President Boyd K. Packer
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"It is my purpose to speak to you about, and speak to, the grandparents — the grandpas and the grandmas — and to other elderly members who have no children but who stand in as grandparents. The scriptures tell us: With the ancient is wisdom; and in length of days understanding."
Youths must be taught to draw close to the elderly. Young women approaching womanhood should join the mothers and grandmothers in Relief Society.
"Young women: Do not be so very foolish as to miss this association with the older sisters. They will bring more worth into your life than much of the activity you enjoy so much. Leaders: Teach the girls to draw close to their mothers and grandmothers and to the older women in the Relief Society."
Bishops can turn to older men and women in the ward to act as grandparents to the youths and others.
"Older people have a steadiness, a serenity that comes from experience. Learn to use that resource."
The older generation should be valued for what they are, not just what they can do.
"We cannot do what we once did, but we have become more than we ever were before. Life's lessons, some of them very painful, qualify us to counsel, correct, even warn our youth. . . . Keep the fire of your testimony of the restored gospel and your witness of our Redeemer burning so brightly that our children can warm their hands by the fire of your faith."
