While it is true that in some cultures, addressing elders with terms like "sir" or "ma'am" is common as a sign of respect, it is not a prevalent practice in British culture. Instead, British people often use other forms of respectful address, such as using titles (Mr., Mrs., Miss, Dr., etc.) followed by the person's last name, or simply using their first name with appropriate honorifics for formal situations.
The way people address each other can vary widely between cultures and is influenced by historical, social, and linguistic factors. In the case of the UK, the use of "sir" and "ma'am" to address elders is more commonly associated with certain other cultures, particularly the United States, where it is often seen as a polite way to address authority figures or elders.
British culture places emphasis on politeness and formality, but the specific terms used for addressing elders or authority figures may differ from those used in other English-speaking countries. Additionally, there has been a trend towards using less formal language in many social settings in the UK, which might contribute to the preference for using titles and names rather than "sir" or "ma'am." However, it's essential to remember that cultural norms can evolve over time and can be influenced by various factors. As such, there may be individual variations and exceptions to these general practices.