53325
Sorry if this is off topic, but today is respect for the aged day in Japan,
and I'm unsure how to greet elderly individuals, if at all. What would be the
proper greeting? Would one greet individuals they pass on the street?
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2017-09-17T23:28:33.117
53317
2017-09-20T03:51:29.940
19145
question
culture greetings
Respect for the Aged Greeting
I don't consider myself an authoritative source, but I did a little searching
and found this link that has a bunch of phrases to say on respect for the aged
day (敬老の日):

<http://www.wajyutu.com/?%BD%CB%A1%C3%B7%C9%CF%B7%A4%CE%C6%FC>

Honestly, I would feel awkward saying many of these myself and might just use
a safe "こんにちは” (with a smile), but maybe you could try something like this
(from the above list):

```

    これからも、元気でずっと長生きしてくだい
    
```
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2017-09-18T04:23:09.247
53325
2017-09-18T04:23:09.247
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53317
answer
> これからも、元気でずっと長生きしてくだい

There are indeed a bunch of phrases to say for respect for the aged day in the
site introduced by Locksleyu. But as you know the elderly of Japan, I mean
people over the age of 70, are healthy, therefor I think you are better not to
use the expression like "いつまでも長生きしてください _Please stay healthy forever_ ",
instead you should say "いつもお元気ですね _You always look healthy_ " or "いつもお若いですね
lit. _You always look young, aren't you?_ "

To tell you the truth, in the phrase "これからも、元気でずっと長生きしてくだい" or
"いつまでも長生きしてください" in Japanese, there is a nuance that the person seems to be
unable to live long enough. This kind of greeting may be permitted if it is
given to a bedridden old person, but it is not suitable for the elderly who
can respond cheerfully to your visit, or for those, even if they are over 70
years old, who are spending their leisure time by enjoying sports, traveling,
hobbies and the like.
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2017-09-18T11:52:01.643
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2017-09-20T03:51:29.940
2017-09-20T03:51:29.940
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answer