3 Elderly Pop Culture Characters You Should Definitely Listen To

In almost every culture, there is a platitude or an adage about listening to your elders and seeking them out for advice. Sure, they have seen more decades of life but does that necessarily mean they know better? Still, there’s no harm taking a little leap of faith and hear the counsel from beloved pop culture figures who have sagely pearls of wisdom for all your moods.

1. Professor Dumbledore

From the Harry Potter series

Albus Dumbledore is one of the greatest and most gifted wizards of all time. Ever the philosopher and mentor on matters of the heart, good and evil, and life and death, our favourite headmaster doesn’t just dish out advice relevant to magical folk. Us muggles may find them relatable too.

When feeling hopeless:

When you need to move on:

When you are thinking of skipping that yoga session because meh:

2. Master Yoda

From the Star Wars franchise

Estimated to be about 900 years old, legendary Jedi Master Yoda is easily one of the most recognisable faces in the whole franchise. Small in stature but wise and powerful, he trained Jedi for centuries and personally instructed Luke Skywalker, the last Jedi. Once you get past Yoda’s unusual object-subject-verb speech pattern, the force will surely be with you. Always.

When facing a new challenge:

When worrying too much about the future:

When your life hits a plateau:

3. Dowager Countess

From Downton Abbey

Who says old ladies have to be sweet? Meet the Dowager Countess of Grantham Violet Crawley, who was born and raised as a wealthy aristocrat. Played by the formidable Maggie Smith, the Dowager Countess steals the scene every single time with her razor sharp wit, savage one-liners, and highly amusing facial expressions. She may live in 20th century England, but her sassy advice works just as well in the 21st century.

When things are not going your way:

When dying of embarrassment:

When you start to *gasp* doubt yourself:

Though fictitious, these elderly characters are proof that older folks are potential repositories of wisdom and life experiences. All we have to do is ask and listen.

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Text by
Wendy Guan
National Library Board