Young people can be uncaring, just as middle-aged and older folks can. I know a lot of young people who would never dream of being so rude! It's not about age . . . it's about respect. And that jerk in the elevator needs to learn what that means.
You are a better person than I . . . I would have turned around, stared right at him and asked, "Do you have a problem? Because, if you do, I wish you'd have the balls to actually say something." I'd still feel bad about his comment, but he'd be the one looking like an *** and that would make me feel a little better
. But, as I said, you were the better person for not stooping to his level.