Elder Responsibility

Well, an elder is someone who begins to operate from a sense of responsibility for the collective rather than just responsibility for themselves. You can be 10 and be an elder. It’s about responsibility rather than about age. Although, as I was saying in that Ms. article, in ancient Cherokee tradition you become an adult when you’re 52 because generally by that age you’ve raised your children, you’re independent, and you are an adult. Then you’re required to speak about the issues of the day. I feel like I’m between that stage and the elder stage. from an Atlantic Journal Constitution Interview with writer Alice Walker, Sunday, October 11, 1998.

"Helen Thomas was our commencement speaker a year ago and, in the middle of her remarks, took, off on President Bush. This is GOP country and she got a smattering of boos. At lunch after the ceremony, she laughed and said, 'I'm 86 and don't have much time left so I say what I want to say.' From Dr. Jim Vortruba, President, Northern Kentucky University