Elders

One thing you notice in developing countries is the number of shops and food stalls run by elderly men and women, who, in most developed countries, would have retired a long time ago.  Without the benefit of pensions and 401K plans, many of them have no choice but to continue working to support their extended family.  But you also get the feeling that they enjoy continuing to be a vital part of their society.  They are like the village elders, the wise men who know all of the local history and who help the younger people carry on the knowledge and traditions that are important in keeping a culture intact and vibrant.  Unlike in many so-called developed countries, where the elderly are often overlooked and treated like second class citizens, older folks in these “under-developed” places are treated with the respect and honor they have earned and so richly deserve.  An important lesson here!