It doesn’t matter how old, wrinkly, disabled, sick, demented or insane someone is. Beneath all of that, there is still a human being worthy of love and respect. Respecting elders is not an act of charity. It is in our self-interest. If we are lucky enough to survive into old age, we will be elders ourselves. There is nothing sacred about old age. Some old people are just as selfish, dysfunctional and foolish as they were when they were young. However, many older people are experienced, mature and wise. They have skills and knowledge which are of value not only in the workplace but also in mentoring the young. Families should care for their elders. Every business and organisation, school and university, every charity should give consideration to using this pool of talent. Unfortunately, many of our people live in isolation and some are factory farmed in care homes which are often not particularly caring. We need to reverse this industrialisation of old age with old people dumped on the scrapheap.