What is the Torah’s view regarding the elderly?
The Torah clearly states that we must honor our elders (Leviticus, 19:32). They are our connection to the earlier generation. Taking care of the elderly falls into the category of the mitzva of “Gemilus Chasadim” – loving-kindness. There is a story told of Rabbi Yaakov Kaminetzky, who was sitting on a plane next to an elderly secular Israeli professor. The professor saw how R’ Kaminetzky’s grandchildren would take care of him, constantly coming over to see if he needs anything. The professor turned to R’ Kaminetzky and asked, “Why is it that your grandchildren take such good care of you but my grandchildren ignore me?” R’ Kaminetzky replied, “You believe that man is descended from apes, so, to your grandchildren, you are closer to an ape. We believe that we are descendants of people that received the Torah from G-d at Sinai, so my grandchildren respect me because I’m closer to Sinai.”
Rabbi Meir Goldberg