Question

The reverence for the elderly common in colonial times is thought to be due to the fact that:

a. There were very few elderly people at that time
b. The elderly held great political power
c. Older individuals were considered wise and valuable
d. The elderly had little impact on society

Answer 1

The reverence for the elderly in colonial times was due to the fact that older individuals were considered wise and valuable.

Step-by-step explanation:

The reverence for the elderly common in colonial times is thought to be due to the fact that older individuals were considered wise and valuable. Many preindustrial societies observed gerontocracy, a type of social structure wherein the power is held by a society's oldest members. In some countries today, the elderly still have influence and power and their vast knowledge is respected.