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This article examines eldership across the lifespan through clinical, developmental, and intercultural views, anchored by the Yoruba proverb: “A child may have a wardrobe as large as an adult's, but can never have as many rags”. This saying illustrates the balance between youthful energy and elder wisdom. Drawing on attachment theory, object relations, and psychoanalytic ideas, the discussion explores how genuine eldership develops, how trauma and parentification distort developmental roles, and how cultural traditions influence the practice of eldership. Cross-cultural comparisons from Yoruba customs to Confucian filial piety, Indigenous wisdom, Latin American familism, Middle Eastern hierarchies, and diaspora practices show the varied ways societies support or challenge inter-generational knowledge. Clinically, this involves recognising and addressing premature role reversals, using supervision to model eldership, and fostering cultural humility. The work of Benjamin (2004) on enactments and intersubjective thirdness, and Orange (2011) on truth-telling and bearing witness, are especially relevant, emphasising the ethical and relational facets of this work. This article advocates redefining eldership as a relational, ethical, and lifelong process that combines the rags of experience with innovative garments, promoting the well-being of individuals, families, and communities.