Older But Closer: Nurturing Relationships with the Elderly
Building positive relationships with the seniors in your life can be immensely rewarding.
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In 1990, the United Nations designated October 1 as the International Day of Older Persons; a day to recognise the contributions of older people and examine the issues that affect their lives.
Here’s a fact: According to the World Health Organisation, by 2030, 1 in 6 people in the world will be 60 years old or more.
Having older people around us is a blessing. They can inspire us with their life experiences and motivate us to keep going when life gets tough. And yet, far too often, we take the presence of older people in our lives for granted.
Having a close bond with seniors has its perks
Ever thought that the challenges you face might be something an older family member has already experienced? They're like a treasure chest of life's lessons. Many have faced victories and defeats, and these stories can guide and inspire us.
Take a moment to chat with them, and you'll be captivated by tales of overcoming tough times. They might have faced parenting struggles, job losses, religious issues, and even wars.
Listening to their stories can help you feel supported and inspired when facing your own hurdles.
By understanding the life they've led, including their quirks and challenges, we grow more compassionate. This bond enriches us with qualities like empathy and resilience, which benefit us in various ways.
“After all, being connected with our past brings a comforting sense of belonging.”
It keeps us grounded and reminds us of our roots, especially during tough times.
But the bond is a two-way street. Not only do we benefit, but our elders feel valued and cherished too.
Even science backs that up!
For older people, having a connection to the younger generations gives them exposure to new ideas and activities. (Think of all those grandparents being helped by their grandchildren to embrace Facebook and WhatsApp!)
Science has shown that having physical and mental stimulation can slow the rate of cognitive decline, improve physical health, and increase longevity.
Moreover, older people who spend time with their grandchildren feel the fulfilment of parenting without full-time commitment. They can often give children undivided attention, which is much-needed for their growth and development.
And as for children, studies have shown that children and teens who had strong ties with their grandparents were less likely to have emotional and behavioural issues. They become more confident and have higher self-esteem. Also, young children who have a strong sense of social grounding can better handle challenging experiences like bullying.
As we live in a busy world where work and other obligations take up most of our time, it can be easy to neglect our relationships with the older people in our lives. However…
Strengthening the golden bonds with the seniors in your life is worthwhile!
If you’re wondering how you can do that, here are some tips:
Show that you’re genuinely interested
Ask them open-ended questions about their hobbies, interests, and experiences. This shows you care and also allows them to relive cherished moments and passions.
Do things together
Be it cooking, reading, painting, or any other activity, shared hobbies are an excellent way to bond and create lasting memories.
Be patient with them
Remember that physical and mental changes are a part of ageing. Be patient with them and treat them with empathy. Your support can make a world of difference to them.
Ask them for advice
They will feel valued and you will learn from their wisdom. Their perspectives can give you a new way to look at things.
Celebrate milestones
Like birthdays and anniversaries. Small gestures of celebration show that they matter to you and you hold them in high regard.
Respect their choices
Remember that the seniors in your life have much more experience in decision-making. So, even if you have opinions that are different, respect their choices and self-sufficiency.
Fostering a relationship with an older person is much like tending a garden. You will need time, patience, and planning. But, in the end, you may have a relationship that may be one of the most dependable and rewarding relationships of your life.
So, this October 1st (and every other day), let’s show some respect and acknowledge those folks who have made it through so many years and gained so much experience in this journey of life!
Sources:
-Jak, A. (2011).The Impact of Physical and Mental Activity on Cognitive Aging. Behavioral Neurobiology of Aging.
-Ruiz, S & Silverstein, M. (2007).Relationships with Grandparents and the Emotional Well-Being of Late Adolescent and Young Adult Grandchildren. Journal of Social Issues.
