Old age is honourable.
Old age is honourable.
Meaning in plain English
Old age deserves respect rather than dismissal. The saying honours later life, without proving that age guarantees wisdom, good conduct or authority over another person’s decisions.
Example
A neighbourhood committee asks an older resident how a proposed change would affect their routine, rather than speaking for them or assuming they cannot contribute.
Deeper explanation and when to use it
Honourable gives old age a positive standing in the proverb. It counters the tendency to regard someone as less worthy because they are older or because their needs have changed. A useful reading recognises the person’s continuing dignity and takes their experience seriously. That respect is compatible with asking questions, disagreeing or making decisions from current evidence. Age alone does not settle whether a claim is accurate or an action is right. Nor does honour require treating older people as interchangeable. Listening to the particular person is more respectful than assuming that every older person has the same wishes or abilities.
When to use it
Use it when age is being used as a reason to dismiss someone’s dignity or participation.
Keep in mind
Respect for age does not require automatic agreement or stereotypes about ability.
Edsverb editorial interpretation · agent reviewed · 2026-10-04. This explains the saying; it does not establish its historical origin.
- Source
- A Dictionary of English Proverbs and Proverbial Phrases
Entry 15 · Age (old)
Read the original context ↗ - Attribution confidence
- traditional · historical anthology
Preserved as printed; independently unverified. - Historical coordinate
- Undated
No reliable date supplied by the collection. - Rights & edition
- Public domain (United States)
Translations and rights may differ elsewhere.
Provenance and licences ↗