Q. On shaila 1933 you wrote that Rav Miller says “That in our days, due to the fact that people live longer lives, reaching the age of seventy is common and does not seem to be a major achievement anymore. Therefore, septuagenarians mostly do not expect nowadays any recognition and on the contrary, they may be even upset that one should consider them old.” What is then according to Rav Miller the age when one definitely should stand for an elder?
A. Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit’a opinion is that as mentioned, when in doubt one should at least show some measure of respect, such as rising slightly from one’s seat or consult with a local competent Rabbinical authority. However, the Rov maintains that the age of eighty would seem to be definitely an age to stand for an elder. Thus reflecting the “gevuros shmonim” or strength of those who reach that age (Avos 5: 22).
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Shlomo Miller Shlit’a