The older generations you’re most likely to be in regular contact with are your own family members; grandparents, plus great-grandparents or your own parents, depending on your age and how old your folks were when you were born. If you have older family members or neighbors, people in your community and further afield, how do you make sure you're respectful and learn from your elders?
Imagine for a moment everything they’ve experienced in their lives, the events that are viewed as history now, even taught in schools, that they lived through. Have you spent time talking to them about their experiences, and listened to their stories? If you don’t ask, they may assume you aren’t interested, so be proactive and make the first move.
One common cause of friction between generations is that older people often feel that they’re not being seen as people anymore, rather as seniors who have to have things done for them. Even if your parents or grandparents do need a helping hand, it doesn’t mean they’re incapable or that they’re not able to think for themselves.
If your older family members are starting to struggle with some of the household chores, or they’re not as dextrous as they once were because of arthritis, for example, the best approach is to find some assistance for them. Support enables them to stay in their home for as long as possible before they have to consider moving into residential care. Have a look at a comprehensive guide to in-home care as featured on the Inhomecare.com website for information on the services available that will enable your older family members to live independently.
Spending time with older people isn’t just a duty that needs to be carried out; it’s a valuable opportunity to spend time with someone whose DNA you share, and who can tell you a great deal about your family history as well as what life was like in years gone by. They’ll probably have many fascinating possessions; books, memorabilia, maybe even newspapers and magazines, clothes, school books and so on, depending on how much they’ve kept hold of over the years. Plus all the family photos and documents, old letters, for example, that should be treasured family heirlooms.
Seniors aren’t people who’ve outlived their usefulness. Rather, they’re precious members of society who should be respected by the younger generations. Sure, old age doesn’t make an unpleasant person become a nice one; but neither does it take away the value of what people know and what you can learn from them.
