Like someone said, I respect everyone at first meeting. They earn more or less as I get to know them. It is a loss of respect for each other that has turned Houston (and other places) into an insane pit of cruel drivers and massive car wrecks. Have to admit it keeps me on my toes!

Respect is the default setting regardless of age, heinous fuckery destroys it though.

That's a better & kinder policy IMO.
I do have a serious case of "grandparent syndrome" I have to watch out for.

My dad (the fall down drunken drug addict) told me one time 'Thou shalt honor thy Father'. I told him I'd honor that which was honorable.

I give everyone a minimum amount of respect when I first meet them. And then once they've opened their mouth, that goes up or down accordingly

That saying is "more than idiotic". I know several old ladies (80s and 90s) whose arrogance and bad manners make them repulsive. I don't respect age but behavior.

I ama senior, and you get what you earn, period. Incidentally, I am president, 4th term, of a social club for over-55's.

Respect should be earned and proven by the amount of impact one has compared to the others, not just counting useless years.

Sometimes labels can be informative. The term "seniors" is aproriate in terms of social ranking in some situations. Unfortunatly their senority is acknowledged ass backwardly (is that a word?) We discount their experience, wisdom and informed opinions. On the other hand, Seniors are usually better off than say a young single parent, but who gets a discount at Mc Donalds. Once again it's ass backwards.

There are varying degrees of respect.
In order to give respect one must first respect oneself.
How can one give what one does not have?
My daughter is wise.
She believes:
Every being deserves an initial amount of respect.
Anything beyond that, MUST BE EARNED.
I tend to agree.

generally, I will but not if older people are rude. ill talk to anyone who talks me properly. respect is earned but anyone can earn it.

I show respect to everyone, initially, until it becomes evident that they don't deserve respect. I don't feel respect for someone until they earn it or it becomes evident that they deserve it.

Respect is earned, no matter what their age in relation to mine. There are some elders who should/have respected ME!

Age does not earn my respect automatically. My son didn’t even get to live 20 years. Those who are older than he was already got more time. They still have to answer for who they are. Age means absolutely nothing. I judge the person, not the time they have lived. Granted, wisdom comes with age. It’s not enough, though.

The term respect your elders does not refer to every human being older than you. It refers to those who endoctrined you into the tribe or clan or religion etc. The teachers or mentors or buddahs or zen masters. So yeah, respect your elders. Just keep in mind your elders may be very different than anothers.

I Respect everyone... I Said Everyone... Specially the Elder BECAUSE THERE IS NO GUARANTEE I LIVE TO BE THEIR AGE! But is your Elders that Failed you in Not making you a Respectful Individual. 'Sorry of your Poor Upbringing.

I was raised on this BS, I tend to take more notice of younger people, they know more.

Life is hard (for most) and the older you get the more tragedies one witnesses, experiences and has to overcome. Your elders deserve some courtesy and respect. They have been through more than you can imagine.

Any respect out of compulsion via political leanings, age, authority, tradition should be discouraged.