Definition of an Elder

"Old age is the most unexpected thing that can happen to a person."

Here are some encouraging thoughts, not only for us who unexpectedly find ourselves categorized as “elders”, but also for thoughtful younger people who know they’ll someday walk in our moccasins.

An elder is a person who is still growing,

still a learner,

still with potential

 and whose life continues to have within it

 promise for,

 and connection to,

 the future.

An elder is still in pursuit of happiness, joy and pleasure,

 and his or her birthright to these remains intact.

 Moreover,

 an Elder is a person who deserves respect and honor

and whose work it is to synthesize wisdom from long life experience

 and formulate this

 into a legacy for future generations.

The Live Oak Project