I think everyone should be treated with respect, not just the elderly, but yes i do agree common courtesy has really disappeared a lot in our society,when i visited the USA over 30yrs ago, i could not get over how lovely the shop assistants were, hi how are you? have a nice day when you left etc, we were sure lacking that down under, now of course it is the normal, and to be honest you kind of get tired of being asked it every shop you go into ,but still it is nicer than no response what so ever.

Not all is lost in the younger generation though, i came home yesterday, with my hands full, approaching the gate, my daughter's 17 yr old boyfriend was sitting on the verandah with her, he got up and opened the gate for me, now that was nice.,mind you he is a very nice young man, with manners, does not swear and obviously has had a great upbringing ,he is a credit to his mother for sure.

I Guess it is still out there we just have to look for it a bit harder lol.