I show respect for old people in my daily life all the time. It is the right thing to do.
I go to a restaurant frequently where I sit a the counter and some pretty old folks choose to sit with me all the time.
We have good rapport and they feel they aren't diminished. I welcome this sort of stuff.
That being said, I wouldn't want them pressured to make decisions for millions of people.
Even with advisors, it wouldn't be pretty.
How many people have seen a major family member die and watched the chaos within the family seem to burst out of nowhere? My point is that when "things get serious", people that were nice to have tea and crumpets with just yesterday get suddenly wacky.
I hope they have a nice tea and chat about pets and croquet...
Please seat yourself.
I like the very things you hate.