it's hard to argue with the elderly

I agree with you, sometimes it's better to just shut up because everything you say will be used by them against you. They never listen. Sometimes it's better to just say "you're right" and then shut up, then do what you wanted to do anyway. XD

Perhaps you'd have better luck if you had discussions with those older people instead of arguments. Do you even listen to what they have to say? Remember, facts can be manipulated.

Yup! That is why I avoid to argue with older person because seems their understanding is not broad enough to listen what to say. To explain something is a kind of argument with them...

not all elderly is like that, sometimes we look in a differant way .. perhaps they may be right and it may be twisted the other way around. then yet it is best not to argue either way. just hear them out and then ask if they would hear you out speak kindly weather they do or not.. life is way to short to not get along..no one knows what tomorrow may bring..it is hard sometimes..but you are in control of your own self..making right choices..maybe they want to see more of the love you have and they are concern..throw some love toward them and it will go along way even the I love you words..know that you agree or not . just try to be kind..I was brought up to respect my elders..right or wrong..it is a good thing to do so..after all you to may be an elder someday and look back and wonder where did the days go because they go by too fast...

Not all elderly people will not listen what you are saying. There may be some elderly people who thinks they have more knowledge than the young people and they feel some sort of insult listening to what young people says. But keep in mind that there is no harm in listening to what other are saying.

It really is hard to deal with our elders sometimes, it was never easy. But we can only be more patient with them and hope and pray that the people around us will extend the same courtesy and understanding when we are already of that age. Sometimes, they are not really trying to be difficult; they just feel bad or they are confused since their minds are failing already. It is best to do what you, turn away and cool down for a bit. I know that once we have said something out of anger it is hard to take it back. It goes for everyone, not just for our elders.

If it is something that they believe in, they are not wrong. Who is to say that our way of thinking is right. We all have our opinions. We just have to remember that. We will one day being doing the same to our kids.

Everyone gives us "sr citizens" a bad rap! You have to remember we have been through a lot more than the younger people have and most of us have real medical problems to deal with. If you come across someone you feel is being mean to you imagine what their life might have been like. I think argueing with an older person is just rude and you have to learn how to just walk away from what could be a bad situation. Of course it's a sign of disrespect to be answering back. Would you do that with your Mom, Aunt or Grandmother? I don't think so so just because they are strangers is not a good reason to be rude. I'm just saying....

Elders are not always right but they deserved to be respected always. So in as much as they should be respected you are right in just turning away whenever you are tempted to argue with them. You know what? One day, you yourself will become old and you will understand why elders do act as if they are always on the right side. But for now just keep the respect. If you know what is right then do what is right. Anyway you have the choice to decide for yourself without necessarily arguing with them verbally.

Its really not a good sign you are arguing with the elders.Even if they are wrong,you should let them know it by technically.Thus they can figure out about you as a good person.Arguing with them can lead the relationship with them in bitterness.

Yes this kind of situation can happen to anybody,because usually the older person will think that they have more experience than you so they think that their opinion is right,but if you talk with elderly people in a smoothly way then I think they can still accept your opinion,the way is very important.

That's absolutely right my friend! Every time my parents scolded me for a wrong reason and I tried to defend myself, they won't even listen they just keep on scolding me. Their anger got worse after I defended myself. They always think that they are right and won't accept that they are wrong.

yeah you are right, they are stubborn too. maybe it because they feel older than you and feel lots of experience than you. at the end i'm just give them a smile without any argue. we will in that position one day.

hahaha...That is human nature I guess. Everybody thinks he knows enough. The first statement would always be - "We have seem much more life than you" :-) Ya that's right that they have much more experience than us. But the world is changing. Civilizations have changed. Elderly people think that their principles are universally acceptable. But generation to generation, the behavior is changing. People are now-a-days more technically advanced. Social dimension too has expanded a lot in recent years. New generation is more casual. Elderly people have their own set of principles, & we are in a different generation. This is what I call "The Generation Gap".

I never argue with the elderlies er seniors. whatever we call them these days. I've attempted to debate my dad, but he has this knack for thinking he knows exactly what I'm about to say so he'll always interrupt me... So irritating!

You make it sound like every older person is suffering from dementia and doesn't know what they are talking about. I'm sure some are as you stated, but generalized statements can come back to bite you in the butt.

That i just how the elders are. They feel that they know almost everything if not all and it is pointless to be in a debate with them.

For me after my parents passed I realized that it was awful to answer back elderly. So to my sisters if we have heated discussion at home, I try to point my argument I don't argue with them anymore I can just explain as subtle as I can. and if not understood I backed off. My sisters will be quiet, too and not prolong the confrontation. Maybe this is also brought by our age, since we are now all mature. but I can not be older than them because I am the youngest in the family.

Why would you want to argue with an older person. Perhaps it is wise to listen. Are all older people always wrong and you are always right? Ummm.... If someone pointed out the facts, are you willing to change your mind and accept the facts, even in the heat of an argument, and when you thought all along that you were right?

E-G-O and P-R-I-D-E these are the two words that keeps their Attitude since they are old it's really annoying for them that someone is younger teaching them and somewhat giving them some lecture whereof from their perspective they should be the one giving those advises as the signs of times like they had more experience than we do as youngsters and they take it as an insult sometimes depending on how we deliver the statement it will be better if we talk to them softly. Well, down the line your right any uncertain situations do not argue with them it ends very sad story ha ha