Help the Aged
Although the Queen Mother's death had been expected for some time, no-one was quite sure how to react when she passed away on Easter Saturday. The BBC recognised that the event demanded coverage but wasn't quite sure what to cover. 'Extremely old lady dies peacefully of natural causes' is not, in the normal run of things, front page news.
In the event, Britain seemed to find its level. The Queen spoke of the need to celebrate as well as commemorate her mother's life. The assembled crowds were respectful and affectionate. Public tributes spoke of the centenarian's vigour, commitment, sense of duty, and kindness. The wake had none of the passionate grief which followed Diana's death. It was a considered and heartfelt tribute to a woman who had lived through one hundred remarkable years.
Concern for the elderly is a favourite theme throughout the Bible. The Decalogue demands honour for parents. Leviticus requires Israelites to "rise in the presence of the aged and show respect for the elderly." Proverbs sees old age as a "crown of splendour," and Zechariah describes "men and women of ripe old age sitting in the streets of Jerusalem," whilst young children play around them as an image of God's return to that damaged city.
As our population ages these biblical imperatives will become ever more important. In 1900, 1 in 20 of the population was over 65. By 2000 it had risen to 1 in 6. There are over 6,000 centenarians in the UK today. Few of their deaths will receive a hundredth of the attention of the Queen Mother's and yet each will be just as important in God's eyes.
Respect for the elderly is one of the marks of a society structured - albeit unconsciously - on Christian ethics. The danger is that in an ever faster, more mobile, atomised culture the elderly will be ignored or neglected simply because they are a burden or because they can't keep up. This must be countered wherever possible. As we mark the passing of one elderly life, we should resolve to ensure that others like it are equally fulfilled and celebrated.
Nick Spencer
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