The Times They Are a Changin’ wrote Bob Dylan in 1964 of the political and social upheaval of the mid-1960s. Forty five years on and it’s happening all over again. Not in the West this time, but in the more traditional East.

When Dylan wrote his iconic song, he spoke of age giving way to youth, a new order whereby the older generation needed to step aside and allow the younger generation their own voice. We in the West did just that and look where it’s gotten us!

Today it’s happening again, this time in the East. Cultures which have traditionally harboured respect and taken considerable care of their elderly are witnessing a sea-change in their outlook.

Those of us in the West, especially those of us in our Third Age, have only ourselves to blame for pandering to the wiles of youth in recent decades rather than insisting that they respect their elders and follow our more experienced lead.

Coming into the 21st century, respect for older people worldwide was dwindling rapidly. Today, less than 10 years later, we’re actually seen as a threat by the younger generation. For too many years we’ve allowed the tail to wag the dog, now the tail is about to voraciously consume the dog given the opportunity!

In countries such as Japan, the elderly have traditionally been held in high esteem. Older people were respected for their greater knowledge and experience. They were revered, respected and cared for. Not any more apparently.

Similarly in countries such as the Sudan and other African countries. Now it seems the youth of the world believes it knows better. They no longer need older people to guide and advise them. To make matters worse, the ageing population is now being considered nothing more than a drain on society - competition for food and other precious resources. That’s why traditionally age-tolerant societies are turning their backs on the older generation.

But think about this. If traditionally age-tolerant societies can turn their backs on their older generation, we in the West who have deliberately allowed the younger generation to think they know better than us, could have a serious problem.

Of course we won’t, because when push comes to shove we’ll use our greater numerical strength, we’ll harness our experience and, when our backs are to the wall do something the younger generation knows nothing about. Fight for what is right!