a strong effect on the veneration of the elderly. Before the decline of veneration of the aged, the elderly were held in very high esteem. The aged in society were given much respect. They were often the ones from which the younger generations received their knowledge. The aged were held in such high esteem that they dominated extended families, they communicated community traditions, and clothes were even designed to represent them. Regardless of modernization, the elderly should always be held in high esteem because they have lived for many years and earned the right to receive respect from all.
Another reason why the aged should always be held in high esteem is because of their knowledge and wisdom. It is often thought that older people are less knowledgeable because they don't know how to work modern day technology. Regardless of what new technologies have or are being created; just because one is able to work a computer doesn't meant that they have true knowledge or wisdom. Wisdom comes from the experiences that you have encountered throughout life. One can easily read a manual that explains how to use a form of modern day technology. After reading a computer manual one should be able to operate the machine simply by following the written directions. But because one can follow written instructions, that doesn't make him a computer expert. You may notices that there aren't any books or manuals that tell you everything about life you need to know. This is because no one can really know until they have experienced it.
The modernized society has a belief that just because one reads a book in school, or obtains a diploma they are wise. But this "wisdom" gained from school teaches nothing about family traditions, Morales, or values. It also doesn't teach one about his or her culture or ethnicity; these are all important things.