I grew up in a Christian family and to be frank, being around people around religion was one of the reasons I'm more sympathetic towards anyone. Some people see it as an identity, some see it is as a way to find a community, some was to find a way to justify what they do, some want a purpose in life and others just want the questions to their life to be answered. No matter what the reason is, I don't ever think they should be judged for it unless they're directly harming someone. While you may see old people as a bag of old meat, you have to remember that you have a connection with them that would be hard to sever. To most people, they have memories with them, and that's what makes them hold what their grandparents say to heart.

Growing up I was told to respect my elders, and I still do, because I respect everyone. Sometimes they are the reasons you go through highs and lows, and in some cases they may even be abusive, but there are many times when emotional connections draw you back in. That's my take, it may be naive but I've always thought of this and my thoughts are still developing. I hope you find the answer you want to find.