[header] How to respect older people [title] Call people sir or ma'am. [step] Even if you've grown up in a more casual environment where you usually call your friends' parents by their first names, you shouldn't assume that all older people are comfortable with that kind of informal title. Some elderly people may be more traditional, and prefer that you call them mr./mrs. so-and-so. 
[substeps] Always ask what name they prefer you call them. Use sir or ma'am when you don't feel comfortable asking.