The word senator comes from the latin senex and it means an old man - the idea being that the elderly possess the experience and wisdom to rule. Therefore, if you are old, you are worthy of respect - and being old is the best thing that could happen to you. However, as the Romans would say 'oh tempora o mores' (how things change). Today, if you're old, you're just not with it! Being old is now the worst thing that could happen to you. Youth is what counts - but what's to be done? You have to grow older.