I believe that one important aspect of smoothing the transition out of Young Adulthood is to formally recognize the continuing love that UUYAN holds for our older members and "alum," especially for those who so openly and generously send their love, loyalty, wisdom, and ongoing support back to us after they have moved on. In PCD we has some conversations about introducing words to honor the special role of older Friends of UUYAN, or the Larger UUYAN Family.
I suggest three age-related titles (each with varying permutations) among the elders that honor us by their supportive participation in UUYAN community:
Elder UUYAN brother/sister. (Fairy godbrother, big sister/brother, elder circle sister/brother.) People, usually in their 30s, who may still have one foot in Young Adulthood, but who acknowledge also their boundaries and responsibilities toward their younger circlemates.
UUYAN auntie/uncle. (Fairy uncle/auntie, Circle uncle/auntie.) People, usually in their 40s or 50s, who have firmly established their full adult indentity, and still chose to serve the UUYANers of the next generation. (These people may include "old LRYers" or parents of Bridgers-- and may still be perceived as "youth" by the dominant elder-centered church culture.)
UUYAN elder. (Fairy godmother/father, Circle Elder, Circle godmother/father.) People, usually in their 60's or 70's, who nurture UUYAN with their invaluable perspective, experience, institutional support, and long-term steadying love.
Note: a person who, though technically over 30, is still struggling with significant Cliff Trauma or similar issues, may not yet actually have undergone the spiritual change enabling him/her to yet claim one of the three elder titles.