17:23 (Y. Ali) Thy Lord hath decreed that ye worship none but Him, and that ye be kind to parents. Whether one or both of them attain old age in thy life, say not to them a word of contempt, nor repel them, but address them in terms of honour.

17:24 (Y. Ali) And, out of kindness, lower to them the wing of humility, and say: “My Lord! bestow on them thy Mercy even as they cherished me in childhood.”

355. `Amr bin Shu`aib (May Allah be pleased with him)on the authority of his father who heard it from his father reported: Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said: “He is not one of us who shows no mercy to younger ones and does not acknowledge the honour due to our elders”. [At-Tirmidhi and Abu Dawud].

Abu Musa Ashari relates that our Prophet, may he be eternally blessed, said, “Respect for a grey-haired Muslim is a part of respect for Allah.” (Abu Daud)

Action Plan

1. Offer to help the elderly. Take them for shopping or to the hospital.
2. Listen to advise of the elderly
3. Show interest in their lives and listen to their war stories
4. Be patient with them.
5. Be tolerant