Start training them younger. Also, get more tech that will make them live longer.

As she said Train them from 14 up to do three things. I train each 14 yr old to trainee status in three different catagories. then i train each on certain things til they are adept. Then So on and so fourth, it is easier to do it this way for me.

i did it i have an esteemed elder yay me and i finshed all the puzzles YAY

good

I have found the easiest way for me is to start and set them at 14 as a builder and then have them learn to farm and research too so they can work on them some along the way. Once they get master builder - I switch their setting to farmer and then research till mastered.

I haven't had as much luck when leaving building till later or with Dr.s lol

What i usualy do is start them off at 14 researching, then when they master that put them on farmnig till they have that masterd...then speed kiss them to get the parenting up......

Congrats on the elder and hope to hear about more in yuor tribe

I am very close to my first elder. The problem I am having is the farming skills seem to be gained much slower than the Researching and Building. Is that just simply part of the game or am I just getting impatient?

It seems to be a part of the game, we have all had our frustrations with certain skills and making elders lol.
I have come up with a strategy though, for me anyhow, I will train all my 14 yr olds on one thing to adept then another thing so on and so fourth, then let them all lose on their own and I seem to get masters this way.