One of the problems is the older folks want to come to Notre Dame Stadium to "enjoy watching Notre Dame football."* They can sit, not stand, clap when appropriate and just enjoy the Saturday game. They don't want to stand, yell, deal with the noise, etc.
You go to Penn State for a "White Out" game, and everyone knows what to expect. Wear white, yell until you lose your voice, be boisterous, jump up and down, etc. Even those who are older going to those game, know that going into it. It's about fandom culture.
*Or enjoy talking shit on the program. Your choice.