Disrespecting Our Elders: The Alarming Rise of Youth Misbehaviour

Last month, there were reports of incidents involving misbehaviour towards senior citizens by the younger generation in a neighbouring locality. In one incident, a group of young people with a pet dog refused to move from a bench in the Central Park when asked by senior citizens, who gather there daily. The seniors informed the youth that dogs are not allowed in the public park, but the youth argued and refused to accommodate them. The situation escalated to the point where the security personnel had to intervene to resolve the issue. The senior citizens felt disrespected by the younger generation. In another incident, an elderly man parked his car in the basement to pick up his grandson and drop him off at school. A young man argued with the older gentleman about moving his car, addressing him disrespectfully and making threatening remarks. This behaviour left the older man feeling insulted.: There are several factors that contribute to the mistreatment of senior citizens. One major issue is a lack of respect and empathy, where younger generations disregard the experiences, values, and wisdom of elders. Additionally, generational differences can cause tension, with conflicting values, communication styles, and lifestyle choices leading to misunderstandings.

Stress and frustration can also play a role, with young people sometimes taking out their frustrations on seniors.A lack of understanding about aging issues can lead to impatience and neglect, while social isolation can make senior citizens more vulnerable to abuse. Furthermore, power dynamics can come into play, with abusers exploiting their control over senior citizens.Lastly, mental health issues can also contribute to the mistreatment of seniors, highlighting the need for support and awareness.”