BEYOND METHUSELAH—WHO IS OLD?
other type of elderly person, with references in the responsa literature of every century. The person so designated is not a heretic or an agnostic; other terms are used for such men. The zaken mamre remains part of the observant community but disagrees loudly and persistently in some practical or theoretical matters.
The medieval responsa literature does not add to the understanding of the aged in our tradition. It continues the thoughts provided by the talmudic discussions and amplifies them.
CONCLUDING THOUGHTS
Our tradition may help us to a different understanding of the aged. It feels no need for exact definitions and does not segregate the elderly into a separate class that has lost its usefulness to society. The Talmudic tradition sees involvement and learning as continuous throughout life. The value placed on the zaken as an advisor indicates that maturity, along with the ability to function, is the measure of continued activity. The fear of the zaken mamre demonstrates that it is better to have this able individual within rather than outside the boundaries of the community.
The respect accorded the elderly, parents, and teachers helps promote a stable society. We would, of course, consider the thoughts of the past to apply equally to men and to women. The ambiguity of our tradition on the important question of defining the elderly may actually be helpful, encouraging us, as it does, to be equally flexible.